Public Safety Committee (Building & Codes, Fire, Police)

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES October 16,2019 - 4:00 p.m. City Hall Conference Room Attending Committee Members: Councilman Jeff Henley, Chairman; Councilman Erb, Councilman Travis Holleman; Councilman Vondell Richmond; Councilwoman Wanda Smith Others Present: Mayor Joe Pitts, Fire Chief Freddie Montgomery, Police Chief Alonzo Ansley, Building & Codes Interim Director David Smith, Richard Stevens, Kathy Gray The meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m.by Chairman Henley and it was noted there was a quorum. Minutes from the September 18,2019 meeting were approved by the committee after a motion was made by Councilwoman Smith and seconded by Councilman Richmond. BUILDING & CODES: -Mr. Smith stated that he would answer any questions regarding the monthly reports. Commercial permits are tracking as usual. Permits are up on building, and are close in volume to two years ago. Codes has slowed down, probably due to a reduction in grass growing. Councilwoman Smith asked about the schedule for mowing and he said that the abatement crews mow Monday through Friday from 7am until 2:30pm. They have expanded the hours for contractors this month. They are going paperless on inspections next week. They have had the software for some time and are now starting to use it. Councilwoman Smith asked how long citizens have to comply with codes violations. Mr. Smith said that they give 13 days on grass violations and then it takes three to four days to get to them. Housing code violations are given 30 days and junk cars are given 15 to 20 days. If not corrected, violations are taken to City Court. Councilman Henley asked about the criteria on high grass and Mr. Smith said l3 inches is a violation. Councilman Richmond met with Animal Control regarding a recent report of a citizen operating a kennel. They do not think she is running a kennel and will conduct monthly visits. They may limit the number of dogs allowable in the future. Councilman Henley asked if September multi-family figures were a record number and Mr. Smith said they processed out more than usual. POLICE DEPARTMENT: -Chief Ansley presented monthly reports and asked for questions. He noted there were several businesses cited for beer sales. Mentioned that the Leadership Clarksville Law, Crime & Justice Day went very well last week. Councilwoman Smith is a current member and she said that the class and training were outstanding. Councilman Henley mentioned the high number of vehicle burglaries and asked about a recent Idlewood Drive burglary. Chief Ansley said that is a current major problem and he will check into that burglary. He invited the committee to attend Crimeview meetings held every other Friday morning at 7am in the basement at CPD Headquarters. Mr. Stevens said that he sent a news release today regarding a Holiday Crime Prevention program urging residents to "Park Smart" and offering tips on holiday safety. Councilman Richmond mentioned that he went by the Police Headquarters recently and scheduled a meeting with Chief Ansley and a tour of some of the facilities next Tuesday. He suggested that others do so and Chief encouraged them to. FIRE DEPARTMENT: -Chief Montgomery gave a review of the monthly reports and asked for questions. Noted there were over 12,000 runs last month (5% fires), and $600,000 in property loss. Councilman Henley said in looking at past months it seems that runs are higher now. Chief Montgomery said that he will double check the numbers but it may be that this report includes five weeks. Mayor Pitts said that there is possibly more accountability in reporting now than in past months. Chief Montgomery gave a breakdown report to the Committee, highlighting on the following items: He stated that the drone has been delivered. Capt. Rios is currently in PIO training. He is starting to look at garage building design with David Smith. They are working on a better procedure for tracking work orders. He stated that training is very important and is a priority. They are working with the school system Stem Program. Three fire fighters who are on the Blue Way team recently went for training in Kentucky. The first phase of training was free and he commended the team for their initiative. He is working on tweaking the criteria for employee evaluations. They are launching a Mental Health Monday safety program. They are working with Human Resources on improving their promotion process. CITY COUNCIL ACTION REQUIRED ..A Resolution authortzrngretirement of a Patrol Service Dog "Koda" from K-9 Unit and donation to Police Officer Keith Jones" Chief Ansley stated that Koda is nine years old today and was involved in an accident that left him with a spinal injury, unable to use his hind legs, preventing him from performing duties of a Patrol Service Dog. He is asking that Koda be retired and donated to his handler, Off,rcer Keith Jones. We will compensate him a small amount for veterinarian cost and food. The Resolution was approved by all after motion was made by Councilwoman Smith and seconded by Councilman Holleman. Chief Ansley said that a non-profit organization, Spike's K-9", is sponsoring a fund to provide medical assistance to Koda. They are not involved with the City or the CPD. DISCUSSION REGARDING CHANGTNG THE TIME OF BEER SALES ON SLINDAY Councilman Holleman said that he is working with City Attorney Lance Baker to draft an ordinance changing the time of beer sales on Sunday from noon to 10:00 a.m. The City regulates beer sales and the State regulates liquor and wine sales. Currently, pursuant to state law, liquor and wine may be purchased on Sundays starting at l0:00 a.m. and he would like to see all alcohol sales consistent. It will have to go before the City Council, but he would like to poll the committee today and get their thoughts. Chief Ansley said from a law enforcement standpoint he has no objections. Councilwoman Smith said that as a minister, she is opposed to the change and feels that the ministers in Clarksville will object. Councilman Richmond is also in opposition from a personal standpoint. Councilman Holleman said he supports it from a business aspect and has talked to several local business owners who would like to see the change. Councilman Erb asked if we could change the process to abide by the State law on beer sales so the City will not have to regulate it. Councilman Holleman will check with Lance Baker on that and report back. There was no further business. Councilman Holleman made a motion to adjourn and Councilman Richmond seconded the motion. Submitted by: Kathy Gray Clarksville Police Department