Public Safety, Health, and Environment Committee

CITY OF GRAND PRAIRIE PUBLIC SAFETY, HEALTH, AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE CITY HALL - COUNCIL CHAMBERS MONDAY, JUNE 06, 2022 AT 3:00 PM MINUTES CALL TO ORDER Chairwoman Jo1ja Clemson called the meeting to order at 3:03 p.m. PRESENT Chairwoman Jo1ja Clemson Council Member Junior Ezeonu Council Member Jacquin Headen AGENDA ITEMS 1. Fireworks Plan Police Chief Daniel Scesney presented the city's Fire1,vork Mitigation Strategy. Social media warnings statingfireworks within Grand Prairie are illegal, Proactive contact with residents in areas with historically high firework call volume, electronic signage in high call area, and increased staffing at lakes and historic hot spots. Police and Fire will have a team approach. Fire Marshals will be riding with Police for added enforcement. Chief Scesney said city is considering a Quiet Zone Concept - a city provided area to dampen the effect of noise from fireworks. We are working with Parks, Arts, and Recreation Director Duane Strawn with presenting options for quiet zones. This process is ongoing. Council Member Ezeonu asked "with the proactive neighborhoods concept, will there be immediate consequences? Chief Scesney responded that citations will be issued ifwarnings have already been given however, it is difficult to see people in the act of detonating fireworks. He also asked "Have police considered increasing fines for citations? Chief Scesney stated that we are at the top of the fine threshold. Council Jvfember Headen asked "How common are fires from fireworks?" Chief Scesney stated that this is not a common problem in Grand Prairie due to the high Fire presence. She also commented that the Quiet Zone will require elevated hours as fireworks go on into late hours. Scesney presented the challenges for the extended hours and optimal location. He said we are still trying to figure out the best resources and staffing for the facility. Council Member Clemson stated that she is thaniful we have a plan and are being proactive. 2. Recycle Bin Overflow Alternatives Public Safety, Health, and Environment Committee - June 06, 2022 Page 1 of3  Patricia Redfearn, Director of Solid Waste Management and Deputy City Manager Bill HWs presented alternatives for current recycling bins. The net option or bungle cord over the current bin are being considered. They are cumbersome to use and may not get used regularly. An alternative is a 25-gallon mini cart with lid. Customers can request the new bin or keep the current recycling bin. The mini is $45 a bin and the current green one is $10. Council Member Ezeonu stated that we need to be able to explain it and sell it to the community in light of the recycling survey results. He asked if there will there be a charge if someone wants to exchange the current green bin for a mini? Bill Hills said this is voluntary program. There is no charge to exchange or customers can keep the bin and get the mini as well. Council Member Headen asked "Will the bin be labeled?" Ms. Redfearn said the bin is available to a variety of colors including the green. I can also be customized. Council Member Clemson asked if this ·will this be presented to council? Mr. Hills said it would be presented to council. 3. Active Shooter Procedures Police Chief Daniel Scesney presented Active Shooter/ Immediate Response protocol. Explained police response to active shooter calls. He also presented lessons learned from school shooting in Uvalde. Council Member Ezeonu asked if schools have a single point of entry and single point of exit?" Chief Scesney responded they have a signal point of entry but do not have a single point of exit. Police officers have access to every school and school door in Grand Prairie. He also asked if that is every school in Grand Prairie or GPJSD? Chief Scesney said it is every school in Grand Prairie. Council Member Headen asked if the police have access to text messaging systems in schools? Chief Scesney responded No, but we have access to the people in charge of the text messaging system. Council Member Ezeonu stated that all campuses do not have a School Resource Officer if we have 48 schools and 16 officers. Chief Scesney said they are in high schools and middle schools but are also responsible for the elementary schools. Council Member Clemson if the police department also trained churches about active shooter. As well as schools? Chief Scesney responded, ·we can train teachers but it is more effective to train the officers. We continue to train in schools on how the clear classrooms. Council Member Ezeonu asked it we have plans in other areas as churches, businesses, markets, as well as schools? Chief Scesney responded, officers are trained to engage in any of these areas. Public Safety, Health, and Environment Committee - June06,2022 Page2of3 CITIZEN COMMENTS No citizen comments EXECUTIVE SESSION No executive session. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 3:57 p.m. Public Safety, Health, and Environment Committee - June 06, 2022 Page3 of3