Public Safety, Health, and Environment Committee

CITY OF GRAND PRAIRIE PUBLIC SAFETY, HEALTH, AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE CITY HALL - COUNCIL BRIEFING ROOM, 300 W. MAIN STREET MONDAY, JULY 14, 2025 AT 3:00 PM MINUTES CALL TO ORDER Chairwoman Jorja Clemson called the meeting to order at 3:03 p.m. PRESENT Chairwoman Jorja Clemson Council Member Bessye Adams ABSENT Council Member Jacquin Headen STAFF PRESENTATIONS 1. Information Technology Department Public Safety Update Keshnel Penny, Chief Information Officer, and IT staff gave a presentation on the City of Grand Prairie’s Information Technology Department, focusing on the IT Public Safety Technology Division, Radio System Management, Cybersecurity, and Physical Security Management. Chairwoman Clemson and Council Member Adams raised several questions regarding City infrastructure and cybersecurity measures:  Access Control Systems: DSS and S2 were identified as the systems used for building access control.  Radio Communications: Radio traffic control is managed via radio frequencies, as explained by Mr. Penny.  Power Backup: The generator at Fire Station 11 is portable.  Cybersecurity Services: The City does contract with external vendors for some cybersecurity functions.  Cybersecurity Insurance: Cybersecurity coverage is included in the City's insurance policy.  System Architecture: Police Chief Daniel Scesney confirmed the City's in-house systems include proprietary elements.  Artificial Intelligence: Mr. Penny noted that all AI tools in use are vetted and secure. The City is actively developing and updating policies to ensure the safe and responsible implementation of AI technologies. The committee concluded by thanking staff for their continued efforts in maintaining the City’s safety and operational security. Public Safety, Health, and Environment Committee – July 14, 2025 Page 1 of 4  2. Fire Department Presentation on Lake Safety, Preventative Measures, and Other Options Available Fire Chief Robert Fite presented to the committee regarding recent lake safety concerns, noting that the City has experienced its fourth drowning, all of which were linked to the absence of life jackets. In response, the Fire Department proposed several enhanced safety measures, including additional warning signage at lake access points, installation of flotation devices, and the review and implementation of further preventive strategies. Chairwoman Clemson asked whether intoxication is a contributing factor in drowning incidents. Police Chief Scesney responded that public intoxication is sometimes involved at the lake and is classified as a Class B misdemeanor, which can result in arrest. Chairwoman Clemson also inquired if increased signage would act as a deterrent, remarking that it “couldn’t hurt.” Ray Cerda, Parks, Arts, and Recreation Director, acknowledged that while the number of drownings is difficult to hear, it reflects a harsh reality. He emphasized the importance of life jackets and expressed support for the additional signage, stating that “it would be great.” Council Member Adams asked about the size of the proposed signs. Chief Fite provided the dimensions, and Deputy City Manager Cheryl De Leon suggested that the City’s sign shop might be able to fabricate them. Chief Fite noted that the signage plan would cover five boat ramps. Council Member Adams expressed support for the initiative and agreed it would be beneficial. Chief Fite committed to updating the committee once the signage has been installed. Council Member Adams also asked why recovery operations at the lake sometimes take a long time. Chief Fite explained a typical recovery scenario to illustrate the challenges involved. Adams commended Chief Fite and his team for their recent recovery efforts in Kerrville. The committee thanked Chief Fite and the Fire Department for their ongoing commitment to improving lake safety and preventing further incidents. CONSENT AGENDA Chairwoman Clemson asked if any questions on the Consent Agenda item. Council Member Adams moved, seconded by Chairwoman Clemson, to approve item three and recommend for approval of items four and six to Council. The motion carried unanimously. 3. Minutes of the June 9, 2025 Public Safety, Health and Environment Committee Meeting Approved on Consent Agenda 4. Award an Engineering Services Contract, with a term expiring December 31, 2026, for Groundwater Sampling, Analysis, and Reporting to Weaver Consultants Group, for an amount not to exceed $83,300, which includes a contingency for verification resampling, if needed. Approved on Consent Agenda Public Safety, Health, and Environment Committee – July 14, 2025 Page 2 of 4  5. Ordinance accepting the dedication of real property located at 1037 Manning Street, Tarrant County, from Mars Partners, Ltd. for the City’s Luckett Garden for estimated closing and survey costs of $5,500; transferring $5,500 nonobligated funds from the Capital Reserve Capital Improvement Project Fund to the Solid Waste Capital Improvement Project Fund; amending the FY 2024/2025 Solid Waste Capital Improvements Projects Fund budget to fund said expenditure; and authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents necessary for said acceptance Approved on Consent Agenda 6. Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 11603-2024 for the FY 2024/2025 Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Budget by Amending the FY 2024/2025 Airport CIP Fund Budget to Transfer and Appropriate $21,850 from the Unobligated Fund Balance in the Airport CIP Fund to the Weather Stripping Replacement Project; Cooperative Contract with Cavalry Construction Company, LLC for Replacement of Weather Stripping of Bi-fold Hangar Doors on Buildings 20S, 21S, 22S and 23S at the Grand Prairie Municipal Airport in an amount not to exceed $159,850 though a national cooperative agreement with BuyBoard Approved on Consent Agenda ITEMS FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION 7. Interlocal Cooperation Agreement between the City of Grand Prairie and Grand Prairie Independent School District, governing the operation and cost-sharing of the Grand Prairie Police Department’s School Resource Unit, for one year, with estimated cost recovery for the City of $2,935,000 per year and automatic one-year renewals unless either party provides written notice to terminate 90 days prior to the end of the current term Ryan Simpson, Assistant Director of Police, presented this item to the committee to modernize and strengthen this collaboration, both GPPD and GPISD have worked together to develop a revised interlocal agreement. While the proposed new agreement is similar to the existing agreement, it incorporates changes to the cost-sharing provisions to reflect the evolving needs and priorities of both entities. Collectively, the cost-sharing increases are expected to generate approximately $975,000 annually, in additional cost-recovery revenue to the City and an estimated total of $2,935,000 per year. These funds will help offset the operating costs associated with the SRO Unit, which are budgeted across both the General Fund and the Community Policing Fund. Council Member Adams inquired about the number of School Resource Officers. Mr. Simpson responded that there are sixteen School Resource Officers and one lieutenant. Council Member Adams also asked whether it was difficult to request the reimbursement. Chief of Police Daniel Scesney acknowledged the efforts of Assistant Police Chief Tim Sliva, commending his work on the reimbursement process. Chairwoman Clemson said she is happy the city is great partners with the school district. Chairwoman Clemson moved, seconded by Council Member Adams, to recommend approval of this item to Council. The motion carried unanimously. Public Safety, Health, and Environment Committee – July 14, 2025 Page 3 of 4  8. Annual contract for school crossing guard services from All City Management Services, Inc., in the amount of $1,023,555 for year one, with the option to renew for two additional years ($1,054,440 for year two, and $1,089,240 for year three), totaling $3,167,235 if all renewal options are exercised Mr. Simpson presented this item to the committee, noting that in 2021, the City of Grand Prairie transitioned to using a private company to provide crossing guard services at various public schools within the city limits. The services cover 21 Grand Prairie ISD schools, 7 Arlington ISD schools, and 4 Mansfield ISD schools, under both the current and proposed contracts. The total scope of work is estimated at approximately 43,500 billable hours per school year. In early 2025, the current vendor, All City Management Services, requested an increase to the hourly billing rate in order to maintain a competitive and livable wage for its crossing guard employees. This request triggered a statutory requirement to rebid the services. Previous increases to the contract, due to both expanded scope and higher hourly rates, left little to no capacity for additional adjustments under the existing agreement. Chairwoman Clemson asked how many school crossing guards are employed. Mr. Simpson responded that there are approximately 80. Council Member Adams inquired how the vendor was selected, noting that the company is based in California. Mr. Simpson explained that the company submitted the best overall bid, and that a company located closer had submitted a significantly higher bid. Council Member Adams moved, seconded by Chairwoman Clemson, to recommend approval of this item to Council. The motion carried unanimously. EXECUTIVE SESSION No executive session was held. CITIZEN COMMENTS There were no citizen comments. ADJOURNMENT Chairwoman Clemson adjourned the meeting at 3:56 p.m. Chairwoman Jorja Clemson Public Safety, Health, and Environment Committee – July 14, 2025 Page 4 of 4