City Council Committee Agendas

Public Safety Committee Minutes February 5, 2025 Police Court Campus, 1805 Continental Place Councilmember Hudson called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm Present Mayor Donovan Councilmembers: Beaton, Brocksmith, Carías, Hudson, Molenaar, and Vander Stoep Staff: Police Chief Christman, City Attorney Rogerson, Special Projects Manager Sexton, Assistant Fire Chief Harris, City Clerk Jensen Citizens: 0 1. Approval of November 6, 2024 Minutes Councilmember Vander Stoep moved to approve the November 6, 2024 minutes with a correction to the motion to approve the October 2, 2024, Committee minutes. Motion seconded by Councilmember Carías. Motion carried 6-0. 2. Police a. North River Commercial Area Crime Emphasis: Mr. Christman discussed the criminal issues occurring in the North River Commercial area and outlined the steps being taken by the Police to address the problem. b. Immigration Enforcement – MVPD Role: Mr. Christman discussed his letter to the public explaining the role of the Mount Vernon Police Department related to immigration enforcement. The MVPD is not trained or authorized to assist the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency, except under specific circumstances. The MVPD held a successful community meeting addressing residents’ concerns. Public Safety Committee February 5, 2025 Page 2 of 2 c. Rebuilding Traffic Unit: Due to staffing constraints, specialty units, including the traffic unit have been vacant for some time. Currently one officer has been moved to the traffic unit and will be increased to three by June. 3. Fire a. Fire Station 1 Update: Mr. Harris discussed the concept design of Fire Station 1 at its current location. Other sites being evaluated are the Snoqualmie Street, Lincoln School, Old YMCA property, and Alf Christensen Seed property. The consultant is working on the cost analysis and will review and score the site selection survey results. b. Department New Hires: Two Firefighter/EMT employees were recently hired. c. Assistant Chief Appointment: Battalion Chief James Sanders will be promoted to Assistant Fire Chief effective April 1, 2025. 4. Legal a. MVMC 2.12 Council Meeting General Requirements and Procedures: Mr. Rogerson reviewed the requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA), attendance, conflicts and ethics, as well as rules of business and conduct, First Amendment and agenda setting procedures. Recent changes to the OPMA were reviewed. Potential topics for discussion were presented. Council will review the Chapter, provide comments to the Mayor and City Attorney, then discuss them at an upcoming meeting. 5. Committee Agenda Requests  Legal presentation of a proposed ordinance addressing protections for renters 6. Miscellaneous: none The meeting adjourned at 7:14 pm. Submitted by: Becky Jensen, City Clerk