City Council Committee Agendas

Public Safety Committee Minutes May 7, 2025 Police Court Campus, 1805 Continental Place Councilmember Tercero called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Present Mayor Donovan Councilmembers: Brocksmith, Carías, Hudson, Molenaar, Tercero, and Vander Stoep Staff: Fire Chief Harris, Police Chief Christman, City Attorney Rogerson, City Clerk Jensen Citizens: 3 1. Approval of April 2, 2025 Minutes Councilmember Hudson moved to approve the April 2, 2025 minutes. Motion seconded by Councilmember Carías. Motion carried 6-0. 2. Fire a. Station 1 Update Mayor Donovan discussed the cost of the new station and expressed concern with the timing of the bond. There are discussions about forming a Regional Fire Authority that could occur in the next 2-3 years. Other things to consider are updates to the City’s zoning that could affect the equipment requirements of the department, as well as the possibility of changing location and size needs for fire stations. He also spoke about the possibility of a parks or parks & public safety levy. Staff will continue to research and present a recommendation to Council later this month. Mr. Harris reviewed current information related to the conceptual design, cost, bond timing, location, staffing and equipment needs, as well as budget concerns. Options about station size, location, and possible partnerships were discussed. Strategic Plan: A Strategic Plan would be used to guide development of the department by aligning with community and risk Public Safety Committee May 7, 2025 Page 2 of 3 growth, integrating with the City’s projected growth, and ensuring safe, effective, and equitable emergency response. The plan would address: Standard of Cover, Fire Station locations, staffing model, community risk reduction, and capital planning. Staff and Council engaged in discussions about partnering with cities and fire districts to create a Regional Fire Authority, cost sharing to fund a consultant to assist with the Strategic Plan, and timing. 3. Police Mr. Christman provided an update on the following topics: a. Skagit County Interlocal Drug Enforcement (SCIDEU) – The task force will no longer receive state funding, impacting the ability to continue beyond 2026. A presentation from the task force will provide information at upcoming meeting. b. Fentanyl use is leveling off while heroin use is increasing. The recent homicide by delivery charges is discouraging dealing within the city. c. Flock license plate reader cameras have been installed within the city. The cameras capture vehicle data, including license plates and vehicle characteristics for law enforcement. d. Crime has decreased in the North River Commercial area e. The Records Manager and Evidence Records Technician are retiring next month. The Records Manager position is open for applications. f. The Handle with Care Program, partnering law enforcement with Mount Vernon School District addressing youths in crisis is now active. g. The department has developed a voluntary registry for vulnerable individuals. This will assist law enforcement by providing information when making contact with those individuals. 4. Agenda Requests  Center for Inclusive Entrepreneurship presentation  Lincoln Theatre Update Miscellaneous:  Follow-up discussion of the immigration statement: Mayor Donovan discussed feedback received from council and legal. The training portion of the statement was addressed. The majority of council agreed to invite members of the group that staff previously met with to a second meeting to have additional discussions. Mr. Rogerson addressed items to be considered when issuing a statement, including national immigration issues, lawsuits, and other legal concerns. Public Safety Committee May 7, 2025 Page 3 of 3  Mr. Rogerson provided information about mal-practice insurance for the city’s nurse practitioner.  Mr. Rogerson discussed a request from Island County 911 to construct an additional tower on an existing city cell tower. He is working on an agreement and will bring forth an agreement for Council approval. The meeting adjourned at 7:29 p.m. Submitted by: Becky Jensen, City Clerk