Public Safety Committee

Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at 2:00 PM Conference Room Page 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL 3. ADOPTION OF AGENDA 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Minutes from December 20, 2022 2-4 Public Safety Committee Minutes - 20 Dec 2022 5. NEW BUSINESS a. Outdoor Emergency Warning Siren 5-7 Memo: Outdoor Emergency Warning Siren b. Traffic Study 8 Memo: Traffic Study c. Authorization to Solicit Bids for Police Dept Squad Car 9 Authorization to Solicit Bids for Police Dept Squad Car d. Authorization to Solicit Bids - Fire Department 10 Memo: Authorization to Solicit Bids - Fire Department e. Emergency Access Boxes 11 - 13 Memo: Ordinance - Emergency Access Boxes f. Continuing Education Incentive - Fire Department 14 Memo: Continuing Education Incentive - Fire Department g. Automatic Aid Agreement - Deer Park Fire Department 15 Memo: Automatic Aid Agreement - Deer Park Fire Dept. h. Police K-9 Update 16 Memo: Police K9 Update 6. COMMUNICATION AND MISCELLANEOUS 7. ADJOURNMENT  Public Safety Committee Meeting Minutes 2:00 PM - Tuesday, December 20, 2022 Council Chambers The Public Safety Committee of the City of New Richmond was called to order on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at 2:00 PM, in the Council Chambers, with the following members present: PRESENT: Ron Volkert, Mike Montello, Thomas Weinmeyer, Bill O'Connell, Shawn Demulling ABSENT: OTHERS Craig Yehlik, Carlos de la Cruz, Lori Brinkman, Scott Grady PRESENT: CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL ADOPTION OF AGENDA Bill O'Connell made a motion to adopt the agenda as presented. Ron Volkert seconded the motion. Carried unanimously. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Bill O'Connell made a motion to approve the minutes from the October 18, 2022, Public Safety Committee meeting. Ron Volkert seconded the motion. Carried unanimously. CONTINUING BUSINESS ANIMAL CONTROL WARDEN CONTRACT Chief Yehlik explained that the contract for animal control services is expiring and staff was directed to solicit bids for the service. Bids were due December 19, and two bids were received (Companion Animal Control and Dedicated Animal Control). Staff recommends that a team comprised of Staff members, City Council members and Public Safety Committee members be assembled to interview both firms and then offer a recommendation to the full City Council. Mike Montello made a motion to authorize a committee comprised of Staff, Council and Public Safety Committee members to interview both firms who submitted bids and forward a recommendation to the full City Council. Thomas Weinmeyer seconded the motion. Carried unanimously. Public Safety Committee Meeting December 20, 2022 NEW BUSINESS ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING Chief Yehlik explained that St. Croix County Adult Protective Services (APS) has asked all police entities in St. Croix County to participate in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to be able to present a coordinated, cooperative response to protect at-risk and elder adults. Chief Yehlik has signed the MOU. No action necessary. MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT - 12-HOUR SHIFTS Chief Yehlik reminded the Committee that the City of New Richmond entered into an agreement with the Wisconsin Professional Police Association (WPPA) in February of 2021 which outlined 12-hour shifts for patrol officers. The agreement was modified at a later date but was inadvertantly not signed. Chief Yehlik and Detective de la Cruz outlined the changes to the agreement that are mostly cleaning up language. Discussion followed. Mike Montello made a motion to approve the proposed changes to the Memoranum of Agreement between the City and the Wisconsin Professional Police Association. Bill O'Connell seconded the motion. Carried unanimously. STOP SIGN REQUEST Lori Brinkman, Public Works Assistant, stated that staff received a request to install a stop sign at the intersection of Croft Street/Dorset Lane. Resident Scott Grady spoke about his concerns with drivers not looking to the east when going north on Dorset and crossing Croft Street into the Kwik Trip driveway. Lori presented information from Erik Evenson (Director of Public Works) who was unable to attend the meeting. This intersection does not meet the recommended requirements for installing a stop sign. To date there haven't been any accidents at this intersection. Discussion followed regarding other options. The Committee recommends staff reach out to Kwik Trip management to see if they would be willing to install temorary speed bumps and/or an (unenforceable-by-law) stop sign near the end of their southern driveway entrance to slow traffic down. No formal action needed. POLICE PRESENCE AT COUNCIL MEETINGS Tom Weinmeyer requested the presence of a police officer at all Council meetings for safety purposes. Chief Yehlik attends nearly all Regular Council meetings but there has been no formal understanding. Significant discussion ensued relating to physical placement of the officer in the Council Chambers, paying overtime if a non-salaried officer attends the meetings when Chief Yehlik or Deputy Chief Koehler are not available, the fact that the officer would stay through open session but only stay for closed session as requested, and the need for other security measures at the Civic Center. Additional security measures at the Civic Center will be added as an agenda item at a future meeting. Bill O'Connell made a motion to approve the request to have a police officer at all City Council meetings. Shawn Demulling seconded the motion. Carried unanimously. COMMUNICATION AND MISCELLANEOUS Public Safety Committee Meeting December 20, 2022  • These items are requested to be added to future Public Safety meeting agendas: hunting inside city limits, updating our traffic study, safety measures for the Civic Center and safety measures for electric substations. • The "Shop with a Cop" program was a success. • Several staff members rang bells for the Salvation Army in December. • Chief Yehlik would like to commend Officer Behnke for getting involved in many community events and making a positive impact for New Richmond by joining the Kiwanis Club and becoming a high school wrestling coach. • There have been recent scams in nearby communities in which people are posing as utility workers to gain access to homes. Residents are reminded that any city/utility staff will be in marked city/utility vehicles and will have proper city identification. • More crossing flags at the Knowles Ave/Third St intersection have gone missing. The Committee should decide whether to continue to order more flags. ADJOURNMENT Mike Montello made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 2:56 pm. Bill O'Connell seconded the motion. Carried unanimously. Public Safety Committee Meeting December 20, 2022  MEMO Prepared for: Public Safety Committee Staff Contact: Noah Wiedenfeld Meeting: Public Safety Committee - 21 Feb 2023 Subject: Outdoor Emergency Warning Siren BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The 2023 Capital Improvement Plan included an additional emergency warning siren on the eastern portion of the City limits. The sirens are used as part of the local severe weather warning system. The Fox Run and Whispering Prairie neighborhoods are outside the range of the current sirens, as shown on the attached coverage map. Staff would like authorization to solicit quotes for an additional emergency warning siren. ATTACHMENTS: NR Siren Coverage NOISE LEVEL WITH PROPOSED EMERGENCY SIREN IN FOX RUN DEVELOPMENT  #1 CITY STREET SHOP #2 WEST ELEMENTARY #3 GOLF COURSE #4 RICHMONDWAY Page 2 of 3 NOISE LEVEL WITH PROPOSED EMERGENCY SIREN IN FOX RUN DEVELOPMENT Page 3 of 3  MEMO Prepared for: Public Safety Committee Staff Contact: Erik Evenson Meeting: Public Safety Committee - 21 Feb 2023 Subject: Traffic Study BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Members of the Public Safety Committee inquired about an updated traffic study for the city. Staff reached out to SEH regarding performing an abbreviated Traffic Safety Analysis. A traffic study would consist of compiling crash/accident data, analyzing the data and providing a memo summarizing the findings of the analysis. The cost of this study is $15,200. Staff felt that some of this work could be done in-house. As a first step, staff has created a crash data dashboard and will present it to the Committee. The City has also recently purchased a Speed Tracking device that can be installed along any roadway in town. As the weather improves we will be looking at initial locations to install the tracker.  MEMO Prepared for: Public Safety Committee Staff Contact: Craig Yehlik Meeting: Public Safety Committee - 21 Feb 2023 Subject: Authorization to Solicit Bids for Police Dept Squad Car BACKGROUND INFORMATION: As part of the 2023 CIP the City Council authorized the replacement of the Blue Detective van with a slightly used SUV, similar to how we have replaced detective vehicles over the last few years. Staff is looking for approval to go out for RFP in the early/middle of April to bring back bids to the full council at the May 2023 meeting. This is the timeline set with financing as the CIP was approved. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Public Safety Committee authorize staff at the PD to put together a bid packet similar to years past to replace the blue detective van.  MEMO Prepared for: Public Safety Committee Staff Contact: Noah Wiedenfeld Meeting: Public Safety Committee - 21 Feb 2023 Subject: Authorization to Solicit Bids - Fire Department BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The Fire Department is seeking authorization to solicit competitive quotes for the following: Hose Dryer. A hose dryer allows hoses to be dried out quickly and safely, reduces the potential for frozen fire hoses, and allows for extra storage when not in use. Budget Estimate: $15,000 Five (5) SCBA Cylinders. These 4500-psi cylinders are on a replacement schedule. Budget Estimate: $10,000 Boat Motor. The Fire Department has a trailer and boat, but the boat lacks a motor and thus is currently not functional. Budget Estimate: $8,000 All of these items were previously provided to the Fire Board and included in the 2023 capital project list. Costs are shared between the City and the other five local units of government. RECOMMENDATION: City staff request authorization from the Public Safety Committee to solicit quotes for the capital projects identified above in the memo.  MEMO Prepared for: Public Safety Committee Staff Contact: Noah Wiedenfeld Meeting: Public Safety Committee - 21 Feb 2023 Subject: Emergency Access Boxes BACKGROUND INFORMATION: City staff have drafted an ordinance requiring new buildings to have an emergency access box, sometimes known as a knox box. An emergency access box is essentially a key safe installed near the front entrance of the building, which the fire department can access to gain access into the building rather than breaking into the building. These boxes allow for faster and safer entry into the building for first responders and reduce damage to private property. The first draft ordinance is attached to this memo, and was discussed by the Fire Board at their February meeting. RECOMMENDATION: The Public Safety Committee should consider a motion to recommend approval of the draft ordinance to the City Council, pending final review by the City Attorney. ATTACHMENTS: Draft Ordinance - Emergency Access Boxes Sec 34-4 Emergency Access Boxes (a) Definition. An “emergency access box” is a steel lock box with a high security lock designed to be surfaced mounted or recessed mounted to a building to secure keys to such building for purposes of rapid entry for firefighting, rescue, or other emergencies when life or property is threatened. (b) Purpose. The purpose of an emergency access box is to allow City of New Richmond Fire & Rescue Department personnel to gain access to specified buildings at times when the buildings are not occupied or when an occupant is unable to provide ingress. (c) Emergency Access Box Required. With the exception of one- and two-family dwellings, the following structures constructed after March 13, 2023 shall be required to install an emergency access box at or near the main entrance or such location as required by the Fire Chief for the City of New Richmond: (1) Commercial or industrial structures protected by an automatic alarm system, automatic suppression system, or secured in a manner that otherwise restricts access during an emergency. (2) All multi-family residential structures, with 3 units or more, where access to interior living units and mechanical rooms is through a common secured entrance. (3) Any combination use buildings that include businesses and apartment dwelling unit(s). (4) Any residential care or nursing home facilities. (5) All properties having security gates or devices which limit access to the building or property. (6) Any building where the Fire Chief or his/her designee determines that the lack of access may result in loss of life or extensive property damage, based on factors including but not limited to fire load, occupant load, exposures, building construction, age of building, or storage of hazardous materials. (d) Installation. Emergency access box installation shall be in accordance with the following criteria: (1) The emergency access box shall be at or near the main entrance or such other location as approved by the Fire Chief or his or her designee prior to installation. (2) The emergency access box shall be located at a height of not less than four (4) feet and not more than six (6) feet above final grade. (3) The owner(s) of the property shall keep keys, key cards, or codes in the access box that will allow access to the building and all locked or secured areas within the building. (4) All newly constructed or remodeled structures subject to this ordinance shall have the access box installed and operational prior to the issuance of the occupancy permit by the building inspector. (e) Maintenance. It is the responsibility of the property owner to keep the area around the emergency access box clear of obstructions including but not limited to vegetation or clutter. The property owner shall maintain the emergency access box in good working order; the Fire Chief or their designee may require repair or replacement of emergency access boxes found not to be in working order. The property owner shall be responsible to assure that keys maintained within the emergency access box are current keys to the existing locks in the building. When a Page 2 of 3  change of locks within a building is necessary, the property owner shall advise the Fire Chief thereof and place new keys in the emergency access box. (f) Unauthorized Removal Prohibited. No person, except authorized fire department or law enforcement personnel, shall remove any key from an emergency access box without the authorization of the owner of the building. (g) Existing Structures. The Fire Chief or his designees may require compliance with this Section for any existing structure as defined in Subsection (c)(1) through (6) where it is determined that access to or within said structure or enclosed area thereof is unduly difficult in its current condition. Page 3 of 3  MEMO Prepared for: Public Safety Committee Staff Contact: Noah Wiedenfeld Meeting: Public Safety Committee - 21 Feb 2023 Subject: Continuing Education Incentive - Fire Department BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Firefighters are currently not paid when they attend most continuing education classes, unless it is a department-wide training. This a large commitment when it comes to also balancing family and work. We’ve had discussions about the possibility of offering a stipend upon completion of certain approved courses which are particularly valuable to the Department. The courses identified are as follows: Firefighter II (42 hours) Ropes Rescue – Operations Level (40 hours) Fire Officer 1 (40 hours) Emergency Services Instructor (40 hours) Firefighters are encouraged to take other continuing education courses, but they would not receive a stipend. Upon proof of successful completion and certification in any of the courses identified above, firefighters would receive a $500 stipend. This equates to roughly $12 per hour for classroom instruction, not factoring in travel time and studying outside of the classroom. The Fire Board was supportive of offering this incentive to encourage firefighters to further their education, and also suggested that we consider offering a small stipend to firefighters who may have just recently completed one of the four courses. We would review and re-evaluate this at the end of 2023 to determine whether or not to continue to offer this incentive going forward. RECOMMENDATION: Staff and the Fire Board recommend approval of the continuing education incentive for firefighters as outlined above on a trial basis in 2023.  MEMO Prepared for: Public Safety Committee Staff Contact: Noah Wiedenfeld Meeting: Public Safety Committee - 21 Feb 2023 Subject: Automatic Aid Agreement - Deer Park Fire Department BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Chief Bell and Deer Park Chief Jeff Croes met in December and are working on updating our automatic aid agreement. We have prepared a draft agreement and corresponding map, and will be meeting soon to review and solicit feedback from the Town of Stanton and Town of Cylon. The final agreement and map will require review from legal counsel and approval by each of the local units of government. Staff will review the first draft of the agreement and map with the Public Safety Committee at the meeting.  MEMO Prepared for: Public Safety Committee Staff Contact: Craig Yehlik Meeting: Public Safety Committee - 21 Feb 2023 Subject: K-9 Update BACKGROUND INFORMATION: New Richmond K-9 unit has been operational and completely funded with donations and fund raisers. The K-9 fund is getting low due to lack of fundraising opportunities over the previous few years. Staff would like to update PSC on fund trends and opportunities in the future. Also some K-9 health related information will be shared. Staff would appreciate feedback on continuation of the program for the long term and if there is a different model to fund the program. No formal action requested at this time.