City Commission

Back to Agenda OTTAWA CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING AGENDA Wednesday, October 9, 2024 - 4:00 pm Ottawa City Hall - 101 S. Hickory In accordance with Kansas Open Meetings Act (KOMA), the Citizens may in person, via Zoom or submit comments (300 meeting can be viewed live on Channel 23 and via Facebook Live words or less) for the City Commission to be read during public or listened to by dialing: 1-312-626-6799 and entering meeting comment or during discussion on an agenda item. ID 860 5916 7188#. To view on YouTube: https:// To submit your comment or request the meeting Zoom link to www.youtube.com/@ottawaksgov give a public comment, email publiccomments@ottawaks.gov If you need this information in another format or require a no later than 2:00 pm on October 9, 2024; all emails must in- reasonable accommodation to attend this meeting, contact the clude your name and address. Participants who generate un- City’s ADA Coordinator at 785-229-3621. Please provide advance wanted or distracting noises may be muted by the meeting notice of at least two (2) working days. TTY users please call 711. host. If this happens, unmute yourself when you wish to speak. I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL ____ Skidmore ____ Allen ____ Caylor ____ Clayton ____ Crowley III. WELCOME IV. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE V. INVOCATION VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS Subject to the above restrictions, persons who wish to address the City Commission regarding items on the agenda may do so as that agenda item is called. Persons who wish to address the City Commission regarding items not on the agenda and that are under the jurisdiction of the City Commission may do so at this time when called upon by the Mayor. Comments on personnel matters and matters pending in court or with other outside tribunals are not permitted. Speakers are limited to three minutes. Any presentation is for information purposes only. The Governing Body will take comments under advisement. VII. APPOINTMENTS, PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS, AND PUBLIC HEARINGS VIII. CONSENT AGENDA A. Minutes from the October 2, 2024 City Commission Meeting (Pp. 3 - 5) B. Agenda Approval Motion: __________ Second: __________ Vote: __________ IX. DECLARATION At this time, I’d like to give the Commissioners a chance to declare any conflict or communication they’ve had that might influence their ability to consider today’s issues impartially. X. UNFINISHED BUSINESS XI. NEW BUSINESS A. Community Policing Presentation - Police Chief Weingartner (Pp. 6 - 18) (receive and file) Comments: Chief Weingartner will present on how the department incorporates community policing to enhance public safety. 10.09.24 Agenda Pkt Page #1  Back to Agenda XII. COMMENTS BY CITY MANAGER XIII. COMMENTS BY GOVERNING BODY XIV. ANNOUNCEMENTS A. October 10-12, 2024 League of Kansas Municipalities Conference, Building Better Cities B. October 16, 2024 Franklin County Community Outlook - 8-10 am, Ottawa University C. October 16, 2024 City Commission Meeting - 10:00 am, City Hall D. October 23, 2024 City Commission Meeting - 4:00 pm, City Hall XV. ADJOURN 10.09.24 Agenda Pkt Page #2  Back to Agenda Regular Meeting Minutes City Hall Minutes of October 2, 2024 The Governing Body met at 7:00 pm on this date for the Regular City Commission Meeting with the following members present and participating to wit: Mayor Skidmore, Mayor Pro Tem Allen, Commissioner Clayton, and Commissioner Crowley. Commissioner Caylor arrived at 7:03 pm. Mayor Skidmore called the meeting to order. Mayor Skidmore welcomed the audience and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. Reverend Bob Colerick from First Christian Church gave the invocation. Public Comments None were received. Appointments, Proclamations, Recognitions, Nominations and Public Hearings Proclamation Recognizing October 6-12, 2024 as Fire Prevention Week Commissioner Crowley read a proclamation recognizing October 6-12, 2024 as Fire Prevention Week. Since 1922, fire departments have actively supported Fire Prevention Week, making it the longest running public health and safety observance on record. This year’s campaign focus is “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” Fire Chief Dillon accepted the proclamation, reminded the community of the importance of smoke detectors, and thanked the governing body for this proclamation. Captain Wilson provided an overview of the prevention programs and thanked the governing body for their support of these important programs. Consent Agenda Commissioner Crowley made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Caylor, to approve the consent agenda, including minutes from the September 25, 2024 Regular Meeting and the Regular Meeting agenda. The motion was considered, and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared the consent agenda duly approved. Declaration No declarations were made. Unfinished Business New Business Proposed Vacation of Easement at 1015 N. Cherry Street The Governing Body heard from City Planner Zack Martin, who reviewed an ordinance vacating the utility easement at 1015 N. Cherry and provided the following information: • This request is for a new ordinance vacating an unneeded easement and repealing Ordinance 4135-24, which contained an incorrect legal description. • The application was previously approved by the Planning Commission on September 11, 2024, and received no opposition from surrounding property owners. • The subject site is a 0.67 acre tract zoned, R-3, High-Density Residential, and is consistent with the future land use plan. October 2, 2024 Unofficial Until Approved 1 10.09.24 Agenda Pkt Page #3  Back to Agenda City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes September 25, 2024 Page 2 Commissioner Crowley made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Clayton, to approve this ordinance. The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared this ordinance duly approved, and the ordinance was duly numbered Ordinance No. 4148-24. Wastewater Treatment Plant Sales Tax Sunset and Termination of Monthly Surcharge The Governing Body heard from Finance Director Landis who provided a report on the sunset of the one-tenth special sales tax, the monthly wastewater surcharge, and the retirement of debt related to the wastewater treatment plant. Key points of the report included: • Construction of the Wastewater Treatment Plant was completed in 2004 at a cost of nearly $10,000,000. It was funded by various sources including a State of Kansas ED grant and a KDHE Revolving Loan of over $10 million. • April 3, 2021, Ottawa residents approved a one-tenth special sales tax dedicated to wastewater plant construction, which is set to terminate upon final debt payment. • Additionally, a monthly surcharge was implemented for both residential and commercial users in 2002, increasing over the years to assist in paying the debt service. • The final debt payment on general obligation bond issue 2014A, which refinanced the original KDHE loan is scheduled for October 1, 2024 • The special sales tax will sunset on September 30, 2024, and the final tax distribution is expected to be received by November 30, 2024. • Once the debt is retired, the remaining fund balance of approximately $705,000 in Fund 078 will be applied to the general obligation bond issue 2021A, which refinanced the KDHE loan debt for the east side interceptor construction. City Manager’s Comments City Manager Silcott provided an overview of the tentative agenda items for the upcoming City Commission meeting and events happening in the community. Governing Body Comments Commissioner Clayton reminded the community that the 2024 Round 4 Moderate-Income Housing Development Opportunity is now open, with submissions due by October 18, 2024. He also expressed his thoughts and concerns for those affected by the recent hurricane and storm damage. Commissioner Caylor extended her well wishes to students, encouraging them to enjoy a Happy Homecoming Week. Mayor Pro Tem Allen thanked the Fire Department for their excellent presentation and emphasized the importance of checking smoke detectors as a safety reminder. Announcements A. October 9, 2024 City Commission Meeting – 4:00 pm, City Hall B. October 10-12, 2024 LKM Annual Conference, Building Better Cities C. October 16, 2024 Franklin County Community Outlook – 8:00-10:00 am, Ottawa University D. October 16, 2024 City Commission Meeting – 10:00 am, City Hall E. October 23, 2024 City Commission Meeting – 4:00 pm, City Hall Executive Session Recess October 2, 2024 Unofficial Until Approved 2 10.09.24 Agenda Pkt Page #4  Back to Agenda City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes September 25, 2024 Page 3 Mayor Skidmore made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Allen, to recess into executive session for a period of 15 minutes, resuming at 7:48 pm with the City Attorney who is attending by conference call, Bond Counsel, the Finance Director and City Manager present for the purpose of attorney/client consultation. The justification for the closed session is to consult with the City Attorney on matters that would be deemed privileged in an attorney client relationship per K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2). The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared the meeting duly recessed. Reconvene Commissioner Crowley made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Clayton, to reconvene into open session. The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared the meeting duly reconvened at 7:48 pm. Adjournment There was no further business before the Governing Body, the Mayor declared the meeting duly adjourned at 7:48 pm. Melissa Reed, City Clerk October 2, 2024 Unofficial Until Approved 3 10.09.24 Agenda Pkt Page #5  Back to Agenda Agenda Item: XI.A City of Ottawa City Commission Study Session October 11, 2024 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Commission SUBJECT: Ottawa Police Department Community Policing Presentation INITIATED BY: Adam Weingartner, Police Chief AGENDA: October 11, 2024 Recommendation: No action is needed. The purpose of the presentation is to provide background and information on the community policing concepts used by the department. Background: Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) become a national initiative in 1994 when the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act was approved and created the COPS Office within the Department of Justice (DOJ). The Ottawa Police Department integrates community policing concepts and approaches in policy and practice to respond to community concerns. Analysis: The concept of community policing is a practice of addressing crime response, education and reduction by building individual and business relationships in all department activities. At the national level the COPS Office, of the Department of Justice, provides resources and grant funding to law enforcement that build upon the community policing concepts. Within the State of Kansas the COPS Office provides funding through grant programs. At the local level the COPS Office is a central hub to get information or help implementing community policing programs. The department has received COPS/DOJ grant funding in the past to hire a School Resource Officer; implement a mobile data computer program; upgrade body cameras; deploy a Domestic Violence Unit; and more recently create the Community Policing Unit. Since December 2018, Chief Weingartner developed a strategic plan to build a specific community policing unit within the department, knowing, that to address community concerns required a different approach and resources to deliver those services. Accreditation Manager Stacey Allen wrote a grant awarded to the department to create the Community Policing Unit (CPU). CPU is a partnership program between the Ottawa Police Department and Elizabeth Layton Center to provide a Community Police Officer (OPD) and a mental health Crisis Co- Responder (ELC). CPU works directly in the community to respond and address non-violent 10.09.24 Agenda Pkt Page #6  Back to Agenda mental health crises calls, and to provide resources and support to underserved populations in Ottawa, like community members experiencing homelessness or the elderly who need help. To manage the function the department realigned the organizational chart and created the Community Outreach Programs and Services (COPS Division). Embracing the acronym of COPS further ties the department’s vision with the well-known Community Oriented Policing Services concept. This decision to create and name the division was intentional and sets the department up for improved delivery of service based on the needs of the community. Within the COPS Division personnel are assigned as DARE Instructors, School Resource Officers, Community Policing, Crisis Response, Special Event Coordination; plus hiring and recruiting; and in-service training. When fully staffed, the COPS Division also manages the department’s K-9 function since that team works in all areas of department operations. Each year the department participates in over 30 special events staffed by personnel from the COPS Division, and other divisions in the department to promote community policing. Most of these events are department specifics events, or events partnered with other public safety agencies. In 2024 the department hosted or attended events to promote community policing attended by over 4,000 community members-this does not include some outside events the department participated in but did not directly organize. If these events were included in the attendance total would be over 5,000 community members. Promoting public safety includes the use of public appearances, community events, media releases, social media posts, radio and T.V. interviews, safety literature, and personnel and equipment. Over the past three years the department, working with City IT, has enhanced the department’s website to create a one-stop place to learn more about community policing. The “Community Crime Info” tab provides access to important crime information. This website section includes media releases, arrest and incident information, online reporting modules and a link to the Community Crime Map. The Community Crime Map provides the public with crime information in their neighborhood or workplace. The map is updated daily, and individuals can register online to receive an email about reported crime in their neighborhood When the local newspaper stopped printing the daily media release and daily arrest report(s) Chief Weingartner added this information to the department website so that public information was in fact available to the public. Records Unit staff upload a Daily Incident Report and Weekly Arrest Reports which can be viewed on the website. Recently the issues related to homelessness has been more visible in the community. Predicting the future demands on the Ottawa Police Department to respond to this issue is a major reason why CPU was created years before becoming an open community discussion. The department embraces a holistic approach when helping community members experiencing homelessness and considers arrests as a matter of last resort. Connecting people with services is the first goal of the community policing team and ensuring that the mental health and healthcare needs of these individuals is addressed. Unfortunately, despite herculean efforts of the community policing team some individuals do not want help and make a personal decision to not seek housing. The next issue will be what can be done when all other attempts to connect people with services fails- 10.09.24 Agenda Pkt Page #7  Back to Agenda whether by system failures or personal decisions to not accept help. In the end result when helps does not achieve goals, the department needs a mechanism in place to protect and serve the rest of the community as well. By using the community policing concept the department will ensure people who need help receive it with a firm but compassionate hand, and that people know resources will be available when they are ready to accept help. To end the analysis, one needs to look to several factors to see if the investment in community policing is working. Crime rates, visible homeless in public spaces, victim support, offender prosecution, and community satisfaction are methods the department uses to ensure the efforts are working. Ottawa is a safe community. Crime may ebb and flow but was generally trended downward over the past five years. A challenge is delivering this message to the community who may not know need regular police services, and only interacts with an officer during an off chance they are the victim of a crime. Feeling safe in Ottawa may be even more important than the increase or decrease in the actual crime rates-and is a message that needs to be shared regularly. Financial Considerations: A substantial part of the department budget supports community policing. If enhanced services are the desire of the community, and the will of the city or commission then increased funding will help support efforts. Maintaining current funding ensures the department can provide community policing services. Funding impacts to the department fleet plan is a future issue to monitor. Retaining experienced police officers and remaining competitive in the region is a challenge the department has always faced-and that will not change. Legal Considerations: There are many legal considerations involved in community policing. When the department responds to a crime there is clearly established case law to direct how law enforcement can complete their law enforcement duties. For example, when an officer contacts a citizen investigating a crime the department relies on the 4th Amendment and related case law to guide their work to detain, investigate and arrest a criminal. When dealing with people in a mental health crisis or experiencing homelessness a different legal consideration may impact the law enforcement officer’s ability to police. Law enforcement officers use case law from several U.S. Supreme Court decisions, including Cady v. Domnbrowski (1973) and Caniglia v. Strom (2021) to “perform non-investigative duties to ensure the safety and welfare of the community. These duties include checking on someone’s well-being, removing hazardous object from the road, or helping a lost child.” in their role as a “Community Caretaker”. The Community Caretaker doctrine allows law enforcement to in essence enter private property, check the welfare, determine if more help is needed outside of the 4th Amendment (Search and Seizure). The responding officers are well versed in applying case law and established law to ensure those who need help receive it while safeguarding individual constitutional rights. By doing so the department protects the officer, the department and the City from civil action related to law enforcement actions. 10.09.24 Agenda Pkt Page #8  Back to Agenda Recommendation/Action: Receive and file report and presentation. Attachments: 2024 Community Policing Presentation 10.09.24 Agenda Pkt Page #9  Back to Agenda Community Outreach Programs and Services Community Policing Unit The Mission of the Ottawa Police Department is to “Protect and Serve with Duty, Honor, Integrity, Trust” XII.B PRESENTATIONS 10.09.24 Agenda Pkt Page #10  Back to Agenda “An Ottawa where all can live safely, and without The Vision of the Department is for: fear, protected by a department with the highest ethical and professional standards.” The department focuses on programs that promote Community Policing through Community Partnerships, Organizational Transformation, and Problem Solving. XII.B Background 10.09.24 Agenda Pkt Page #11  Back to Agenda Business and Industry Education The department participates in The department provides School Community special event application reviews, provides safety training to Resource Officer(s) and DARE Officers to K-12 schools in Ottawa, Partnerships corporations and business in Ottawa. conduct School Zone Patrols and regular checks at NCCC and OU. Retail Theft Mental Health The department trains officers in The department received a grant Mental Health First Aid, Crisis from Walmart to acquire License Intervention Training, and partners Collaborative partnerships Plate Readers near Walmart to with the Elizabeth Layton Center for between the department investigate Shoplifting and other and individuals and crisis response that include the Co- crimes associated with Walmart. organizations to develop Responder and protective custody. solutions to problems and increase trust in police. CALEA Accreditation The department is 1 of 12 agencies Advocacy Partnerships in Kansas CALEA Accredited and is The department partners with the dual Accredited through KLEAP. Willow Domestic Violence Center Transparency in policing increases and Sexual Assault Care Center to public trust and ensures consistent provide advocacy for victims. delivery of police services. XII.B Analysis 10.09.24 Agenda Pkt Page #12 Organizational Back to Agenda Transformation XII.B Analysis 10.09.24 Agenda Pkt Page #13  Recruitment, Hiring and Chief’s Interview Back to Agenda Selection During the Chief’s Interview Financial A rigorous hiring process that includes a physical fitness test, applicants learn the department’s philosophy and approach to Considerations multiple step selection process, and community policing and what their FTO Ride Along ensure officers hired role will be in that initiative. understand their role. Master Police Officer Agencies have to Professional Development devote the necessary The department uses a structured Program human and financial Professional Development Program The MPO Program requires each MPO resources to support to allocate training dollars to to complete a community event. This community policing accomplish department goals. is part connection between of the to ensure that professional development and problem-solving community policing. efforts are robust and that partnerships are sustained and effective Training Technology and Equipment Kansas statue requires each law Each Patrol Car is estimated to cost enforcement officer to complete 40 $82,000 fully equipped. Body hours of in-service training annually. Cameras, In-Car Video, Computers, Officers entering their 3rd year of programs and required technology service are eligible to attend CIT. licenses increase the cost to equip one (1) vehicle to over $125,000. XII.B Financial Considerations 10.09.24 Agenda Pkt Page #14  Back to Agenda XII.B Analysis 10.09.24 Agenda Pkt Page #15  COPS Team Meeting Weekly ELC Meetings Back to Agenda The COPS team meets weekly to The Co-Responder meets weekly with ELC staff to provide updates on Problem Solving review planned activities and provide updates on projects. individuals referred for services. Division Goals and Objectives help prioritize work. Monthly and Quarterly POSA The process of engaging in Problem Oriented Service Activity is Reports the proactive and an acronym used to collaborate city Through a proactive and systematic systematic examination of departments to respond to code review of crime and accident data identified problems to the department can shift resources issues, safety concerns to address develop and evaluate as needed. effective responses. multiple issues at once. Courts and Detention Crime Trends and Mapping The department prioritizes The Community Crime Map is a investigations based upon severity visual display of reported crime and of crime, identification of the is used to help identify crime trends offender, and public safety. Regular and shift resources as needed. meetings with prosecutors help prepare cases for court hearings. Problem solving is a collaborative effort among public agencies, private sector, and community partners to ensure the safety of all. XII.B Analysis 10.09.24 Agenda Pkt Page #16  Back to Agenda The department ensures the constitutional rights of all are paramount during law enforcement operations. Understanding HIPPA, statute, case law and best practices protects the community and the police officers. XII.B Legal Considerations 10.09.24 Agenda Pkt Page #17  Thank You Back to Agenda No Action Needed XII.B Recommendation/Action 10.09.24 Agenda Pkt Page #18