Public Safety Committee (Meets 3rd Thursday of each month at 6:00 p.m.)

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE Minutes Thursday, January 16, 2025 The meeting was called to order by Councilor Ledin at 6:07pm on January 16, 2025, in Government Center Room 204 Committee Members: Nick Ledin -Chair, Tylor Elm- Vice Chair, Mark Johnson, Mike Herrick 1. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Tylor Elm-Vice Chair, Mike Herrick, Mark Johnson ABSENT: Nick Ledin-Chair CITY STAFF PRESENT: Councilor Ruth Ludwig, Councilor Jack Sweeney, Fire Chief Camron Vollbrecht, Police Chief Paul Winterscheidt, Lieutenant Thor Trone*, Nikki Kalan OTHERS PRESENT: Duluth Monitor* 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2.1. Public Safety Committee (Meeting held December 19, 2024) MOTION to approve to Councilor Johnson, second by Councilor Herrick, carried. 3. RECURRING BUSINESS 3.1. Police And Fire Department Updates Police – There were 18,801 calls for service in 2024. In 2024, the department added Therapy K9 Millie, introduced hybrid squads, and expanded the COAR+ Team. The number of fatal overdoses decreased in 2024. Fire – There were 4,374 calls for service in 2024. The department is preparing for cold temperatures as they typically see an increase in calls. They are currently working with the Coast Guard on ship layup inspections. There will be a swearing in and awards ceremony on April 10th, 2025. 4. OLD BUSINESS 4.1. Approve two stop signs to be installed at John Avenue and 18 th St to make it a four way stop – Request from Councilor Ludwig MOTION to approve by Councilor Johnson, second by Councilor Herrick, motion carried. 5. NEW BUSINESS 5.1. Remove “No Night Parking 3AM-6AM” E 5th St from 23rd Ave E to 24th Ave E, even side Request from Councilor Sweeney Councilor Sweeney states a resident would like to park in front of house on E 5th St. Councilor Sweeney interested in knowing the history of why this sign was placed to begin with. MOTION to hold in committee until the February 2025 meeting by Councilor Herrick, second by Councilor Johnson, motion carried. 5.2. T21 (Easing the legal age to purchase and possession of tobacco) ordinance change. Request from Councilor Johnson Councilor Johnson recommends raising the age to purchase tobacco products within the city to age 21 to decrease access for youth. There was some discussion on how this change would go into effect and how to communicate it to local businesses. Councilors would also like input from the City Clerk regarding permits to sell tobacco products.  MOTION to hold in committee by Councilor Johnson, second by Councilor Herrick, motion carried. 5.3. Approve Kraus Anderson for Construction Management for Station 2 – Request from Chief Vollbrecht MOTION to approve by Councilor Johnson, second by Councilor Herrick, motion carried. Will send to council. *Councilor Sweeney left the meeting at 6:58PM. 5.4. Approve two additional stop signs on Oakes Avenue and 24th St to make it a four way stop Request from Councilor Herrick Councilor Herrick states there has been increased traffic at this intersection with the high rise apartment building in the area. MOTION to approve by Councilor Johnson, second by Councilor Elm, motion carried. Will send to Council. 6. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 6:52 PM by Councilor Ledin. Submitted by Nikki Kalan