Public Safety Committee

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE AGENDA COMMISSION CONFERENCE ROOM 4243 REMEMBRANCE RD. NW. MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 2026 5:00 PM Call Meeting to Order - Record Attendance 1. Committee Members: Elaina Huizenga-Chase (Chair), Jessica Babcock, Roxanne Deschaine, and Gary Carey (Alternate) Discussion Items 1. Approval of Minutes from 2. Public Safety Facility Discussion Continued Adjournment Page 1 of 3  PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES COMMISSION CONFERENCE ROOM MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2026 5:00 PM Call Meeting to Order - Record Attendance Committee Members: Elaina Huizenga-Chase (Chair), Jessica Babcock, and Roxanne Deschaine. City Staff: Scott Conners, Dan Devries, Keith Mankel, Brandyn Heugel, and Rusty Shoultz Discussion Items Approval of Minutes from December 22, 2025 Motion by Jessica Babcock, seconded by Roxanne Deschaine to approve Approve the Minutes from December 22, 2025. Motion Carried. Fire Department Updates Chief Rusty Shoultz reported that the department has hired three full-time firefighters. He addressed on-going issues with Platform #1 and said that more information regarding the future of the truck will be provided at the next meeting. Chief Shoultz announced that the department is the first in Kent County to begin using the GPS dispatching system. Also, the department's new professional development program will begin its first session soon and will run thorough July. Police Department Updates Chief Keith Mankel told the committee that one employee has left the department to accept a position with the Kent County Sherriff's Department, and two new hires began this week. He said that they will begin recruiting GRCC, with a goal of increasing staffing levels to 44 staff members. The committee also discussed succession planning and the DROP program. Chief Mankel introduced the idea of the potential implementation of a K-9 unit Public Safety Committee Minutes 1-12-26 Page 1 of 2 Page 2 of 3  and shared details regarding startup cost, annual expenses, and funding sources. Public Safety Facility Discussion Continued The committee reviewed topics from the previous meeting and continued discussion on building priorities, potential locations, and additional space needs studies. Scott Conners stated that cost comparisons will be provided at the next meeting. Chief Shoultz spoke about anticipated future call volumes, ISO targets, and optimal station locations. Next steps were outlined and discussed including renovation of Station #2, financial considerations, and the completion of an up-to-date space needs study report. The committee also continued its discussion on the Public Safety Millage. Chief Shoultz shared information from conversations with a campaign consultant including the potential use of a viability poll, proposed milage amount, and estimated consultant costs. Discussion was held. The committee agreed schedule a virtual meeting with the consultant and to make a decision about doing a citywide poll at the next meeting. Adjourned at 6:25 p.m. Public Safety Committee Minutes 1-12-26 Page 2 of 2 Page 3 of 3