Public Safety Committee

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE AGENDA COMMISSION CONFERENCE ROOM 4243 REMEMBRANCE RD. NW. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2026 5:00 PM Call Meeting to Order - Record Attendance 1. Committee Members: Elaina Huizenga-Chase, Jessica Babcock, Roxanne Deschaine, and Gary Carey (Alternate) Discussion Items 1. Approval of Minutes from February 9, 2026 2. Fire Department Updates 3. Police Department Updates 4. Public Safety Facility Discussion Continued Adjournment Page 1 of 3  PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES COMMISSION CONFERENCE ROOM MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2026 5:00 PM Call Meeting to Order - Record Attendance Committee Members: Elaina Huizenga-Chase, Roxanne Deschaine, and Gary Carey City Staff: Rusty Shoultz, Scott Conners, Keith Mankel, Brandyn Heugel, Dan Devries, and Emily Mankel Discussion Items Approval of Minutes from January 26, 2026 Motion by Roxanne Deschaine, seconded by Gary Carey to approve the January 26, 2026 meeting minutes. Motion Carried. Police Department Update Chief Keith Mankel reported on weekend call activity and noted that the department's two new hires are now out on patrol. He also shared that he attended a conference the previous week where the department received official accreditation. In addition, Chief Mankel met with representatives from several architectural firms at the conference and gathered information from them. Fire Department Update Chief Rusty Shoultz discussed a recent change to the department’s community risk reduction program, including updates to how inspections are reported. He also noted that the department continues to experience overlapping calls. Chief Shoultz told the committee that he has met with the city attorney to review and update the fire code and food truck ordinances. Discussion was held. Additional discussion included updates on Station #2, including cost estimates; budget items such as new equipment and vehicles; and policies and procedures Public Safety Committee Minutes 2-9-26 Page 1 of 2 Page 2 of 3  related to calls at Millennium and other Kent County parks. Public Safety Facility Discussion Continued Information was presented and discussion held regarding recent studies for Fire Station #2 and potential plans for Fire Station #3. Results from the millage poll will be available for review at the February 23, 2026, Public Safety Committee meeting. Chief Mankel provided information about the DROP program. Discussion followed. Motion by Gary Carey, seconded by Roxanne Deschaine to approve authorizing City Treasurer Dan Devries to investigate the cost of the DROP program through MERS. Motion Carried. Adjourned at 6:23 p.m. Public Safety Committee Minutes 2-9-26 Page 2 of 2 Page 3 of 3