Everest Metro Police Joint Finance Committee

Meeting Minutes of Joint Meeting of the Everest Metropolitan Police Department Joint Finance Committee and the Everest Metro Municipal Court Finance Committee, dated 5/26/2021 Present: Mark Maloney – President; Village of Weston Nathan Fiene – Trustee; Village of Weston (Late due to work) Yee Leng Xiong – Trustee; Village of Weston Milt Olson – Chairman; Town of Weston Kregg Hoehn – Mayor; City of Schofield Denny Richmond – Alderman; City of Schofield Clay Schulz- EMPD Police Chief John Rusinek – EMPD Operations Captain Nick Aldrich – EMPD Administrative Captain Absent: Kari Carroll – Alderman; City of Schofield I. CALL TO ORDER A. Joint Finance Chair Maloney opened the meeting at 1601 hrs. Roll call. B. Approval of minutes of meeting held, March 4, 2021. *M/S/P Richmond / Xiong II. NEW BUSINESS – EMMC A. Chief Schulz discussed the possible approval to apply for a COPS Grant that would provide funds towards the addition of a new Officer. COPS Grant has requirements of 25% match, a three year commitment, and a 12 month commitment to keep the position following completion of the grant’s funding. A motion was made to approve the application for the grant. *M/S/P Fiene / Xiong B. Chief Schulz discussed the possible approval to purchase recruitment materials using the Police Donation Fund. The material cost is $950, which includes the design and physical materials (1000 pamphlets, full color table throw, and premium retractable banner with stand). Committee discussed receiving bids or using other print services for future projects. There was also a discussion on the PD purchasing some campaign style signs that support the police, such as “Back the Badge.” The money to purchase these signs was recommended to come out of the police donation fund and then accept donations in exchange for the signs. Chair Maloney said he would look into this further. A motion was made to approve the purchase of recruitment materials using the Police Donation Fund. *M/S/P Hoehn / Fiene C. Chairman Olson started a discussion on recommendations and possible use of American Rescue Plan (ARPA) Funds for public safety. Motion made for Joint Finance Committee Members to go back to their boards to discuss use of ARPA funds to assist EMPD. * Hoehn / Olson D. Chief Schulz discussed the need for possible action on benefit modifications to the EMPPA bargaining agreement regarding new hires. Increase in PTO (vacation and sick leave) for new hires would help with recruitment and retention. Recommendation made for Bargaining Committee to set a meeting to discuss this issue further. E. Chief Schulz discussed current EMPD staffing and service levels, as well as comparisons to departments of similar size / population. Charts and statistics were distributed regarding this discussion. Committee Members were given a booklet with further information to review. IV. CHIEF’S REPORT – A. Department Updates- EMPD is continuing with recruitment due to three vacancies. Command staff had two interviews today and is sending three candidates to the Police Commission on Tuesday (June 1, 2021) for interviews. V. COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS: Nate Fiene – Will be attending Rothschild Board meeting, intends to start discussion on ROPD / EMPD merger. This is on his own time and not on behalf of the board. Mark Maloney – Gave reminder of the need to be nice to our neighbours. VI. DATE FOR NEXT MEETING: TBD VII. ADJOURN: Meeting was adjourned at approximately 1835 hrs. *M/S/P Richmond / Fiene