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1f. Public Safety Commission Minutes October 10, 1996.I � PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES OCTOBER 10, 1996 PRESENT: Don Chmiel, Steve Labatt, Greg Weber, Brian Beniek, Eldon Berkland, Bill Bernhjelm, ABSENT: Jim Sloss STAFF PRESENT: Scott Harr, Public Safety Director, Bob Zydowsky, Deputy Public Safety Director, Beth Hoiseth, Crime Prevention Specialist Chairperson Weber opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. Commissioner Weber motioned, Commissioner Bernhjelm seconded, to approve the September 12, 1996 minutes as written. All voted in favor and the motion passed. FIRE DEPARTMENT Director Harr noted that the programs presented by Fire Department personnel during Fire Prevention Week, which ends with the Open House on October 13, have been very successful. SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT Captain Ron Holt updated the Commission on the State auditor's report, assuring the Commission that service will not be affected. INSPECTION DIVISION No report. PUBLIC SAFETY EDUCATION /CRIME PREVENTION ' Crime Prevention Specialist Hoiseth reported that there has been more interest in the Neighborhood Watch Program lately, with several watch meetings scheduled in the next two weeks. She has also contacted more local businesses, with Pillsbury and Redmond especially showing interest in working ' with her. Specialist Hoiseth gave a "Consumer Fraud" presentation to a group of Chanhassen senior citizens last month, and is working on a crime prevention presentation to be given at the Arboretum. ' Specialist Hoiseth announced that the name chosen for the remote controlled crime prevention car is "Scooter." She also mentioned that "Trading Cards" with pictures of Public Safety personnel and a safety message on back of each, will soon be made, courtesy of a Pillsbury grant. Commissioner Bernhjelm, the City of Edina's Police Chief, passed around his "card" as an example of what will be done in Chanhassen. ' Specialist Hoiseth said that the City Hall is upgrading security with more cameras and recorders. The new addition will be secured and there will be outside video surveillance. Public Safety Commission Meeting October 10, 1996 Page 2 Specialist Hoiseth stated that, following an apparent theft of money from the administration area of City Hall, a safe was purchased at her suggestion, and now every department puts their money into the safe at the end of each day. PUBLIC SAFETY OLD BUSINESS Director Harr asked Commissioner Berkland to present an update on his suggestion that "Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) be placed in squad cars serving Chanhassen. Commissioner Berkland believes that, given the average response times of Fire Department Personnel (5.5 to 6.6 minutes) and Sheriff's Deputies (4.5 to 4.68 minutes), response times are so excellent that at this time the expense may not be as worthwhile as a time when response times may increase. Commissioner Berkland believes the City should wait for the new generation of defibrillators, which will cost less money. Commissioner Bernhjelm said that his officers in Edina, whose squad cars are equipped with AEDs haven't used them often. The Commission will continue to be aware of this matter. As part of the Public Safety Commission's continuing effort to evaluate the future needs of Chanhassen, Director Harr was asked for input on the animal control contract. Director Harr stated that it has become increasingly difficult to have the CSOs meet Chanhassen's needs while continuing with the service demands of the animal control contract. Deputy Director Zydowsky stated that he would like to see the animal control program continue in Chanhassen, but to reconsider it in the other five cities we contract with. Commissioner Beniek said he would like to see the CSOs patrolling parks, schools, etc. instead of chasing down dogs in other cities. Director Harr said that he will come to the next meeting with a formal statement regarding the animal control issue. He said the CSOs help to keep the deputy hours down, which is an issue with increasing demands on CSOs here in Chanhassen. Director Harr said he would like to see the "Clinton Cop" hours divided as 20 hours on the street and 20 hours in investigation. The Commission agreed that the "Clinton Cop" issue be tabled until the next meeting because of pending issues with the County. NEW BUSINESS Regarding Director Harr's recommendation that the position of Fire Marshal be upgraded and a new position of Fire Inspector /Training Coordinator be created, he said that the response of the membership at last week's Fire Department meeting was very supportive. Commissioner Labatt motioned to endorse the Fire Inspector /Training Coordinator position as submitted, Commissioner Berkland seconded the motion, and the motion passed, with Commissioner's Beniek and Weber abstaining because of their membership in the Fire Department. Director Harr said he would like to see the new position filled from within the Fire Department, instead of bringing in an outsider. He believes that promoting someone who is respected by the department would be best. Commissioner Weber said he believes the membership also wants the position to be tilled from within. Commissioner Labatt supported posting for the new position in house. Commissioner Labatt motioned for the position to be tilled by promoting from within, Commissioner J G 'J L Public Safety Commission Meeting October 10, 1996 Page 3 Bernhjelm seconded, Commissioners Beniek and Weber abstained (because of their membership in the fire department), and the motion was carried. Commissioner Labatt motioned to adjourn, Commissioner Beniek seconded, and the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 PM. Respectfully submitted this 11t day of October, 1996 by Elizabeth Burgett, Support Services gAsafety \ss \psc 1010