2018.05.14 Public Safety Commission Packet

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V. Presentations and Public Hearings A. Fire Division Overview – Tony Paetznick, Public Safety Director Director Paetznick provided the Commission with an update on the City’s fire division commenting on their unique staffing model. He reviewed the combined mission of the New Brighton Public Safety Department. He reported the fire staff currently has 44 employees, 43 being volunteers. He discussed the types of calls the fire division responded to, noting this department was not responding to medical calls. He described the ways in which the fire division serves and educates the community on an annual basis. He commented on the compensation the fire division receives for attending training and responding to calls. The New Brighton’s Fire Relief Association pension was discussed at length. He explained the fire division’s pay and staffing model created strong retention rates. The Public Safety organization chart and command structure was described, along with the call volume for the past three years. Staff described how the City selected and maintained its fire apparatus. The fire division’s 2017 annual report was reviewed with the Commission. Discussion included:  Staff discussed the training the fire division members received on a weekly basis.  Staff commented on the importance of replacing batteries and maintaining fire detectors.  Staff noted the City’s water pressure had not changed when New Brighton switched over to Minneapolis water.  The funding for the fire division was discussed.  The Commission commended the fire division for implementing a wise staffing model. VI. Reports and Updates - Continued B. Volunteers in Public Safety (VIPS) Director Paetznick provided the Commission with a handout and reviewed a calendar of upcoming events. He invited the Commission to attend the volunteer recognition dinner on Sunday, April 22nd at 5:00 p.m. at the Community Center. C. Public Safety Update – Director Paetznick Director Paetznick updated the Commission on the staffing levels within the Public Safety Department. He discussed the training opportunities his department would pursue at the Korean Church site. He reported Narcan had been administered to four individuals in 2018. He noted he continues to work with Century College to mentor and recruit future officers. He reviewed the changes that had occurred in the City’s IT Department and noted additional staff members would be hired to assist the City in meeting its changing technological needs. D. Human Rights – Director Paetznick Director Paetznick discussed the Minnesota Elder Justice Center that held a listening session at the Public Safety Center to consider a policy to address vulnerable adult abuse.