2022.04.26 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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April 12, 2022 Page 4 of 5 make them aware of these events. A roll call vote was taken. 4 Ayes, 0 Nays-Motion Carried Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas requested the Council now take action authorizing staff to prepare the projects plans and specifications. Motion by Councilmember Allen, seconded by Councilmember Abdulle to authorize staff to prepare the projects plans and specifications. A roll call vote was taken. 4 Ayes, 0 Nays-Motion Carried Council Business 1. Resolution Supporting Statewide Policies and Resources for Public Safety Mental and Physical Injury Education, Prevention and Treatment. City Manager Massopust indicated Public Safety Director Paetznick would be presenting this item to the Council. Public Safety Director Paetznick stated the League of Minnesota Cities is calling for action to address the impact of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on public safety personnel in Minnesota. The League is supporting legislation that accomplishes PTSD prevention, treatment, and funding solutions advanced by member cities and adopted as a legislative policy priority by the League’s Board of Directors. The League encourages cities to adopt a Resolution supporting current public safety duty disability legislation and voice their support to their legislators. He discussed the unique and inherent dangers public safety employees face every day both physical and mental. He reported duty disability applications filed by public safety professionals has more than doubled since 2019. He commented on how the department works to assist public safety employees with their mental health and wellness. Staff commented further on the proposed Public Safety Policy and requested the Council adopt a Resolution of Support. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas requested further information on how rates were being impacted at the League of Minnesota Cities. Public Safety Director Paetznick explained that because there has been an increase in the number of PTSD claims, rates were expected to rise and continue to rise going forward. He noted the majority of cities in the metro area were covered by the League of Minnesota Cities. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas commented on how unfunded mandates were impacting local cities and asked if this message was being heard by the State. Public Safety Director Paetznick reported the issue of officer disabilities and the need for departments to fully fund this expense has been included in the Public Safety Departments budget on a yearly basis. He stated it was nice to see some legislation being proposed to assist with this expense due to the growing concerns law enforcement officers were facing. Councilmember Allen thanked staff for bring this this item before the Council noting this legislation would fit a hole in the current care system for law enforcement officers. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas thanked Public Safety Director Paetznick for his tremendous leadership on behalf of the community and for having a physically and mentally strong public safety team. She explained she appreciated the proactive model and care for officers that was being proposed. Motion by Councilmember Allen, seconded by Councilmember Abdulle to adopt a Resolution Supporting Statewide Policies and Resources for Public Safety Mental and Physical Injury Education, Prevention, and Treatment. Council Business 1 Resolution Supporting Statewide Policies and Resources for Public Safety Mental and Physical Injury Education, Prevention and Treatment.