2022.12.13 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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November 22, 2022 Page 4 of 6 The Public Hearing was opened at 7:05 p.m. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas asked for additional comments, there were none. Motion by Councilmember Abdulle, seconded by Councilmember Dunsworth to close the Public Hearing. A roll call vote was taken. 5 Ayes, 0 Nays - Motion Carried The Public Hearing was closed at 7:06 p.m. Councilmember Abdulle requested further information from staff on what were authorized uses for a drone. Public Safety Director Paetznick described the uses that were authorized per State Statute and do not require a warrant. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas questioned what feedback staff received from the Public Safety Commission. Sergeant Farmer explained the Public Safety Commission questioned how the drone would be used and offered many positive comments about the proposed drone program. Councilmember Allen recalled the Public Safety Commission questioned how long the data would be stored and wanted to be assured drones were not looking into houses, unless there was an active investigation. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas asked if Ramsey County had a drone program. Public Safety Director Paetznick reported Ramsey County and the City of Roseville have drone programs. He explained Maplewood, North St. Paul and St. Paul were in the process of starting their own drone programs. He understood that the organizations with drones were using them frequently and were assisting with reducing the number of use of force incidents. Sergeant Farmer commented on how the policing environment has changed over the past several years and noted there was a push to put time and space between officers and suspects to reduce the use of force incidents. He explained drones have been a great tool for departments to utilize to keep residents safe, while also respecting the sanctity of life for all residents in New Brighton. Public Safety Director Paetznick indicated the proposed drone would be utilized by both the Public Safety Department and the Fire Department because this would be a valuable tool for both departments. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas questioned how the drone would be used through a mutual aid agreement. Public Safety Director Paetznick described how the drone would be used per the current mutual aid agreement within one of the nine permitted categories. Councilmember Abdulle suggested the Public Safety Department consider how to communicate or engage with the public when the drone was deployed and what information can be shared with the public. Public Safety Director Paetznick stated department staff was considering how to engage the public on when the drone was deployed and to be sure the public knows when the drone can and cannot be deployed. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas commented she appreciated all of the work the Public Safety Department had done on the drone program and she fully supported the program moving forward. Council Business 1. Consider Ordinance 894: Catalytic Convertor Possession. City Manager Massopust indicated Public Safety Director Paetznick would be presenting this item to the Council. Public Safety Director Paetznick stated in a further effort to address catalytic converter thefts in the community, Public Safety is recommending that New Brighton join other metro cities in enacting a possession ordinance for local law enforcement authority. Both the City Attorney and municipal prosecution law firms have reviewed the proposed language. He commented further on the proposed Ordinance and recommended approval. Council Business 1. Consider Ordinance 894: Catalytic Convertor Possession.