2023.09.12 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Worksession August 22, 2023 5:00 pm Present: Mayor Kari Niedfeldt-Thomas Councilmember Abdullahi Abdulle Councilmember Graeme Allen Councilmember Pam Axberg Councilmember Emily Dunsworth Absent: Staff in Attendance: Devin Massopust, Tony Paetznick Guests in Attendance: Public Safety Department Organizational Assessment Massopust reported Public Safety Director Paetznick would be providing the Council with a presentation on a potential organizational assessment for the Public Safety Department. He noted the department recently looked at adding an embedded social worker but this has been put on pause in order to take a look at the overall scope of the department. He explained the State has allocated funding that would assist with the proposed assessment. Paetznick stated much has changed in the department, City, and worldwide since the creation of New Brighton Public Safety in August 2000. Looking to the future, Public Safety is at point in its organizational history that staff believes its timely to engage an outside subject matter expert to analyze and make recommendations for staffing and structure of the agency to meet the current and projected police, fire, and emergency management needs of the community. It was noted soliciting proposals from consultants to perform this work was common. He noted other metro area communities have undertaken similar processes recently, including Woodbury, Minnetonka, and Oakdale. He commented further on the services provided by the police and fire departments. Paetznick reviewed the mission statement for the department which was to partner with the community through dedicated efforts to protect, serve, and educate. In addition, the department values and promotes a respect for human dignity by ensuring a common goal of a safe community. He commented further on the history of the department, which has been around since the mid 1940’s. Councilmember Abdulle asked when the police and fire departments merged into the Public Safety Department. Paetznick explained this occurred in 2000. He commented on the how staff members shifted when the departments merged. Further discussion ensued regarding the solid emergency management team the department had in place which would serve the public in emergency situations.