HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-06-2019 Work SessionMeeting of COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
Date of Meeting: May 6, 2019
Time of Meeting: 7 pm
Location of Meeting. Conference Room #1
Purpose of Meeting: Work Session
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL - The meeting was called to order at 7 pm
Present: Mayor Schmitt, Councilmembers Murzyn Jr, Novitsky, Williams, and Buesgens
Also present: Kellj Bourgeois-City Manager, Lenny Austin-Police Chief, Gary Gorman-Fire Chief, Kevin Hansen -
Public Works Director, Erik Johnston-Police Capt, and Shelley Hanson-Administrative Asst.
1. Discuss Drone Proposal
The Police and Fire Depts have joined efforts to make a request for the purchase of a drone that would be a
practical tool for enhancing their operations. Austin felt it would be useful for suspect searches, surveRlance,
search and rescue, emergency management, fire scene overview, disaster assessment, and community
events. It also could be utilized by the Public Works Dept. for inspection of water towers and other city
buildings, diseased trees, and utility management, Currently, Columbia Heights must use the Anoka County
Sheriff's Office equipment for emergencies which comes from the north end of Anoka County when needed:.
Response, time can be lengthy when time is usually an issue. Since 2017 we have requested use of the Anoka
County equipment 6 times. This is in addition to getting assistance of neighboring canine units, which
occurred 37 times in 2018. Using a drone would reduce the number of times the canine unit would be
needed, and would provide a much faster response time.
Johnston reviewed the list of equipment that would' be needed' as recommended by Anoka County Sheriff's
office and the Lakeville Fire Dept which both utilize drones. The estimated cost of the equipment is $42,000,
along with training costs amounting to $650 per operator initially. The license for each operator would be
$150 every two years. It was suggested to train a few employees in each department to have an operator
available the majority of the time. A model policy would be established which would include the situations
and events the drone would be used for.
Buesgens asked how far the drone can fly from its starting point. Johnston told members that it has a 5 mile
range, but for our purposes, it would be used at a closer range.
Novits,ky asked if any of the six cases where we borrowed Anoka County's, were successful. Johnston said it
did help on some of them. He gave an example of being able to track a burglary suspect through the snow by
tracing his footprints with the heat sensing equipment on the drone, and they were able to apprehend him.
Schmitt questioned the costs for training and licensing to get a better understanding. Johnston explained it
would cost about $500 per person to train them on how to use the equipment. Then they would have to
take a test from the FAA to obtain a license. The license fees are $150 every two years. Murzyn then asked
how many would be trained initially. He said there should be 2-3 from each dept. (Police, Fire, and Public
Works) so there's a better chance someone would be available that knows how to use it. He reminded'
members that there would be extra costs incurred if additional personnel are called in to cover for someone
who is called away to run the drone.
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Buesgens liked the fact that three depts, would be using this equipment. She also thought more than the
proposed 2-4 employees should be trained. She asked if we have been charged for using Fridley's canine
units. Johnston said they have not charged us, and that it is possible they will also want to use our drone on
occasion whiich, enhances the joint cooperation we have between our cities. Buesgens asked whether there is
insurance available in case the drone is damaged. Austin stated they are researching that with the League
and will bring more iinformation back to the Council if they are open to the idea.
Austin was asked what the costs of this drone system is compared to having a canine. He said the drone is
about half the cost. The cost of the dog is minimal, but then you have to factor in the expense of training the
dog, the vet bills, and cost of lawsuits when a canine is involved in an incident.
The general consensus of the Council was they are in favor of obtaining this equipment and would like to get
more information on costs so that it can be incorporated into the 2020 budget discussions. Austin said staff
will move forward to gather more information and prepare a "needs versus wants" list for them to consider.
2. Discussion regarding Central Avenue Cleanup
Austin notified members that the Police Dept is working with Public Works and Community Development
staff to revitalize or clean up Central Ave and 401h Avenue. The first focus area will be Central Ave, from 37th
Avenue to 40th Avenue. He explained notices will be sent out asking owners to clean up their sites. Then
staff will be doing a walk through of the area and will speak to owners who may have issues to address. They
will look at Fire Safety items as a priority, then general maintenance of the property. He said' they are just
completing the Sheffield area which was their prior targeted area. He just wanted members aware of this in
case they receive any calls from residents or business owners. He told them to direct any calls to him or
Gary. ,
Schmitt asked what sort of improvements staff was requiring and the costs involved to make them. Austin
said it usually is for yard clean up and getting rid of outside storage items. Sometimes, vehicles need to be
repaired or licensed in order to be compliant. If larger home improvement items need to be addressed, staff
works with the owner and directs them to funding help in order to help them get started on maintaining
their property. Buesgens likes the fact that staff will be going door to door and make contact with owners to
let them, know we care about our City.
3. Firefighters requesting a meeting with City Council
Bourgeois told members that she is aware that the firefighters have requested a meeting with the City
Council to discuss the results of the staffing study that was recently done. If the Council chooses to meet
with them, it must be posted 3 days in advance as a Public Meeting. She told members, that neither she, nor
the Fire Chief, was invited to attend this meeting. While she appreciates that they are concerned about the
staffing study and that they want to share their thoughts, she didn't appreciate the way they went around
her to address it. Bourgeois told members she felt it was important for the Council, Division Heads and
herself to discuss the study and confirm what they agree with and what they don't. She explained she has
issues with the study also, but before she or the Council can answer the firefighters questions or concerns,
they need to work through it and be in agreement first. She told members that we all may have the same
concerns.
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Therefore, the Special Council meeting being held Thursday, May 9'hl, from 3-5 pm is the first opportunity for
the Council and Management to discuss the results of the study. This will be a public meeting, but publlic
comment will not be taken..
Murzyn: asked if it would appropriate for him to go talk to the firefighters group and explain that the Council
needs to discuss the study first and that the date they have requested won't work for the Council. He will
also relay that they need to follow proper procedure and schedule the meeting through the City Manager so
it can be legally posted. He will also let them know that they can send questions/comments to Bourgeois
after the May 9th meeting and she will share them with the Council and that a meeting can be set uip at a later
date if one is still warranted. The council members all agreed Mlurzyn should! go talk to them and postpone
the meeting that was requested for May 14 th
Other Items:
1. Bourgeois received a message from the School Superintendent and they would like to schedule a
joint meeting in September.
2. Schmitt would (like to schedule our goal setting session prior to that September meeting with the
School District.
3. Bourgeois reminded members of the Prayer Breakfast May 7 th
4. She told members that staff is working on setting up a non-profit for the upcoming 100th
Anniversary celebration in 2021,
HE
Respectively Submitted,
Shelley Hanson-NOministrafive Assistant