Loading...
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. Oty Cound Work Session May 6, 21019 Page 2 of 3 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. city Council Work Session May 6, 2019 Paige 3 of 3 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