HomeMy WebLinkAboutEmergency Services Committee Minutes 09.22.2014 MINUTES
EMERGENCY SERVICES COMMITTEE
SEPTEMBER 22, 2014
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
5:30 P.M.
Members Present: Doug Poehls Clete Knaub
Richard Dawes Tom Nelson
Bill Mountsier Pat Kimmet
Bruce McGee (late)
Others Present: Rick Musson
Jean Kerr
Police Policy
The Police Policy has been reviewed by the committee members. Motion was made by Tom Nelson and
seconded by Bill Mountsier to move the Police Policy to the council for approval. Motion was passed 6 -0.
Bruce McGee wasn't present to vote.
Safety Mill Levy Update
Clete and Chief Musson handed out a written summary of items that would benefit the department by the
passing of a safety mill levy. They expressed that six new patrol officers are needed. That would put two cops
on duty 24/7/365 to ensure coverage for those hours, as well as have coverage for sick and vacation days. They
requested the need for a new car on a yearly rotation basis. The department requires funds for weapons,
software, and misc. Discussion on the importance of educating the public because it is dangerous for the
community if the department is lacking funds to provide the protection needed. Please see the attached
summary.
Jan and Richard have met and they had a few questions. Richard asked if the mill levy would have a
termination date set. The committee did not favor a termination date, so the safety mill levy would be ongoing
to the taxpayers. Jan questioned if a mill levy could be used for payroll. She was told yes. She then mentioned
possibly having a paid ambulance department for 24/7 because there are gaps in coverage with volunteer
ambulance attendants. She spoke regarding the five -year rotation of an ambulance. The ambulance attendants
are educated to provide advanced service but do not have the needed equipment. Clete asked Jan and Richard to
do a written summary of items that would benefit the department by the passing of a safety mill levy.
Bill stated his concern of the school system also having a mill levy on the ballot. He suggested that someone
from the city contact the school and visit with them regarding the concern of presenting a school mill levy and a
city mill levy on the ballot. Doug said he would talk to the school superintendent.
Respectfully submitted,
Neva Hall
Secretary
Doug, as per your request, I met with Chief Musson on Tuesday, 12 August. Total
request for the public safety levy ranges from $465,000 to $507,000 per year. Here is the
break down. This amount of money will buy us six new patrol cops. If we, as a city,
want to have two cops on duty 24/7/365, we need six more bodies. It is simple
arithmetic. There are so many hours in a year. Six more patrolmen ensures we have
enough coverage for those hours as well as to have coverage for sick days and vacation
coverage. Cost for these six new cops? Range is from $420,000 to $462,000. This is
based on seniority pay rates ranging from $70,000 to the most senior pay scale of
$77,000, per year. This covers wages, benefits, and longevity pay. We are also
requesting an additional $40,000 a year for a car on a yearly rotating basis. This will get
the department a new car and will also be enough to retrofit the civilian car to be a cop
car. Finally we are requesting a sum of $5,000 per year for weapons, software, and misc.
equipment purchases. Best, Clete