07-10-2023 City Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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The Axtell Group will work with staff to identify key stakeholders within the Public Safety Department, other City Departments, and elected officials. Roles and responsibilities would be created for stakeholders as they relate to the individuals’ role in the crisis response. The development of a crisis response plan will serve as a guide for staff and elected officials when such an event occurs. In order to ensure staff and elected officials are familiar with the crisis response plan and their role, a series of table top exercises will be conducted across the identified stakeholders. Fire Equipment for New Tenders: In September 2022, we entered into a contract to purchase two Tenders from Custom Fire and we anticipate that the new Tenders will be delivered in late 2023 or early 2024. In order to fully equipment these two new Tenders, equipment will need to be purchased totaling $156,280. Staff proposes to fund some of this purchase with proceeds from the sale of our current Tender 1 and Tender 2. Given the age of Tender 1 and Tender 2, staff does not believe that the proceeds from the sale of these Tenders will cover the cost of the new equipment. Staff proposes allocating up to $75,000 for the purchase of needed equipment for the new Tenders. Public Safety Personnel Retention & Recruitment: The Public Safety Department continues to experience staffing difficulties within both the Police and Fire Divisions. We have not been fully staffed with police and fire staff for several years and the number of applicants for police and fire positions continues to be low. These staffing challenges are wide spread throughout the Twin Cities metro area as well as throughout our nation. Staff proposes dedicating up to $300,000 to establish a Public Safety Retention & Recruitment program that focuses on a long-term strategy to retain current staff as well as recruitment initiatives that will enhance our pool of public safety applicants. Staff is currently researching options for this retention and recruitment programing that is authorized under current law and will achieve the retention of public safety staff long- term and recruit top talent. Future Public Safety Capital Equipment Funding: If members of Council are supportive of the proposed funding level detailed in this report, that would leave approximately $229,294 to offset future Public Safety Capital Equipment purchases. As more precise costs are determined for the proposed usages contained in this staff report, the amount available for future Public Safety Capital Equipment purchases will likely increase. Staff is seeking Council direction.