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<br />the framework for use of these onetime dollars and to get an idea of thoughts Council has due <br />to 2024-25 budget implications. <br />Staff recommended using the funds to replace the digital evidence system (in-squad and <br />body-worn camera systems); Director Swenson added that this replacement is on the capital <br />replacement plan for 2025 but that higher failure rates are beign experienced now; <br />additionally, the software (Panasonic) will no longer be supporting the backend server used <br />by Public Safety as of the end of 2024. He proposed allocating up to $200,000 to replace the <br />system. <br />Other recommendations: PS wellness initiative was implemented using forfeiture dollars; <br />because of that only 1:1 services were offered. To police staff. Director Swanson also <br />proposed the following additional allocations: <br />- Up to $100,000 to include firefighters in the Public Safety Wellness Initiative. <br />- Up to $25,000 to hire a consultant to work on an organizational response plan. <br />- Up to $75,000 to purchase additional equipment needed for the new tenders. <br />- Approximately $300,000 for recruitment and retention funds, noting that applicant numbers <br />have been low and Public Safety has not been fully staffed for some time. <br />Director Swanson stated that the propsoed allocations would leave approximately $229,000; <br />he suggested application of those remaining dollars toward capital purchases in the future as <br />there are some large purchases on the horizon. <br />He also noted that there is no deadline for use of the funds. <br />Councilmember Lyden proposed using the funds to install an elementary school resource <br />officer (SRO) who would travel to all elementary schools in the city, paired with a K9 officer <br />to start building relationships. Director Swanson replied that Public Safety has not received a <br />request from any of the schools for additional SRO’s and further noted that these are onetime <br />dollars which would make it difficult to support new positions. <br />Councilmember Lyden also suggested a donation to Alexandra House and a one-day <br />community event sponsored by the police to encourage community involvement. <br />Councilmember Ruhland requested more clarification related to the recruitment proposal. <br />Director Swenson replied that while there needs to be a lot more flushing out – the focus <br />would be on long term/5-10 year employees; in terms of salaries, he noted these are one time <br />dollars so if used for a wage increase it creates a budget issue long term. He said he is <br />looking to structure something that would encourage retention (10 years), a one-time <br />payout/bonus. <br />Councilmember Stoesz asked if Council can decide on a policy to allocate a certain percent <br />each year then park the money into the capital equipment purchases in an effort push the <br />discussion to budget time? <br />Mayor noted some disspointment that Deputy Director Dan L’Allier did not have more <br />information/input contained in the recommendations as he believes there are far more serious <br />issues in the fire dept than in police. Mayor Rafferty added that he likes what was brought <br />before Council but wants more into the thought-process. <br />Councilmember Ruhland commented that he would like to see these funds go into a special <br />fund designated for Public Safety programs.