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8. Q1 2024 Public Safety Update <br />Public Safety Director John Swenson provided a detailed update on public safety statistics. <br />Director Swenson proposed bringing a final job offer to a particular candidate on the <br />condition of them successfully obtaining the post license; trying to secure talent before <br />someone else takes them. <br />The Council agreed with the proposal of a conditional job offer. <br />9. Request for Proposals for Public Safety Consultant <br />Public Safety Director John Swenson reviewed his staff report detailing that during the April <br />1, 2024, Council Work Session, staff was directed by a majority of the Council to develop a <br />draft Request for Proposals (RFP) to identify a consultant to develop options for the delivery <br />of fire service in the community. The council also desired to examine the creation of a <br />stand-alone Fire Department and Police Department and interview police staff on cross- <br />training to serve as firefighters. Swenson reviewed the process in preparing the draft RFPs <br />for review. <br />Councilmembers Cavegn, Lyden, and Ruhland expressed their support for RFPs for both Fire <br />and Police. <br />Mayor Rafferty would like to set up a meeting with the City Administrator of Shakopee to <br />see what they did and what works. Councilmember Lyden does not want to meddle with <br />the process. Director Swenson stated anybody who responds to the proposal is required to <br />explain why they are qualified. <br />Director Swenson stated the consultant we hire would be responsible for obtaining <br />information about our organization. Asking questions will involve interacting with the RFP. <br />This is the work product of all our staff. <br />Councilmember Lyden asked Director Swanson what the best practice is moving forward. <br />Director Swanson recommends moving forward with the Fire and Police RFPs and soliciting <br />responses, and then we establish a deadline and bring it back to the council to select a <br />vendor. <br />Mayor Rafferty suggests hiring an outside consultant to head the project, not City staff. <br />Councilmember Cavegn proposed we continue the path we are on. <br />Mayor Rafferty is not ready to make a recommendation as he would like more information. <br />Councilmember Lyden supported staff’s involvement in the RFPs for Fire and Police. <br />Councilmember Stoesz suggested discussing this topic at the next work session. <br />63 of 99