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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC MINUTES 012820251 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 CITY OF ST. ANTHONY CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 28, 2025 I. CALL TO ORDER. Mayor Wendy Webster called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. H. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. Mayor Wendy Webster invited the Council and audience to join her in the Pledge of Allegiance. III. ROLL CALL. Present: Mayor Webster, Councilmembers Doolan, Elnagdy and Randle. Absent: Councilmember Jenson Also Present: City Manager Charlie Yunker and Police Chief Jeff Spiess. CONSIDERATION, DISCUSSION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON ALL OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS. IV. APPROVAL OF JANUARY 28, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA. Motion by Councilmember Doolan, seconded by Councilmember Randle, to approve the City Council Meeting Agenda of January 28, 2025 as presented. Motion carried 4-0. V. PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS. Police Chief Spiess reviewed background information on Officer Shiro and administered the oath of office for Officer Eli Shiro. Mayor Webster congratulated Officer Shiro and thanked him for choosing the St. Anthony Police Department. Councilmembers Doolan, Randle, and Elnagdy also congratulated Officer Shiro. VI. CONSENT AGENDA. A. Approve Janugg 14, 2025 Council Meeting Minutes. B. License and Permits. C. Claims. Motion by Councilmember Elnagdy, seconded by Councilmember Doolan, to approve the Consent Agenda items. Motion carried 4-0. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes January 28, 2025 Page 2 2 VII. PUBLIC HEARING - NONE. 3 4 VIII. REPORTS FROM COMMISSION AND STAFF - NONE. 6 IX. GENERAL BUSINESS OF COUNCIL. 7 8 A. Police Department Strategic Plan Presentation 9 10 Police Chief Spiess reviewed in 2018, the St. Anthony Police Department developed its first 11 Strategic Plan. This plan introduced a revised Vision and Mission and detailed nine departmental 12 goals, along with several objectives for each goal. Input from all members of the police 13 department was sought, and the plan also incorporated valuable community feedback. Since its 14 creation, the Strategic Plan has undergone annual updates to reflect objectives that have been 15 achieved, revised, or otherwise satisfied. It remains a legacy document, guiding both daily 16 actions and long-term goals. 17 18 In 2024, the Strategic Plan underwent its first major renovation since its inception. All 19 department members collaborated in group sessions on multiple occasions to reshape the plan 20 into its current form. During this process, the number of goals was condensed from nine to six 21 for greater focus and manageability. Objectives were reevaluated, and members identified the 22 objectives they would take the lead in achieving. 23 24 A key outcome of this process was the identification of three core departmental values. Each 25 team contributed suggestions for values that best encapsulate the department's culture and 26 approach to service. From these contributions, the following three core values were identified: 27 28 1. Integrity — We uphold the highest standards of honesty, accountability, and 29 professionalism in every action and decision, ensuring trust within our community. 30 2. Courage — We act with strength and determination, facing challenges and uncertainty 31 with confidence to protest and serve our community. 32 3. Compassion — We treat all individuals with empathy, understanding, and respect, 33 recognizing the humanity and dignity of every person we encounter. 34 35 The Goals for the department include: 36 • Community Engagement/Transparency/Accountability — Mentorship programs High 37 School and College; Enhance Social Media; Visibly report officer commendations to 38 community and new community outreach events. 39 • Equipment & Technology — Implement new scheduling and training software; 40 explore upgrade to body camera storage; establish interface for digital data transfer; 41 and explore online option to report traffic complaints. 42 • Training & Professional Development — Quarterly check -ins with members to 43 evaluate career goals; in-house leadership training for supervisors; prioritize 44 attendance at career enhancing schools; and informal alternative learning 45 opportunities. 46 2 3 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes January 28, 2025 Page 3 Safe Streets & Safe Communities — Continue Traffic Data Reporting — Build in Falcon Heights Data; Work collectively with VCET to remedy problem areas; develop a safe community camera registration program; and explore purchase of flock and portable camera systems. Employee Wellness — Launch peer support program; educate officers and staff on cardio wellness app; explore use of fitness reward program and sigma tactical wellness evaluations. Recruitment — Administer the ICPOET Grant; increase the size of cadet program; continue marketing to diverse populations; and enhance retention strategies. Chief Spiess presented the 2025 St. Anthony Police pyramid. Chief Spiess stated he is deeply grateful and proud of the dedication and hard work that went into its creation. Each member of the department is committed to achieving the plan's goals, fulfilling our mission and vision, and embodying the core values that define our service to the community. Councilmember Doolan stated this was a great process and document and she appreciates all the work that has been done. She is glad to hear technology is being used. The Procedural Justice Approach is an incredible program. Councilmember Randle stated he is curious about the portable camera system and asked if we do not already have one. Chief Spiess stated the department does not have one but it would be very helpful. Councilmember Doolan stated this is a great plan. She appreciates the multi -faceted approach. Chief Spiess explained the criteria for traffic stops. Councilmember Elnagdy asked about traffic stops. Chief Spiess stated the majority of stops are for moving violations and traffic safety. No questions are asked about immigration status on traffic stops. Mayor Webster commended Chief Spiess and the department on such an extensive strategic plan. Mayor Webster recently met with Police Department administrative support Kim Brazil and Kim recently worked to create a conference for administrative staff. She took personal time to do this. B. Police Department Drone Pro am Presentation Police Chief Spiess reviewed Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly referred to as drones, offer advanced capabilities for law enforcement, including enhanced situational awareness, search and rescue operations, and improved public safety outcomes. To proceed with the acquisition and deployment of UAVs, the St. Anthony Police Department has prepared a presentation detailing the benefits and safeguards of the proposed Drone Program. In compliance with Minnesota State Statute 626.19(9), the law requires: 2 3 4 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes January 28, 2025 Page 4 1. Public Comment Opportunity: The law enforcement agency must provide an opportunity for public comment before purchasing or using a UAV. Comments must be accepted electronically and by mail. On December 23, 2024, a News Flash was sent announcing the exploration of the Drone Program, along with placement on the City of St. Anthony Village website. As of today, 5 comments were received via electronic communications. The 5 responses included: Supportive, wondering who will pay for drone; Very supportive; Totally in favor; Great idea; and Questions about how drone will be deployed and findings from other drone programs. 2. Governing Body Meeting: The governing body with jurisdiction over the budget of the local law enforcement agency must allow public comment at a regularly scheduled meeting. Also included in the December 23, 2024 announcement was the notice of the opportunity for public comment during the January 28, 2025 City Council meeting. Police Chief Spiess stated the purpose of the Drone Program is to serve the mission of the St. Anthony Police Department: To improve the overall quality of life by preserving the peace and safety of the community. There is currently widespread use of drones in Minnesota law enforcement. As of June 2024, 99 Minnesota law enforcement agencies use drones, and all neighboring police departments to St. Anthony have an active drone program. Drones have widespread use in the location of missing and vulnerable persons, improving security for large- scale public events, and to enhance safety for police officers and the community. Currently St Anthony Police Department has had to rely on outside agencies to assist when the use of a drone is needed. Response is limited to the availability of others. Recently, the use of drones could have been used to assist in locating a missing and vulnerable person, in determining the correct response of officers dispatched to the report of juveniles with firearms, and in locating a burglary suspect inside of a home. There is some concern that the use of drones could impede the privacy afforded to members of our community. Minnesota State Statute 626-19 articulates when and where a drone can be used without the use of a search warrant. These include: • Emergency situation that involves risk of death or bodily harm to a person. • Public event with heightened safety concerns. • Counter risk of terrorist attack. • Prevent loss of life and property in disaster situations. • Conduct threat assessment in anticipation of a special event. • Collect information from public areas if there is reasonable suspicion of criminal activity. • Crash reconstruction of serious collision. • Over public area for officer training or public relations purposes. Per MN State Statute 626-19(12) all UAV deployments without a search warrant must be reported to the Commissioner of Public Safety, which is then disseminated to the public. The Drone Program represents a significant step forward in enhancing the capabilities of the St. Anthony Police Department. By adhering to statutory requirements and fostering community engagement, we aim to implement this program responsibly and effectively. 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes January 28, 2025 Page 5 Councilmember Randle stated he thought we had a portable camera system. He feels this is very important along with the drone for policing. Councilmember Elnagdy asked how much a drone was and Chief Spiess stated between $6,000 and $11,000. Councilmember Doolan asked about life expectancy of a drone. Chief Spiess stated research showed 3-5 years but that depends on amount of use. She asked about the risks involved with drone use. Chief Spiess stated there is extensive training before an officer is certified by the FAA to use a drone. There are safety features. The same liabilities would be encountered as with the use of police vehicles. The focus is building trust and relationships with residents. Mayor Webster stated she received a question from a resident about the use of drones and privacy. The consensus of the Council was in support of drone purchase. C. Police Body Worn Camera (BWC) Audit Police Chief Spiess reviewed a PowerPoint of the Body Worn Camera Biennial Audit Report. This was an independent audit per State Statute 13.825 conducted by Lynn Lembcke Consulting on November 5, 2024. The audit covered the time period of October 16, 2022 through October 31, 2024. Chief Spiess reviewed the 9 elements of the audit: Data Classification — Determine if the data collected by BWCs are appropriately classified — No discrepancies noted. Retention of Data — Determine if the data collected by BWC's are appropriately retained and destroyed in accordance with statutes — No discrepancies noted. Access by Data Subjects — Determine if individuals who are the subject of collected data have access to the data and if data subject requests a copy of the data, other individuals who do not consent to its release must be redacted — No discrepancies noted. Inventory of Devices — Determine the total number of recording devices owned and maintained by the agency; a daily record of the total number of recording devices actually deployed and used by officers, the policies and procedures for use of the portable recording systems as required by MSS 626.8473 — No discrepancies noted. Use of Devices — Determine if peach officers are only allowed to use portable recording systems issued and maintained by the officer's agency — No discrepancies noted. 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes January 28, 2025 Page 6 Authorization to Access Data — Determine if the agency complies with sections 1305. Subd 5. And 13.055 in the operation of portable recording systems and in maintaining recording system data — No discrepancies noted. Sharing Among Agencies — Determine if nonpublic BWC data shared with other law enforcement agencies, government entities, or federal agencies is in accordance with statute — No discrepancies noted. Public Comment — Determine if the law enforcement agency provided an opportunity for public comment before it purchased or implemented a portable recording system and if the governing body with jurisdiction over the budget of the law enforcement agency provided an opportunity for public comment at a regularly scheduled meeting — No discrepancies noted. Councilmember Randle left the meeting at 8:15 p.m. BWC Policy — Determine if a written policy governing the use of portable recording systems has been established and is enforced. — Discrepancy Noted and Remedied — MSS 626.8473(3)(b)(3) Mandate that officers assigned a portable recording system wear and operate the system in compliance with the agency's policy adopted under this section while performing law enforcement activities under the command and control of another chief law enforcement officer or federal law enforcement officer. A copy of the Independent Audit Report was provided for Council consideration. Mayor Webster thanked Chief Spiess for his report and thanked the officers who are using the cameras on a daily basis. Councilmember Doolan thanked Chief Spiess for sharing this information. She asked about the policy and whether the cameras are always turned on. Chief Spiess stated it is on almost always. It is sometimes turned off in sensitive situations. She asked how the data can be accessed. Chief Spiess stated typically the information remains in-house and the policy is followed strictly. X. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER AND COUNCIL MEMBERS. City Manager Yunker reported there will be an Open House on February 3 in the Council Chambers for the Minneapolis Park Board from 5:30 — 7:30 p.m. More information is available on the website. Councilmember Doolan had no report. Councilmember Elnagdy reported on January 22 she attended the Community Meeting at Silver Lake Village with Councilmember Jenson. On January 25 she participated in Chat with the Council along with Mayor Webster. Mayor Webster stated she attended the Goal Setting Sessions on January 15-17, 2025. On January 17 she participated in a phone interview with City Manager Yunker and Liquor 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes January 28, 2025 Page 7 Operations Mike Larson with the Star Tribune. On January 19 she attended the Sweet Potato Comfort Pies event. On January 25, she attended Connect with the Council. XI. COMMUNITY FORUM - NONE. No one appeared to address the City Council. XII. INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENT. A. Future Agenda Items The next regular meeting of the City Council will be held on February 11, 2025. XIII. ADJOURNMENT. Motion by Councilmember Doolan, seconded by Councilmember Elnagdy to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Debbie Wolfe Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. ATTEST: CITY -Clerk - A" Mayor Motion carried 4-0.