2023.06.12 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Meeting Minutes for June 12, 2023 Page 2 of 12 were Detective Jaring and Deputies Reiter, Monsma, Curtis, Workman, Peterson, and Lioland. Starry introduced Deputy Chief Doug Anschutz, who had been with the Department for 27 years and Commander Tim Harris, who had been with the Department for 22 years. Starry provided a summery of 2022 that included a breakdown of the $1.3 million contract for Hugo police services explaining the cost was $83.88 per capita using an estimated population of 16,400. This may increase in 2024. The County Board will be setting salaries in November, and will be requesting to add another deputy. Their 2022 focus and initiatives included recruitment and retention. He explained the C.O.R.E. program that provided resources to support the deputies and their families so they are at their best. He talked about Deputies Curtis, Peterson and Monsma who were DARE instructors and the importance of making those connections early on. Starry provided stats that showed department gets about 400 calls per hour. There were 8,583 calls for service in 2022 and 370 cases investigated by Detective Jaring. Data showed arrests increased by 25% over the previous year. Motor vehicle accidents increase by 27%, and mental health call increased by 448, and he talked about the importance of de-escalation. Fleeing in motor vehicles was happening daily. Traffic complaints and crashes increase in the summer throughout the county. Person in crises calls increased 34% from last year to 172., and overdoses in Hugo decreased to five from seven in 2023. Medication drop boxes help, and one located in Hugo City Hall. The Coordinated Response Ream gets people immediate help through social services. A Specialized Enforcement Team focuses on traffic issues. The Specialized Investigations Unit does a lot of work behind the scene and focuses on crime trends. They have also recently authorized the Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) during chases to end chases as soon as possible. He concluded by thanking the Council, staff, and residents for their support and was proud and thankful to serve Hugo. Miron asked about community engagement. Starry talked about their therapy dog “Rookie” and the dog’s ability to ease tension of persons in crises. Deputy Kelly was recently on the news for her program “Kelly Cares” that involves building relationships with school kids by giving them rides to school. Petryk commented on the positive things about Hugo and the importance of people feeling safe. Weidt said he appreciated the relation the City had with the County, and he asked about the additional deputy. Starry responded that talks would continue. Recess Weidt called for a short recess at 7:47 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 7:52 p.m. Consent Agenda Miron made motion, Strub seconded, to approve the following Consent Agenda: 11.. Approve Claims Roster 2. Approve Annual Performance Review for Public Works Mechanic Steven Garcia 3. Approve Annual Performance Review for Public Works Worker Corey Triemert