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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Public Safety Committee 2008-08-21RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS ' Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, August 21, 2008 Minutes of a Regular meeting of the PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE of the Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado. Meeting held in the Town Hall in said Town of Estes Park on the 21s1 day of August, 2008. Committee: Chair Eisenlauer, Trustees Ericson and Homeier Attending: Chair Eisenlauer and Trustee Ericson Also Attending: Deputy Town Administrator Richardson, Chief Kufeld, Chief Dorman and Clerk Williamson Absent: Trustee Homeier and Town Administrator Halburnt Chair Eisenlauer called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. PUBLIC COMMENT None. POLICE DEPARTMENT Larimer Emergency Telephone Authority (LETA) Surcharge — Request Approval. The Larimer County Telephone Authority recommends the monthly 911 access facility charge for telephone/cellular phone communication at $.45 a month per phone for the year 2009. These fees fund all 911 related costs required to operate the Estes Park Communication Center's computers, software and training of 911 dispatchers. The service charge has not changed from the previous years. The Committee recommends approval of the $.45 surcharge for 911 services operated by LETA and the associated Resolution. Update Wireless Network Mobile Data Terminals — Request Approval. In 2003, the Town Board approved a wireless network to provide the police officers in the field with connectivity for records management, radio communication and police reporting. This digital communication system was funded by a Byrne grant. Laptop computers were purchased and antennas mounted to all patrol vehicles to provide Mobile Data Terminals (MDT) in each of the vehicles. This enabled the officers to cut contact time in half, allow dispatchers to concentrate on incoming calls, increase officer safety with "silent dispatching" (no scanners to exchange information), provide officers with a direct link to databases such as the Colorado Crime Information Center/National Crime Information Center, Triburon, and the country -wide records management system, and utilize the Mobile Citation devices for traffic summonses and parking citations. This technology has become antiquated, failed numerous times, replacement parts are unavailable and connectivity down to 30%. Therefore, the department has researched replacement options and applied for a second Bryne grant, which was denied. The department would like to recommend using the infrastructure already supported by local wireless companies such as AT&T or Verizon. This would include the purchase of monthly wireless cards, On -Board Mobile Gateway units (OMGs) to read the cards and a T-1 phone line to allow direct connectivity to the Town's network system (maintained by IT) at an upstart cost of $19,280. This cost includes the purchase of 8 OMGs with installation for $18,800 and 8 wireless cards for $480 for the month of December. The T-1 line would be requested at an upcoming Utilities Committee meeting. Future costs would include the monthly purchase of 8 wireless cards at $480/month. Upgrading the current system would cost over $100,000 and would require upgrades every 4 to 5 years. The proposed option would place the infrastructure costs on the larger provider. This system would provide approximately 70% coverage throughout the valley and would increase the visibility of the police officers in the community, a known crime deterrent. The T-1 line could also be utilized in the future by other Town departments such as Meter, Water, L&P and GIS. After further discussion, the Committee RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Public Safety Committee — August 21, 2008 — Page 2 recommends approval to purchase the On -Board Mobile Gateways and wireless cards at a cost of $19,280 from account #101-2155-421-26-33. Seqwav Purchase — Request Approval. The Police Department purchased a Segway in 2005 to provide a presence in the downtown area and allow for greater accessibility to the downtown corridor during congested periods. The vehicle has also proven to be a valuable tool during parades and other events. The current vehicle has been used extensively and requires major repairs; therefore, the department would like to purchase a second vehicle with newer technology at a lower unit cost. In addition, the older model has been phased out and parts will no longer be available. The new unit would also be equipped with the Police package for a price of $6,459.58. The Committee recommends approval to purchase a X2 Personal Transporter (Segway) at a cost of $6,459.58. Report: 1. School Resource Officer (SRO) Report: Officer Polucha stated the SRO provides law enforcement, education and prevention to the student body and the faculty at all three schools. He reviewed statistics from the previous school year: 89 dispositions with 18 forwarded to the County Court, 26 to Municipal Court, 5 to Restorative Justice and 40 warnings. Charges ranged from disorderly conduct, theft, harassment, drug and alcohol possession and criminal mischief. Education and Prevention assemblies and courses were conducted at all three schools and included M.A.D.D., Teen Driving Course, D.U.I., N.O.T., Alive at 25, Teen Police Academy, K-9 Demonstration, Safety Fair, E.C.H.O., Bullying and Halloween Safety. Additional courses will be presented in the 2008-2009 school year and include Internet Safety, Emergency Preparedness and OLWEUS Bully Proofing. Officer Polucha stated he has formed relationships with the individual kids and developed a positive image for the Police Department. 2. Municipal Court Fines: Chief Kufeld informed the Committee that surcharges collected with parking tickets was an error. The Police and Finance Departments have worked together to refund the surcharge to those that could be identified. Many tourist use rental cars and could not be identified as tickets are issued by license plate and not individual names. 3. Golf Tournament Report: Chief Kufeld stated the 22nd annual Chief's Golf Tournament was held on August 8th with 127 attendees. The $920.56 raised will be donated to local charities such as the Boys and Girls Golf Clubs at the Estes Park High School and Partners Mentoring Youth. FIRE DEPARTMENT Report: 1. Local Fire Conditions and Larimer County's Adoption of Fire Restrictions Report: Chief Dorman reported Larimer County placed fire restrictions in the unincorporated area of Estes Park on July 29th. The Town did not issue similar restrictions as the Municipal Code already contains restrictions in line with Larimer County's. Fire restrictions have been lifted by the County due to the rain received. 2. Fire District Task Force: The Task Force will present their recommendations to the public on September 11th and 18th at 7:00 p.m. in the Board room. There being no further business, Chair Eisenlauer adjourned the meeting at 8:55 a.m. APPROVED SEP - 9 7^^ J kie Williamson, Town Clerk TOWN OF ESTES PARK BOARD OF TRUSTEES