HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Public Safety Committee 2004-03-25RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, March 25, 2004
Minutes of a Regular meeting of the PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE of
the Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado. Meeting held in the
Municipal Building in said Town of Estes Park on the 25th day of March,
2004.
Committee:
Attending:
Also Attending:
Chairman Gillette, Trustees Jeffrey -Clark and Newsom
All
Town Administrator Widmer, Police Chief Richardson,
Chief Dorman, Police Commander van Deutekom
Deputy Clerk van Deutekom
Absent: None
Chairman Gillette called the meeting to order at 7:30 a.m.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Chief Richardson introduced new officer James Carsto who began his employment on
March 15t. James recently graduated from Arapaho Community College and has lived
in Colorado for the past 6 years.
Disabled American Veterans Parking — Approval Request. Ted ShanksNeterans
Services Incorporated (VSI) explained that VSI is a private non-profit group that
provides transportation services to local veterans. The local VSI group presented a
request for a designated parking space within the Municipal Parking Lot to park their
vehicle and advertise their service. The Committee recommends allocating a
parking space behind the Police Dept. in the Municipal Parking Lot for the local
VSI vehicle.
Fire
and
Reports
Review of Municipal Code Chapter 9.32.060 — False Alarms. Chief Richardson
briefed the Committee on the Dept.'s procedure to notify business owners (with alarm
systems) of their intent to enforce Chapter 9.32, Section 060, False Alarm Charges &
Penalties. In 2002, Business owners were notified by letter (and given a year) to correct
any problems with their alarm systems. Chief Richardson reported that 186 false
alarms were reported in 2002 compared to 129 in 2003, representing a 70% decrease
in false alarm billings. Businesses are currently allowed 4 false alarms prior to receiving
a fine. Consensus was reached by the Committee that 4 alarms is extremely generous
and consistent with fine scales nationwide.
Animal Medical Center Agreement. Chief Richardson reported that the Dept. has an
agreement with the Animal Medical Center to impound animals at a cost of $7,200 per
year. Staff believes there may be an opportunity to reduce the cost of this service and
requests re -bidding this service. The Committee recommends staff solicit bids for
the animal impound service, returning to the Committee for further action.
Letter from County Commissioner Rennels. The Board of County Commissioners is
forming a Citizens' Criminal Justice Committee to examine the criminal justice process
and infrastructure and to make recommendations for improvement, changes, and
investment. This group will convene approximately twice a month for the next 6
months. They are requesting a representative from the Town Board serve on this
committee to assist in addressing this critical issue. Chief Richardson will attend the
March 30th meeting on behalf of the Town Board. Following the April 6th Municipal
Election, Board members will be given the opportunity to represent Estes Park and
volunteer for this committee.
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Public Safety Committee — March 25, 2004 — Page 2
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Estes Park Fire Protection District Service Plan. Town Board Goal #7 was
established to investigate the feasibility of creating a fire district for the service area of
the Estes Park Volunteer Fire Dept. Last year a committee was formed to develop a
Fire Protection District Service Plan. Members of the committee included the Town
Administrator, Town Attorney, Mayor, Trustee, Fire Chief, 2 Dept. Heads, and a
member of the Volunteer Fire Dept. At the September 9, 2003 Town Board meeting,
the Board authorized the Fire District Action Team to proceed with establishment of a
fire district. Part of the formation consists of developing and providing a Service Plan to
the County Commissioners. The service plan must include the following information:
> The description of the property to be included
> Description of the proposed service
> Financial plan (how services will be financed, including revenue derived from
property taxes)
> Map of the special district, including an estimated population and valuation for
assessment of the district
> A general description of the facilities to be constructed
> A general description of the estimated cost of acquiring land and operation services
> A description of any arrangement with any other political subdivision for provision of
any services
Discussion was held regarding commercial property taxes, public safety requirements,
tax equity, and fire district staffing levels. Concluding all discussion, the Committee
recommends the Estes Park Fire Protection District Service Plan be submitted to
the Larimer County Commissioners for their approval.
Reports.
Emergency Buddy Breathing Systems (EBBS). EBBS devices have been installed
on all air packs.
Grant Updates.
O FEMA. Funds are being requested for a mobile burn unit (trailer) to assist the
Dept. in life fire training. This is a 90/10 matching grant.
O Wellness & Fitness. This program is in place and has been extremely beneficial
to the Dept. All volunteers have completed their physical/stress tests and met
with a dietitian and weight trainer to develop individualized wellness/fitness
programs.
O Decontamination Trailer. This unit has been ordered and should be received
early May.
O Wildland Fire Engine. This unit has been ordered. The truck is currently being
built and should be received the end of May.
Big Thompson Canyon Fire. Chief Dorman briefed the Committee on the Big
Thompson Canyon structure fire that occurred last week. No firemen were injured;
however, the homeowners were treated for smoke inhalation.
Chief Dorman discussed the current water levels and fire ban potential. Forest Service
and National Park officials will meet April 1st to discuss the situation and will make a fire
ban decision.
There being no further business, Trustee Jeffrey -Clark adjourned the meeting at 8:20
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Rebecca van Deutekom, CMC, Deputy Town Clerk