HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Public Safety Committee 2002-08-28RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
/Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, August 28, 2002
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 28th day of August 2002.
Committee: Chairman Gillette, Trustees Jeffrey -Clark and Newsom
Attending: All
Absent: None
Also Attending: Town Administrator Widmer, Police Chief Richardson, Fire Chief
Dorman, Police Operations Commander van Deutekom, Deputy
Clerk van Deutekom
Chairman Gillette called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
In -Car Patrol Video Camera Purchase — Approval. Chief Richardson briefed the
Committee on an equipment audit performed by staff, explaining that the Dept. lacked
an in -car video camera recording device for patrol cars. Benefits for the use of
recording devices include:
1. Immediate evidence recording at crime scenes.
2. Reduced number of invalid complaints made against officers.
3. Reduced officer liability and administrative/court costs.
4. Audio support up to 1,500 feet.
The following companies provide in -car systems:
1. Mobile Vision, Inc.
2. Galls Street Image
3. IPT Power Cam
$3,995.00
$5,499.99
$3,400.00
Savings from vehicle purchases are available to fund the purchase of one camera. The
purchase of additional cameras could be funded in the 2003-2004 budgets if in -car
camera use proves successful.
Following discussion, the Committee recommends purchasing one video car
camera system from IPT Power Cam at a cost of $3,400.
REPORTS
Estes Valley Victim Advocates Bi-Annual Report. Chief Richardson presented the
January 1, 2002 — June 30, 2002 report, noting that a portion of the $20.00 surcharge
for Municipal Code violations will be used to fund victim services.
Hwy. 34 Digital Radar Signs. Per citizen request, Chief Richardson explained that
staff is currently researching costs associated with digital radar signs compared to the
portable radar trailer currently in use. Preliminary findings indicate that the cost of each
digital sign is $3,925 and the power source is either solar ($1,700) or electric ($495) and
require additional fees as indicated. Chairman Gillette directed Chief Richardson to
develop a pilot program to test two digital units. Funding for these units will be included
within the 2003-2004 budgets.
Traffic Noises. Per citizen request, Commander van Deutekom explained that staff is
researching enforcement standards developed by other communities to address traffic
noise within their jurisdictions. Areas discussed include State statutes, code
enforcement, decibel levels, and effects of wind on noise readings. Staff was directed
to present findings to the Committee upon completion of the research.
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Public Safety Committee — August 28, 2002— Page 2
Commendations. Chief Richardson presented commendations to Karen McGregor,
Donovan Doiron, and Steve Barlow for their outstanding performance during the plane
and helicopter crashes during the Big Elk Fire. Community Service Officer Daniel
Shepherd was also commended for his actions following an injury sustained while
directing traffic. On behalf of the Mayor and Board of Trustees, Chairman Gillette
expressed appreciation to each for their outstanding service to the Town.
Patrol Schedule Presentation. Sergeants Rose and Kufeld presented a newly
developed patrol schedule that will enhance staff utilization, reduce overtime costs, and
ease vacation/training/sick time scheduling conflicts within the Dept. Other items
discussed include schedule drawbacks, use of volunteers, and community benefits.
FIRE DEPARTMENT (EPVFD)
YMCA of the Rockies — Automatic Response and Mutual Aid Agreement —
Approval. Chief Dorman explained that in preparation for the upcoming ISO survey, a
distribution of equipment analysis is required. This analysis determines how fire
equipment is distributed within the Town's protection area, including the distance from
properties to a fire station (ISO does not rate properties that are more than five road
miles from a station). The Windcliff and Thunder Mountain Subdivisions, along with
some areas of the YMCA and Spur 66/Tunnel Rd. areas are beyond the five -mile
distance requirement and presently are not given an ISO rating, even though these
areas are protected by fire hydrants. ISO recognizes some automatic response
agreements with neighboring fire departments to satisfy the five -mile distance
requirement.
The YMCA has established a Fire Brigade for initial response to on -site structure fires
and other fire related emergencies. Currently, they have one fire station with two Class
A, structural fire engines and a fire brigade of six members.
Chief Dorman submitted the Automatic Response and Mutual Aid Agreement for
approval and noted that Attorney White has recommended no changes. It is unclear as
to whether ISO will accept a fire brigade as a response agency and, therefore, provide
an ISO rating for the area. Regardless of the outcome of the ISO rating issue, this
agreement will provide a faster response time to the areas indicated above and improve
firefighting services.
The Committee recommends approval of the Automatic Response and Mutual Aid
Agreement as presented. Chief Dorman will update the Committee once a
determination is made regarding the ISO rating.
REPORTS
ISO Survey. The survey will be performed in either September or October and all
departments involved are completing the necessary preparations. Chief Dorman noted
that a test of the rural water supply will be added to the survey this year.
Town Administrator Widmer discussed the reduction of fuels addressed in a recent
Rocky Mountain National Park Environmental Assessment regarding the urban interface
wildlife program.
There being no further business, Chairman Gillette adjourned the meeting at 4:52 p.m.
APPROVED
S E P 1 0 2002
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Rebecca van Deutekom, CMC, Deputy Town Clerk
TOWN OF ESTES PARK
BOARD OF TRUSTEES