HomeMy WebLinkAboutPSAB 01/17/2018 Minutes
PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY BOARD
City Council Chambers
Port Angeles, Washington
January 17, 2018
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Barnard called the regular meeting of the Public Safety Advisory Board to
order at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Members Present: Alan Barnard, Mark Bowes, Evan Brown, Nolan Duce, Kathleen Graf, Pamela
Lindquist, Ed Zoble
Members Absent: Karen Blore, Lourene OBrien, Kathy Steinkamp
Staff Present: Jason Viada, Deputy Police Chief; Ken Dubuc, Fire Chief; Catherine Dewey, Secretary
Chairman Barnard opened the meeting by asking the members to take a moment of silence for Public Safety
and to honor fallen Deputy Daniel A. McCartney of Tacoma. Chairman Barnard stated that this was a
horrible loss to the greater family of Public Safety.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: It was moved by Bowes and seconded by Duce to approve the October
25, 2017, regular meeting minutes. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
Homelessness in Port Angeles: Chairman Barnard asked the Fire and Police Chiefs if they would like to
further discuss and/or add to the previous discussion on homelessness in Port Angeles. Deputy Police Chief
Viada noted that there is a tiny house project in the works to help with the problem at hand. Chief Dubuc
added that we are dealing with people here and that the issue should be treated in such a way, everyone
has a story.
Port Angeles Fire Department Report: Chief Dubuc discussed the Fire Departments staffing, stating that
there were interviews all day and that the department continues to have a hard time finding quality
candidates. Chief noted that by the end of the year nearly half of the department will be new and on
probation. The Department has lost much of its institutional knowledge and expertise through retirement
over the past few years. Chief expressed how critical it is that each member of the Department find the time
to get out and into all of the buildings around town, knowledge of these structures is crucial, conversation
ensued.
Chief Dubuc noted that Legislature passed for the GEMT reimbursement bill which will allow the
department to be reimbursed at a higher rate for Medicaid patient transports.
Chief Dubuc touched base on the potential of a Community Paramedicine program, the program is designed
to be proactive in anticipating patients needs and is in partnership with Peninsula Behavioral Health, North
Olympic Health Care network and Olympic Medical Center. Dr. Zoble noted that he had experience with a
similar program that focused on postnatal care while with Swedish and was impressed by the program and
the success it had at reducing postpartum depression.
Port Angeles Police Department Report: Deputy Chief Viada spoke about the three responsibilities that
the Police Department has. First, responding to calls for duty. Second, writing reports and the third
responsibility being the follow up and investigation. Deputy Chief Viada noted how busy the Department is
and went into great detail describing what a typical shift/call might entail and how because of the work load
the third responsibility of the follow up and investigation is suffering. Deputy Chief Viada also spoke to the
th
recent headline in which a 15 year old boy made suicide threats and was on his way to the 8 Street Bridge.
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People in the community criticized the PD for how they handled the situation, Deputy Chief Viada asked
that you imagine yourself in the shoes of the Officer and consider how you would respond in such a
situation.
Deputy Chief Viada also mentioned his work with the homelessness task force in Clallam County and stated
that there are truly about 100 homeless people County wide. He also recognized Serenity House for all that
they are doing to reduce homelessness in Clallam County and believes that they are the backbone of the
effort.
Deputy Chief Viada closed by noting that he is taking a lesson from the new Millennials in the Department
whom he feels have a healthier work life balance, and stressed the importance of working while at work and
relaxing and recharging while off.
GOOD OF THE ORDER:
Duce asked the members to support the Ballot on the Capital Projects Levy for the School Districts.
Chief Dubuc recognized Noland and the School District as a whole for the great job they are doing.
Graf noted a recent book that she read titled the American Commander, she related to the country first
attitude and asked the Chiefs if during their hiring processes if they have experienced a similar or
contradictory attitude with the Millennial candidates, conversation ensued.
Chairman Barnard closed with the Paul Harvey quote Self government wont work without self-
discipline".
ADJOURNMENT: Chairman Barnard adjourned the meeting at 7:15 p.m. The next meeting is Wednesday,
February 21st, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers.
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