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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09152021 PSAB Minutes PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY BOARD Virtual Meeting Port Angeles, Washington September 15th, 2021 6:00 pm CALL TO ORDER: Chair Schwab called the regular meeting of the Public Safety Advisory Board to order at 6:06 p.m. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Charles, Jesse Driese, Kathleen Graf, Kelsey Lane, Michael McGuire, Andrew Schwab, Octavia Smith, Viola Ware Absent: Gayle Brauner, Evan Brown, Joseph Turrey, Viola Ware Staff Present: Ken Dubuc, Fire Chief; Brian Smith, Police Chief; Catherine Dewey, Secretary Guests: REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: A motion was made by Michael McGuire to approve the June and July meeting minutes, a second was made by Kathleen Graf and the motion passed unanimously. PUBLIC HEARINGS/OTHER BUSINESS: COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC: STAFF UPDATES: a. Public Comment: N/A b. Police Department Report a. 2021 Legislative Session: PAPD has had 2 months with the new laws and they are still finding challenges. The Involuntary Treatment Act is going to be a challenge for PAPD until there is new legislation, a person normally under statute would be some PD could take into custody and transport to the ER even if the patient did not want to go but PD felt that they needed to be seen, that is no longer the case with the new laws. With statute 1310 if someone wanted to be released halfway to the hospital, PD would have to let them out. They still go to all the calls and usually with the fire department and do their best to talk the individual into going in on their own but that has its challenges. The concern of the officers in the field is that they misjudge or get something wrong. PD has lost 3 officers this year to other careers, which is uncommon and may have some relation. Chief also noted that the School Resource Officer in partnership with the school district have kicked off the Handle With Care program and the next meeting Chief would like to have one of the Officers who took the training come visit one of the upcoming meetings to discuss this training. The Handel With Care program gives the officers training on how to let the teachers of children that have experienced trauma know, it is a resource to help assist not only the children but the teachers to best care for the child while in their care. c. Fire Department Report a. Chief Dubuc provided a link to the 2020 Annual Report for the Board’s review. 2020 was a difficult year for the Department under circumstances that no one has ever worked under. The Community Paramedic program is expanding and is doing amazing things in the community. The Fire Department received their rates from the WSRB and we were able to maintain our rating of 4, which is a very big deal. The full report will be added to the next Council packet. The FD is losing 2 Paramedics this month, the department has been in a constant hiring mode for years but are hoping to fill those positions with great personnel. REPORTS OF BOARD MEMBERS: OLD BUSINESS: a. Formal “Thank You” to Police and Fire Departments This was an agenda item presented by Gayle Brauner so the Board decided to wait until she is present to precede with the conversation. b. Lank Acknowledgement The Board is awaiting direction from the City Clerk in order to decide how to precede. NEW BUSINESS: A motion was made by Michael McGuire to accept the resignation by Vice Chair Shana Scott, a second was made by Jesse Driese. The motion passed unanimously. Board election for the Vice Chair position to be on the October meeting agenda. GOOD OF THE ORDER: Kelsey Lane extended a “Thank You” to Chief Smith and everyone who responded to the incident at the High School earlier this week. Octavia Smith noted that she appreciates the questions being asked and answered during the meeting it is very informative. Kathleen Graf thanked Chief Smith for the presentation that he shared and noted that her heart goes out to PAPD. ADJOURNMENT: Michael McGuire made a motion to adjourned, a second was made by Kelsey Lane and the motion passed unanimously at 7:01 pm.