MINUTES OF THE MAY 13, 2008 PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Paul Cutting called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. The following members were present: Trustee Don Boven, Trustee Paul Cutting, Clerk Linda Kerr, and Gerry Alexander. Also present was Dave Healy, Captain Bill Timmerman and Lieutenant Mike Miller
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Clerk Kerr suggested adding Fire Insurance Withholding Program to the last item, under Fire Dept.Reports & Requests on the agenda. Motion by Alexander, seconded by Kerr, motion carried, to approve the agenda as amended.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by Boven, seconded by Alexander motion carried, to approve the minutes of the February 5, 2008, March 21, 2008 and April 14, 2008 meetings, as written.
CITIZENS’ COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
There were no comments.
SHERIFF DEPARTMENT
Captain Timmerman provided the committee with two maps and a report of calls for service in Texas Township between the first of the year and April 30, 2008. His report highlighted the dramatic increase in burglaries so far for the year. Last year there were a total of five during that same time period and so far this year it has increased to thirty with three out of those being armed robberies. Captain Timmerman explained that much of Kalamazoo County is experiencing this same increase and he is suggesting that neighborhoods get together and set up neighborhood watch groups that he would be happy in assisting.
FIRE & RESCUE DEPARTMENT
Survey & Planning
Clerk Kerr stated that Mr. Nottley is in the process of doing his study and he will be in contact with us if he needs any information.
Fire Dept.Reports & Requests
Air Conditioner for Lieutenant Miller’s Office- Deputy Chief Williams was unable to attend the meeting but submitted some information for the committee to review. He informed that the fire department purchased an RV style air conditioner for Lt. Miller’s office.
Purchase of AED’s- Deputy Chief Williams also submitted a request for the purchase of ten AED’s at a cost of between $800- $1000 per unit which the normal cost is usually $1580 per unit. This money was originally budgeted for a hydraulic pump for 1151 but then learned the cost dramatically increased so Deputy Chief Williams would like to instead use that money for the purchase of the AED’s. Motion by Alexander, seconded by Cutting, motion carried to recommend approval to the Township Board for the purchase of ten AED’s at the cost up to $1000 per unit. It was recommended this request be forwarded to the Township Board for the May 27, 2008 meeting, with recommendation for approval.
Purchase of a Suction Unit- The committee was informed of the purchase of a new suction unit for rescue truck 1151 to replace the existing one which is much older.
Fire Insurance Withholding Program- Clerk Kerr suggested that the committee look into this program to possibly put into effect for Texas Township. The program would allow the Township to withhold 25% of the insurance money into an escrow type account to ensure timeliness of the tear down and rebuilding of a structure destroyed by fire. Clerk Kerr explained that many surrounding townships have adopted this program. The decision was made to table this item until the next meeting and gather more information and discuss it then.
CITIZENS COMMENTS
There were no comments.
COMMITTEE MEMBER’ COMMENTS
Clerk Kerr explained to the committee that based on a policy from the IRS, the Township can no longer provide 100% of the payment for the Nextel phones for Chief Corfman and Deputy Chief Williams. The only way to pay for 100% would mean that they would not be using the phones for any type of personal calls. She suggested the committee think about a policy to put into effect to just partially reimburse for the phones. Trustee Cutting stated that he would speak with Antwerp Township and see what their policy is and discuss is at the next meeting
ADJOURNMENT
The Committee set the next meeting date for Tuesday, June 3, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. Due to no further business, the meeting adjourned at approximately 8:25 p.m.
Submitted, Approved:
Secretary Shannon Grehl
