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Fire and police chiefs report staffing and equipment updates; police cite drop in Walmart incidents after self-checkout removal
Summary
Fire Chief Chris Amenn and Police Chief Lisa Vargas updated the Board on a reporting-system change and staffing impacts, new thermal cameras, upcoming community events, and a reported decrease in crime at the Walmart following last year's removal of self-checkouts.
Fire Chief Chris Amenn told the board the fire department switched reporting systems this year and is seeking community volunteers to help transfer data from the old system to the new one. He said the department recently experienced a resignation and will require current firefighters to work overtime to cover shifts; he also reported that recently acquired thermal cameras have worked well for the department.
Police Chief Lisa Vargas said the department upgraded four computers and recapped the Law Enforcement Paralympic Torch Run on May 28 as a successful community event. She announced that Hazel Street will be closed from 9 a.m. to noon on June 14 for "Sam-a-palooza," a tribute 5K organized by Ben Scherer for former Mayor Sam Scherer, and that police will assist with traffic control during the event. Chief Vargas also credited Walmart's decision to remove self-checkouts last year with a significant reduction in crime at that store.
Finance Director Dustin Ziebold reported the city is continuing work on the 2024 audit and that outgoing checks are up to date. Public Works Superintendent Chris Meine said crews used 5.5 tons of asphalt for street patching this month, removed a dead tree in the park and attended annual MSD training.
