Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Police, fire and public works report staffing, grants and PFAS testing to Hines council
Summary
Department heads told the Hines Common Council about recent call loads and incidents, new personnel and training, a shipped grant-funded slip-on tank for fire, passing PFAS well tests with follow-up sampling scheduled, and cybersecurity and parks project updates.
Police, fire and public works leaders briefed the Hines Common Council on Feb. 10 about operations, equipment grants and upcoming testing and projects.
Police Chief Ryan DeLange said the department handled 167 calls for service in the reporting period, listing incidents that ranged from thefts and a DUII to two unattended deaths and multiple welfare checks. He introduced new officer Kautz and said, "Our new officer Kautz is doing well. He fits in well, he's just like one of us, so he's going to do great." DeLange said the department has applied for grants to fund a canine program, is considering an interior drone for building searches and plans to train Kautz as a use-of-force instructor. The department is using a new CAD system and is awaiting vehicle internet from T-Mobile so officers can complete arrest paperwork and have data populate from patrol cars. He also reported the motor for the Police Tahoe has been replaced and a new police vehicle was expected to arrive this week.
Fire Chief Doug Murphy summarized recent responses — four EMS assists, two motor-vehicle wrecks, a chimney fire and a residential fire that required a joint response with Burns — and said the joint response "went fantastic." Murphy said a grant-funded slip-on tank has shipped, rope-rescue training continues, the fire-hall exercise room is complete, radio push-to-talk capability should be in place by the end of the month, and the department added three new volunteers.
Public Works Superintendent Jerry Lewellen reported the city is pumping about 200,000 gallons of water per day with the lagoons receiving about 130,000 gallons per day. He said DEQ PFAS testing of the three wells "passed everything" and that Box R Labs will return in March–April to perform an additional state-requested test. Lewellen also confirmed the department purchased a new truck.
City Administrator Roxane Worley told the council she is working with IT on persistent email and computer-update issues and has requested quotes for cybersecurity software for Microsoft 365 at an estimated $5 per month per employee or councilor. Worley provided updates on parks projects — a slash-pad design, pour-in-place surfacing, amphitheater/pavilion foundation plans and restroom procurement — and said she will circulate renderings and quotes at the next council meeting.
No formal council actions were taken on the departmental briefings; the updates were provided for information and follow-up.
