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Council weighs creating a public-safety commission or nonprofit foundation to boost engagement and support
Summary
Councilmember Scott suggested forming a public-safety commission or nonprofit foundation to promote citizen engagement, fundraising and awareness for police and fire; staff and council discussed existing programs and agreed staff would consult chiefs and return with options.
Scott proposed creating a structured citizen body—either a public-safety commission or a nonprofit "foundation"—to promote public engagement, awareness and support for police and fire without taking on formal oversight functions.
"I'm not talking about oversight... I'm talking about support and awareness," Scott said, clarifying he sought citizen engagement and fundraising opportunities (for example, pancake breakfasts or donations) rather than investigative authority. Police staff described existing community engagement efforts (Citizens Police Academy, story time, community events) and noted the department is organized into three zones and is prepared to scale community-oriented programs as the city grows. A city official agreed to speak with chiefs and report back in about a month with parameters and options for creating a nonprofit foundation if council directs.
No formal action was taken; councilmembers generally expressed support for exploring models that would increase public awareness and voluntary support for safety services.
