Police Chief Shane Fox and Fire Chief Luke Thieke reviewed the activities of their departments in 2023 at the January 22 meeting of the Chatfield City Council.
Thieke noted they had responded to 47 calls in 2023, 10 of which were responses to a fire. Seventeen calls involved a rescue and/or car accident or an emergency medical situation. One was for a hazardous condition and four were service calls. Sometimes they were dispatched and then the call was canceled. Some calls were false alarms.
One member retired and one new person was hired during the last year.
Thieke said that a pumper will be 15 years old in two years. A committee is looking into its replacement. Once a pumper is ordered it will take 15 to 20 months before delivery.
As of 2018, a UTV was used with a skid unit for rescues and fires. Thieke said the water tank never worked well especially on hill sides when it was used as a skid unit and there was a clutching issue when it was loaded with water. It was successfully used as a rescue vehicle for off road situations. The skid unit was sold for $4,500. The original box was replaced on the UTV. The sale of the skid unit for $4,500 was approved.
Chief Fox recognized Steve Schmiedeberg for his 15 years of service in the police department. He started in 2007 as a part time officer. He is now a senior officer.
Fox reported that police officers had responded to 1,630 calls in 2023. Calls included responses to DUIs, medical issues, ambulance calls, fire calls and thefts.
Two new full-time officers were hired in 2023. In 2024 it may be necessary to replace a squad car. Fox added he is also looking into the possibility of getting body cameras for his officers.
Other Business in Brief
•Ryan Priebe, water superintendent, asked the council to approve water tank inspection service. KLM Engineering will do the ROV underwater (remote operating vehicle) inspection for $3,000. A robotic camera will be used to inspect the water tower. The inspection was approved as recommended by staff.
Priebe said he has two proposals from Bergerson-Caswell Inc. for well pump maintenance. About every eight years well pumps are pulled for maintenance. Priebe expressed his confidence in the work of this company from past experience. The lower proposal includes the reconditioning of a 1965 motor ($3,250) and the other proposal replaces the old motor ($6,850).
The proposals include some upgrades that may not be needed so the actual cost of maintenance could be less. Priebe recommended the old motor be replaced with a more efficient new motor. The maintenance agreement including the new motor in the amount $39,585 was approved.
•The second reading of the Omnibus Fee Schedule and the publication of its summary were both approved.
•City Administrator Michele Peterson noted that during 2024 she will be the person that represents several cities on the Rochester Area Economic Development, Inc. (RAEDI) board. This representation of Chatfield, Stewartville, Byron, Kasson and Plainview will revolve each year to a leader from another one of the cities.
•Councilor Dave Frank reported on the Public Services Committee. A couple of property owners who have received certified letters concerning a nuisance issue (violation of Chapter 16 of the Chatfield City Code) have not responded to the letters and are still non-compliant. There was some discussion on how best to go forward. City Attorney Fred Suhler suggested the staff be instructed to do what is necessary to abate the nuisance. Peterson said these are not new violations. Councilors seemed to agree that they should follow through and stay on it.
•A resolution was adopted to accept a donation of $5,000 from the Chatfield Firefighters Activity Association.
•Two Memorandums of Understanding with Law Enforcement Labor Services Inc. (LELS) Local #290 were approved. One was for amended wage rates for 2024 and the other concerned Earned Sick and Safe Time.
•The council will meet next on February 12.
Leave a Reply