Sheriff Tom Kaase described functions of a multi-function BodyCam at the county board’s February 14 meeting. Some of the functions include a cell phone, body camera, and a digital recorder.
Kaase explained state statute mandates the development and approval by the county board of a written policy. Why now? Kaase said the department has an opportunity to demo one. The Sheriff’s Department can not demo the BodyCam without a written policy in place. He added that if grant money becomes available down the road, the policy could be in place. Funding for the purchase of BodyCams is not in the 2017 budget.
A draft policy was presented which was largely taken from a policy that has been implemented by Washington County. Kaase said the draft policy has to be available to the public for a comment period, during which time his office will collect information. Then, they will provide that information to the county board which is required to have a public comment period during a regularly scheduled meeting.
Kaase said the use of Body-Cams could increase transparency and accountability, minimize complaints, refute allegations against his staff, reduce expenses for court preparation, provide a record, and de-escalate situations where there is a citizen confrontation.
There are some disadvantages including privacy concerns for both the officer and the public, possible law enforcement union concerns, the upfront cost, and ongoing operational costs.
Commissioner Duane Bakke asked if Kaase felt there should be some changes to the state statute. Kaase said in the case of a “critical incident”, an officer is not allowed to review the recording before he or she is interviewed by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. These kinds of things are still being discussed.
Kaase described a hypothetical situation where an officer has responded to a violent domestic call and hasn’t called in or answered a call. In a case like this the BodyCam can be activated remotely to see what the situation is.
By consensus the board agreed to move forward with the development of a policy for portable (body worn) audio/video recording systems. The draft policy will next be sent to county attorney Brett Corson.
The agenda was amended to consider the purchase of a van to transport prisoners. Funds are in the 2017 budget to replace the old transport van which will be sold at auction. Two bids, both for a used 2016 Grand Caravan van, were considered. The board approved the slightly higher $20,200 bid for the lower mileage van (5,000 miles).
2017 Employee recognition
Employees were recognized that have been with the county for 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years. Sheila Buenger/Assessor’s office and Debra Ristau/Social Services have served 25 years. Debbilyn Lopez/Public Health, James Fenske/Sheriff Department, and Philip Whitacre/Sheriff Department have served 20 years.
Terry Schultz, building maintenance supervisor, received the Safety Award.
Other business in brief
The purchase of a 2017 Mack plow truck from Nuss Truck and Equipment for $117,988 was approved. With the trade-in of a 2002 Sterling valued at $22,000, the actual cost to the county will be $95,988. Approval was given for the purchase and installation of snow equipment (box, 2-way plow, and 10-foot wing) from Universal Truck Equipment at a cost of $104,289. The new truck and equipment should be available by the first snow in the fall of 2017.
• Approval was given as recommended by county engineer Ron Gregg to reduce the construction contract retainage for the CASH 1 project in Spring Valley and Sumner Townships to 2.5% ($80,185). The contracted work by Griffin Construction Company is essentially complete. Gregg explained that some grass still needs to be seeded along with some ditch finish work.
• Gregg announced that road restrictions will be effective this Friday, February 17.
• Robert Coe, board chair of Southeastern Minnesota Historic Bluff Country, Inc., requested per capita funding from Fillmore County to be used to represent unincorporated towns and township areas. The funds are to be used to market county businesses and services to visitors and residents. Historic Bluff Country represents all of the area along the Highway 16 Scenic Byway from Dexter on the west to La Crescent on the east, then to Interstate 90 on the north and Minnesota state line on the south. His official request made last August is $3,737.50.
He said Houston County provides per capita funding and Mower County provides a small amount of funds. The rest of the budget comes from cities. No action was taken this day by the board.
Donna Rasmussen, SWCD, presented three financial reports for the board’s approval. The reports were for three grants which had been spent down. The 2015 and 2016 Local Water Management Grants were 100% spent and the reports were approved. The 2015 Wetland Conservation Act Grant was 96% spent and the report was approved. The balance unspent will be sent back to BWSR. The reports will be signed by board chair Randy Dahl.
A revised Cell Phone Stipend policy was presented by Kristina Kohn. The policy which sets two tiers ($15 or $40 per month) for employees that qualify for a stipend was approved.