AU ST IN FIRE D EP AR TMENT Wildfire Readiness Update Jeffrey Kennedy– Assistant Chief Justice Jones – Wildfire Mitigation Officer BE IT RESOLVED... "Provide a progress report every six months to the Public Safety Commission for the following important components of a comprehensive WUI risk reduction plan." Council Resolution NO. 20160512-016 The information presented in this update are maintained in real-time through dynamic data 11 Wildfire Readiness Update 1. The number of local CWPP’s completed and implemented. 2. The number of local CWPP's started but not completed. 3. The percentage of high-risk WUI areas in which identification of potential local CWPP planning areas is ongoing. 4. The number of public presentations and home assessments provided. 5. The number, size, type and location of fuel mitigation activities conducted. 6. The number of training hours received and conducted. 2 2 1) The number of local CWPP's completed and implemented is 23. Local level CWPP’s are community led initiatives that AFD facilitates and supports. We have 20 Firewise Communities ‘In Good Standing’ and another 3 communities that are ‘Inactive’. Wildfire Division staff are currently re-engaging with those communities. Barton Hills community is on track to become our newest Firewise community in the next six months. AU ST I N CW PP ’ s 3 2) The number of local CWPP's started but not completed is 23. Local level CWPP’s are community led initiatives that AFD facilitates and supports. Three of these communities have re-engaged with AFD in the last six months, and five communities are engaged to the degree where we anticipate them becoming Firewise in the next six months. Acti ve & En ga ged Sentence or subheading goes Here on the page in the header box. 4 3) The percentage of high-risk WUI areas in which identification of potential local CWPP planning areas is still ongoing is 49%. Of the 14% of Austin classified as high risk, 51% is covered by a local level CWPP, 49% are identified as opportunity zones. High R isk Ar ea s 5 4) The number of public presentations and home assessments provided in the past 6 months. 29 Presentations and events, and 55 home assessments provided. The Wildfire Division has taken measures in the last six months to dramatically increase our capability to provide home assessments. We have also increased our footprint in the Eastern Crescent. Outre ac h Acti vi ties 6 5) …
CSCRM Working Group Project Scope Item 15.9: Utilize Public Safety Commission to review aggregated sexual assault case data. Data elements to be considered for regular reporting SAFE Alliance (by County or for Travis County Only) • # of total (unduplicated) encounters/contacts/requests • # of forensic exam evidence collections • #completed at time of request • #unable to be completed at time of request or referred elsewhere (include break- down of why (no nurse, no advocate, etc.)) • #completed at a time later than requested • # of medical services (not counting forensic exams) • # completed at time of request • # unable to be completed at time of request or referred elsewhere (include break-down of why (no nurse, no advocate, etc.)) • # completed at a time later than requested • # of consults only • # completed at time of request • # unable to be completed at time of request or referred elsewhere (include break-down of why (no nurse, no advocate, etc.)) • # completed at a time later than requested Austin Police Department • # calls for service by offense type (SCU only) • # of new cases opened by highest offense code (SCU only) • # of cases ‘closed’ by case clearance status (SCU internal status type) • # cases staffed • Victim demographics (#, age range, race/ethnicity, gender) Travis County District Attorney (by Law Enforcement Agency) • # of cases staffed • # of total cases available for prosecution • # declined • # pending further investigation • # accepted • # rejected or dismissed (include break-down of why) • # indicted • # no billed • # pled • # tried (include break-down of results)
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION Community Police Review Commission & Austin Police Oversight Act Implementation Gail McCant, Director Mia Demers, Public Safety Compliance Program Manager Sara Peralta, Public Information and Marketing Program Manager October 7, 2024 Community Police Review Commission (CPRC) -2- Community Police Review Commission (CPRC) Consists of eleven community volunteers selected by the City Manager. Separate and independent from the Austin Police Department. OPO working to re-establish CPRC in alignment with Municipal Code 2-15-4, Austin Police Oversight Act. -3- CPRC: Eligibility & Selection • Applicants cannot have any personal or professional connections to any police department or police association. (§2-15-4) • Other eligibility requirements can only be instituted by amending the ordinance. (§2-15-4) Eligibility Selection • Commission will have eleven members. (§2-15-4) • Process must be open, the City Auditor will review applicant eligibility, the City Manager will make the final selection. (§2- 15-4) -4- CPRC: Training Requirements Attend 20 hours of training created by the Office of Police Oversight within 90 days of their appointment, which shall be focused on the laws, rules and policies governing the conduct of police officers in Austin in accordance with recommendations of the National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement, and members may begin to serve before completion of training. Training Plan 9 hours projected at 8 hours • Training conducted by OPO, City Legal, and City Clerk: Currently projected at • Training conducted by the Austin Police Department (APD): Currently • Training conducted by NACOLE: Currently projected at 8 hours -5- Austin Police Oversight Act (APOA) Implementation -6- APOA Implementation Summary City Code § 2-15-3 Provisions in Compliance ✓ The Office of Police Oversight should provide recommendations to the City about how investigations involving officers are carried out and what the ✓ Provide recommendations to the City on how effective APD rules and procedures are for handling complaints about police officer misconduct, police officer training, when and how police officers use force, how the police interact with the community, and anything else the department does, are effective and outcomes are. § 2-15-3(B) suitable. § 2-15-3(B) ✓ Receive complaints and compliments from the community, including anonymous complaints and compliments. § 2-15-3(B) ✓ Act as a liaison between the community and APD during the complaint process. § 2-15-3(B) ✓ OPO can participate in investigations of complaints, may interview complainants to obtain more information. § 2-15-3(B) ✓ Provide the Chief of Police with recommendations …
Public Safety Commission - Questions & Answers PENDING QUESTIONS: October 7, 2024 – Regular Meeting Item 4. Public Safety Quarterly Report, Austin Police Department, including an update on the license plate reader program. 1. Can APD help us get a better understanding of violent crime going down, violent crime clearance rates staying the same, and account for APD staffing as it relates to those stats? Pending 2. How many people were stopped that did not result in an arrest (false positive stops) via the License Plate Reader Program? Pending 3. What amount of data was shared to state or other agencies via the License Plate 4. Data on demographics of people with false positive arrests via the License Plate Reader Program? Pending Reader Program. Pending Item 5. Update on Wildfire Readiness by Austin Fire Department, including an update on the PANO AI system by Austin Energy. 1. Has AFD worked to provide the unhoused community with fire extinguishers? Several of Homeless Strategy Office’s (HSO) partner agencies provide meals to individuals experiencing homelessness, including Caritas of Austin and Sunrise Navigation Center. Additionally, multiple faith-based and community-based groups that are not HSO-affiliated provide food/meals to people experiencing homelessness. Lastly, our street outreach staff (and our street outreach partners) provide fire safety tips to people experiencing homelessness. 2. Has AFD considered and/or partnered with other organizations to provide prepared meals to the unhoused to prevent cooking fires? Homeless Strategy Office (HSO) has also partnered with Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) who have assisted with fire extinguisher distribution to people experiencing homelessness. Item 8. Update from the Training Academy Working Group on recent meetings with APD Training Academy Staff and next steps. 1. Request for Academy cadet class completion reports recommended by Audit Protocol Guidelines1 for cadet classes completed since final Kroll report on 148th Cadet Academy. See Exhibit A and B 1 https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=383863 Exhibit A APD Training Academy Audit 149th Cadet Class May 22, 2023 – December 30, 2023 Community Involvement Co-facilitated Coursework • 8 courses taught by or in cooperation with outside SME’s and/or community partners • Key topics: Sexual Harassment Recognition; U.S. & Texas Constitution and Rights; History of Policing and Race in Austin; Mindfulness & Resilience Techniques; Professional Policing; Non-Consensual Language; Traumatic Brain Injury; Crisis Intervention Training • Co-facilitators represented the University of Texas, Texas State University, Neill-Cochran House Museum, Austin Community College, the Centre for Neuro Skills, and Integral Care 149th …
Public Safety Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, October 7, 2024 PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Monday, October 7, 2024 The Public Safety Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Monday, October 7, 2024, at Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room, 301 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Ramírez called the Public Safety Commission Meeting to order at 4:03 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Nelly Paulina Ramírez, Chair Timothy Ruttan, Vice Chair Rebecca Bernhardt Paul Hermesmeyer Pierre Nguyễn Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Michael Sierra-Arévalo Yasmine Smith PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Carlos León APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on January 9, 2023 The minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on January 9, 2023 were approved on Vice Chair Ruttan’s motion, Commissioner Hermesmeyer’s second on a 7- 0 vote. Commissioners Holmes, Orr, and Reyes were absent. 2. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on March 6, 2023. The minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on March 6, 2023 were approved on Vice Chair Ruttan’s motion, Commissioner Bernhardt’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Holmes, Orr, and Reyes were absent. 3. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on September 9, 2024. The minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on September 9, 2024 were approved on Vice Chair Ruttan’s motion, Commissioner Bernhardt’s second on a 1 Public Safety Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, October 7, 2024 6-0 vote. Commissioner Smith abstained. Commissioners Holmes, Orr, and Reyes were absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 8. Approve the Public Safety Commission 2025 Regular Meeting Schedule The Public Safety Commission 2025 Regular Meeting Schedule was approved on Commissioner Hermesmeyer’s motion, Vice Chair Ruttan’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Holmes, Orr, and Reyes were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Public Safety Quarterly Report by Austin Police Department, including an update on the license plate reader program. The presentation was made by James Mason, Assistant Chief, Austin Police Department. Lisa Davis, Police Chief, Austin Police Department introduced herself to the commission. 5. Update on Wildfire Readiness by Austin Fire Department, including an update on the PANO AI system by Austin Energy The presentation was made by Rob Vires, Chief of Staff, Austin Fire Department; Justice Jones, Chief Mitigation Officer, Austin Fire Department; Jeff Kennedy, Assistant Chief, Austin Fire Department; and Chris Vetromile, Wildfire Mitigation Manager, Austin Energy. …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION September 9, 2024 at 4:00 PM Austin City Hall Boards and Commissions Room #1101 301 West 2nd Street Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Public Safety Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Christi Vitela, 512- 974-2792, christi.vitela@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Nelly Paulina Ramírez, Chair Timothy Ruttan, Vice Chair Rebecca Bernhardt Paul Hermesmeyer David Holmes AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Pierre Nguyễn Kristy Orr Angelica Reyes Michael Sierra-Arévalo Yasmine Smith The first five speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. 2. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on August 5, 2024. DISCUSSION ITEMS Public Safety Quarterly Report, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Update from Public Safety Commissioners on the Austin Police Department Police Chief interview panel. Update on Text to 911 by Chief Jeff Greenwalt, Austin Police Department. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Approve a Recommendation to Council for Workers’ Compensation for Public Safety sworn staff to adopt a policy to remove barriers and reduce impact on staffing. Approve the formation of a Collective Sex Crimes Response Model (CSCRM) Working Group to devise recommendations in support of the CSCRM’s project objectives until completion. WORKING GROUP UPDATES FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Update from Austin Police Department Training Academy Working Group to include the progress on the review of content so far and an outline of the work plan. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Christi Vitela at the Office of the City Clerk Department, at 512-974-2792 for additional information; …
Public Safety Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, August 5, 2024 PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Monday, August 5, 2024 The Public Safety Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Monday, August 5, 2024, at City Hall Building, Boards and Commissions Room, 301 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Ramírez called the Public Safety Commission Meeting to order at 4:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Nelly Paulina Ramírez, Chair Rebecca Bernhardt Paul Hermesmeyer David Holmes Pierre Nguyễn Kristy Orr Michael Sierra-Arévalo Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Timothy Ruttan, Vice Chair Yasmine Smith PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Carlos León Patrick Jones Sonja Burns APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on June 3, 2024. The minutes from the meeting on 06/03/2024, were approved on Commissioner Bernhardt’s motion, Commissioner Nguyễn’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Smith abstained. Commissioner Reyes was absent. 2. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on July 1, 2024. 1 Public Safety Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, August 5, 2024 The minutes from the meeting on 07/01/2024, were approved on Commissioner Bernhardt’s motion, Commissioner Nguyễn’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Reyes was absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Public Safety Quarterly Report, Austin Fire Department, including an update on allowing a single stairway for multifamily development up to five stories. The presentation was made by Tom Vocke, Assistant Chief, Austin Fire Department. 4. Discussion of Workers’ Compensation insurance program with Public Safety Unions and City of Austin representatives. The presentations were made by Deven Desai, Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer, Office of the City Auditor; Susan Sinz, Director of Human Resources, Human Resources Department; Bob Nicks, President, Austin Firefighters Association; Selena Xie, President, Austin EMS Association; Michael Bullock, President, Austin Police Association; Chris Juusola, Lieutenant, Austin Police Department; Dennis Ferris, President, Austin Police Retired Officers Association; and Dawn Hirsch, Firefighter, Austin Fire Department. 5. Update from Public Safety Commissioner on their attendance of the Austin Police Department Police Chief interview panel. Postponed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Approve a Recommendation to Council to provide funding for SAFE Forensic Nursing Program. The following amendment was made by Commissioner Smith and seconded by Commissioner Hermesmeyer. The amendment was to remove “for forensic nursing compensation” from the final clause. The amendment failed on a 4-5 vote. Those voting aye were Commissioners Hermesmeyer, Holmes, Sierra-Arévalo and Smith. Those voting nay were Chair Ramírez, Vice …
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION September 9, 2024 Workers Compensation Program for Public Safety Sworn Staff WHEREAS, the Austin Public Safety Commission is tasked with providing Date: Subject: Motioned by: Seconded by: Recommendation: The Public Safety Commission recommends recommendations to the Austin City Council; Emergency Medical Services Association and the Austin Police Association provided presentations, witnesses, and materials on the current challenges with the City of Austin Workers Compensation program;1 shortages at a premium labor cost to the City of Austin; enabling employees to return to work; WHEREAS, all three public safety departments are facing significant staffing challenges; WHEREAS, prompt resolution of claims and obtaining medical treatment is key to WHEREAS, representatives from The Austin Firefighters Association, The Austin WHEREAS, all three public safety departments use overtime to mitigate staffing WHEREAS, of the 1260 current AFD sworn hires 63 are on limited/no duty status due to a workers comp injury representing 5%; WHEREAS, of the 572 current ATCEMS sworn hires 9 are on limited/no duty status due to a workers comp injury representing 1.6%; WHEREAS, of the 1470 current APD sworn hires 37 are on limited/no duty status due to a workers comp injury representing 2.5%; 1 Austin Public Safety Commission Regular Meeting, August 5, 2024, Item 4 https://austintx.new.swagit.com/videos/311493 WHEREAS, delayed recovery creates a reduced capacity in delivering emergency services to the community. WHEREAS, 13.2% of AFD claims, 17.5% of ATCEMS, and 16% of APD workers compensation claims are denied;2 WHEREAS, the City of Austin is self-insured and ultimately responsible for all decisions on workers’ compensation claims;3 WHEREAS, if workers compensation claims are denied the appeals process is lengthy during which the employee’s medical needs remain unaddressed and the city’s short-staffing due to injury is unresolved; WHEREAS, delayed recovery creates a reduced capacity in delivering emergency services to the community. WHEREAS, if a workers compensation claim is ultimately denied, the only recourse is coverage of medical claims through the City of Austin’s employee health insurance plan which the City of Austin is also responsible and self-insured; WHEREAS, a slow and perceived hostile workers compensation program is detrimental to employee morale, retention, and well being; WHEREAS, the contract with Sedgwick, the Third Party Administrator of the workers compensation program, is set to expire in March 2025 providing an opportunity to improve the program.4 BE IT RECOMMENDED BY THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN THAT: • The City of Austin …
Overview of Workers Compensation at the City of Austin Public Safety Commission August 2024 1 History of Workers Compensation in Texas • A form of workers compensation started in Texas in 1913 or so, with many changes through the 100+ years of its existence in Texas. • What is it generally? • Workers Compensation (hereafter “WC”) provides benefits to workers that are injured or become disabled as a result of their job. • Texas is the only state where WC is optional for an employer, though it is mandatory for public employers and those entities that have a contract with a public employer. 2 Workers Compensation at the City of Austin • Most private companies pay an insurance company an annual premium to handle their WC claims, much like they pay for car insurance and liability insurance. • If you meet the eligibility requirements to be self-insured in Texas, you can provide WC insurance without purchasing private insurance. • Unlike most private entities that go out and purchase WC insurance, and most public entities in Texas do not purchase private WC insurance, they are instead self-insured. • Self insured employers have the same rights and responsibilities as those that purchase private insurance. 3 Workers Compensation at the City of Austin • The City of Austin is self insured for WC for its employees. • While most Cities in Texas are self insured, there are still administrative logistics that are very detailed that must be complied with for processing worker’s compensation claims. • There are various 3rd Party Administrators (hereafter “TPA”) that provide an expertise in processing WC claims, and the City has had various TPA’s process WC claims over the years. • The current TPA for the City of Austin is “Sedgwick”. 4 Workers Compensation at the City of Austin • At the City of Austin, Sedgwick is the TPA for all employees, not just the public safety personnel. • However, as is expected, WC claims are higher for the departments where more physical exertion is required as opposed to desk jobs. • Our highest raw number of claims comes from the public safety departments. 5 State of the current contract with Sedgwick • Our current contract with Sedgwick is set to expire in March of 2025, and the COA had conducted a RFP process to find a new TPA for a new multi year agreement. • However, we have …
Emergency Medical Services Incident and Response Data FY24 Q3 Wesley Hopkins, Chief of Staff 1 Incidents, Patient Contacts, Transports January 2021– August 2024 Incidents | Patient Contacts | Patient Transports January 2021 - August 2024 14000 12000 10000 8000 6000 4000 2000 0 1 2 - n a J 1 2 - b e F 1 2 - r a M 1 2 - r p A 1 2 - y a M 1 2 - n u J 1 2 - l u J 1 2 - g u A 1 2 - p e S 1 2 - t c O 1 2 - v o N 1 2 - c e D 2 2 - n a J 2 2 - b e F 2 2 - r a M 2 2 - r p A 2 2 - y a M 2 2 - n u J 2 2 - l u J 2 2 - g u A 2 2 - p e S 2 2 - t c O 2 2 - v o N 2 2 - c e D 3 2 - n a J 3 2 - b e F 3 2 - r a M 3 2 - r p A 3 2 - y a M 3 2 - n u J 3 2 - l u J 3 2 - g u A 3 2 - p e S 3 2 - t c O 3 2 - v o N 3 2 - c e D 4 2 - n a J 4 2 - b e F 4 2 - r a M 4 2 - r p A 4 2 - y a M 4 2 - n u J 4 2 - l u J 4 2 - g u A Incidents Patient Contacts Patient Transports 2 P1 Compliance by District FY24 Q3 Priority 1 Compliance by District FY24 Q3 73.00% 71.76% 71.58% 70.76% 69.27% 72.26% 67.91% 65.52% 82.45% 55.34% 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 % Goal Met 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 3 P1 Response Interval by District FY24 Q3 Priority 1 Response Interval by District FY24 Q3 12.55 12.33 12.55 12.50 12.28 12.57 12.73 13.27 11.95 11.05 8.14% 6.66% 9.09% 7.93% 7.09% 7.48% 6.75% 6.38% 7.61% 6.31% 1 2 3 4 …
Public Safety Commission Running agenda item list and tentative schedule October 7, 2024 1. APD Quarterly 2. Discussion and overview of the Police Review Commission and APOA update with the Office of Police Oversight 3. Wildfire Readiness Update 4. Downtown Commission - status, discussion and potential vote on appointment 5. Working group updates November 4, 2024 December 2, 2024 1. AFD Quarterly - 20 minutes 2. Death Notification process with Victims Services 3. 4. Working group updates Item 2 - Office of Violence Prevention? EMS Quarterly 1. 2. Overview of officer wellness initiatives with Victim Services 3. 4. Working group updates Item 2 Standing and Rotating Items • • Wildfire Readiness Update (every 6 months) - April 2024, October 2024, April 2025 CSCRM Working Group Update (quarterly til final recs issued) - July, October, January, April Public Safety Wellness Center Working Group (until rec) Training Academy Working Group Downtown commission update • • • Requested items not yet scheduled or in need of second ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ Firefighter cancer prevention, PFOS and risks - Bernhardt 911 Call Center - High Call Volume review - Ramirez APD use of facial recognition and ALPR update - Ramirez Impact of medical records hack at local hospitals and resiliency efforts in wake - Ruttan, Ramirez CapMetro update on public safety department rollout - Ramirez Review and analysis of small vehicle use by public safety departments - Smith, Ramirez Further discussion of Open Data Portal Harvest Trauma Recovery Center - Berhnardt, Nguyen Render Aid Protocols - @Ramirez ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ 9/6/24
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240909-005 September 9, 2024 Workers Compensation Program for Public Safety Sworn Staff WHEREAS, the Austin Public Safety Commission is tasked with providing Date: Subject: Motioned by: Commissioner Nguyễn Seconded by: Vice Chair Ruttan Recommendation: The Public Safety Commission recommends recommendations to the Austin City Council; Emergency Medical Services Association and the Austin Police Association provided presentations, witnesses, and materials on the current challenges with the City of Austin Workers Compensation program;1 shortages at a premium labor cost to the City of Austin; enabling employees to return to work; WHEREAS, all three public safety departments are facing significant staffing challenges; WHEREAS, prompt resolution of claims and obtaining medical treatment is key to WHEREAS, representatives from The Austin Firefighters Association, The Austin WHEREAS, all three public safety departments use overtime to mitigate staffing WHEREAS, of the 1260 current AFD sworn hires 63 are on limited/no duty status due to a workers comp injury representing 5%; WHEREAS, of the 572 current ATCEMS sworn hires 9 are on limited/no duty status due to a workers comp injury representing 1.6%; WHEREAS, of the 1470 current APD sworn hires 37 are on limited/no duty status due to a workers comp injury representing 2.5%; 1 Austin Public Safety Commission Regular Meeting, August 5, 2024, Item 4 https://austintx.new.swagit.com/videos/311493 WHEREAS, delayed recovery creates a reduced capacity in delivering emergency services to the community. WHEREAS, 13.2% of AFD claims, 17.5% of ATCEMS, and 16% of APD workers compensation claims are denied;2 WHEREAS, the City of Austin is self-insured and ultimately responsible for all decisions on workers’ compensation claims;3 WHEREAS, if workers compensation claims are denied the appeals process is lengthy during which the employee’s medical needs remain unaddressed and the city’s short-staffing due to injury is unresolved; WHEREAS, delayed recovery creates a reduced capacity in delivering emergency services to the community. WHEREAS, if a workers compensation claim is ultimately denied, the only recourse is coverage of medical claims through the City of Austin’s employee health insurance plan which the City of Austin is also responsible and self-insured; WHEREAS, a slow and perceived hostile workers compensation program is detrimental to employee morale, retention, and well being; WHEREAS, former sworn public safety personnel are bound by same worker’s compensation program and entitled to continued coverage for injuries sustained on the job; WHEREAS, the contract with Sedgwick, the Third Party Administrator of the workers compensation program, is set to …
Public Safety Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, September 9, 2024 PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Monday, September 9, 2024 The Public Safety Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Monday, September 9, 2024, at City Hall Building, Boards and Commissions Room, 301 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Ramírez called the Public Safety Commission Meeting to order at 4:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Nelly Paulina Ramírez, Chair Timothy Ruttan, Vice Chair Rebecca Bernhardt Paul Hermesmeyer David Holmes Pierre Nguyễn Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Kristy Orr Michael Sierra-Arévalo Yasmine Smith PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Carlos León Patrick Jones APPROVAL OF MINUTES DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on August 5, 2024. The minutes from the meeting on 08/05/2024, were approved on Commissioner Bernhardt’s motion, Commissioner Nguyễn’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Sierra-Arévalo was off the dais. Commissioner Reyes was absent. 2. Public Safety Quarterly Report, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services. 1 Public Safety Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, September 9, 2024 The presentation was made by Wesley Hopkins, Chief of Staff, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services. 4. Update on Text to 911 by Chief Jeff Greenwalt, Austin Police Department. Update was given by Lee Rogers, Assistant Chief, Austin Police Department. 3. Update from Public Safety Commissioners on the Austin Police Department Police Chief interview panel. Update was given by Commissioner Sierra-Arévalo. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve a Recommendation to Council for Workers’ Compensation for Public Safety sworn staff to adopt a policy to remove barriers and reduce impact on staffing. The motion to approve a Recommendation to Council for Workers’ Compensation for Public Safety Sworn Staff to adopt a policy to remove barriers and reduce impact on staffing was made by Commissioner Nguyễn, seconded by Vice Chair Ruttan. The following amendment was motioned by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Hermesmeyer. The amendment was to add to the third bullet point and insert “and awareness of process” after “workers compensation claims.” The amendment was approved on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Sierra-Arévalo abstained. Commissioner Reyes was absent. The following amendment was motioned by Chair Ramírez, seconded by Commissioner Bernhardt. The amendment was to add the clause “WHEREAS, former sworn public safety personnel are bound by same worker’s compensation program and entitled to continued coverage for injuries sustained on the job;” before the last WHEREAS clause and to insert “current and former” to the …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION August 5, 2024 at 4:00 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM #1101 301 WEST 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Public Safety Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Christi Vitela, 512- 974-2792, christi.vitela@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Nelly Paulina Ramírez, Chair Timothy Ruttan, Vice Chair Rebecca Bernhardt Paul Hermesmeyer David Holmes AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Pierre Nguyễn Kristy Orr Angelica Reyes Michael Sierra-Arévalo Yasmine Smith The first five speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on June 3, 2024. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on July 1, 2024. 1. 2. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Public Safety Quarterly Report, Austin Fire Department, including an update on allowing a single stairway for multifamily development up to five stories. Discussion of Workers’ Compensation insurance program with Public Safety Unions and City of Austin representatives. Update from Public Safety Commissioner on their attendance of the Austin Police Department Police Chief interview panel. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Approve a Recommendation to Council to provide funding for the SAFE Forensic Nursing Program. Approve the formation of a Collective Sex Crimes Response Model (CSCRM) Working Group to devise recommendations in support of the CSCRM’s project objectives until completion. WORKING GROUP UPDATES Update from Austin Police Department Training Academy Working Group and discussion on the review to date and plan. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Christi Vitela …
Public Safety Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, June 3, 2024 PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Monday, June 3, 2024 The Public Safety Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Monday, June 3, 2024, at City Hall Building, Boards and Commissions Room, 301 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Ramírez called the Public Safety Commission Meeting to order at 4:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Nelly Paulina Ramírez, Chair Rebecca Bernhardt Paul Hermesmeyer David Holmes Angelica Reyes Michael Sierra-Arévalo Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Cory Hall-Martin Pierre Nguyễn Kristy Orr Timothy Ruttan PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Stephanie Ryan – Austin Police Academy and Change APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on May 6, 2024. The minutes from the meeting on 05/06/2024, were approved on Commissioner Bernhardt’s motion, Commissioner Hermesmeyer’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Nguyễn was off the dais. Commissioner Smith was absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Public Safety Quarterly Report, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services Department. Presentation by Angela Carr, EMS Division Chief, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services Department. 1 Public Safety Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, June 3, 2024 3. Public Safety Departments Budget Presentations with Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services, Austin Fire Department and Austin Police Department and union representatives. Presentations by James Mason, Assistant Chief, Austin Police Department; Michael Bullock, President, Austin Police Association; Carlos Ledesma, Assistant Director, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services Department; Selena Xie, President, Austin EMS Association; Dr. Ronnelle Paulsen, Assistant Director, Austin Fire Department and Bob Nicks, President, Austin Fire Fighters Association. 4. Community Investment Budget Presentation with Equity Action and Austin Justice Coalition. Presentations by Kathy Mitchell, Senior Advisor, Equity Action and Chris Harris, Director of Policy, Austin Justice Coalition. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve a Recommendation for Fiscal Year 24-25 Public Safety Department Budgets. The following amendment was made by Commissioner Hermesmeyer and seconded by Commissioner Sierra-Arévalo. The amendment was to add the following to the Austin Fire Department’s Unmet Needs section: “$601,000 for two FTE positions to coordinate pursuit of national accreditation, approximately $300, 000 for FTE positions for shift commander aides, $1.9 million per year per apparatus for staff for two aerials (16 FTEs per apparatus) and a one-time $200,000 for equipment, and approximately $40,000 for the electronic medical records software for the Public Safety Wellness Center.” The amendment was approved on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Hall-Martin was off the dais. …
Public Safety Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, July 1, 2024 PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Monday, July 1, 2024 The Public Safety Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Monday, July 1, 2024, at City Hall Building, Boards and Commissions Room, 301 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Ruttan called the Public Safety Commission Meeting to order at 4:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Timothy Ruttan, Vice Chair Rebecca Bernhardt Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Nelly Paulina Ramírez, Chair Angelica Reyes Michael Sierra-Arévalo Yasmine Smith PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on June 3, 2024. Action was taken on the item but later reconsidered. The motion to approve minutes from the meeting on 06/03/2024 was made by Chair Ramírez, seconded by Commissioner Bernhardt failed on 4-0 vote. Commissioners Sierra-Arévalo and Smith abstained. Commissioners Hermesmeyer, Holmes, Nguyễn and Orr were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Public Safety Quarterly Report including update on the open data portal, Austin Police Department. Presentations were made by Chief Greenwalt, Assistant Chief, Austin Police Department and Monica Spiritas, Business Intelligence Consultant, Austin Police Department. 1 Public Safety Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, July 1, 2024 3. Presentations by Austin Police Department, Austin Fire Department, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services and Fleet Mobility Services on Public Safety Vehicles. Presentation was made by Rick Harland, Assistant Director, Fleet Mobility Services. 4. Discussion of Forensic Nursing with representatives from The Safe Alliance (SAFE) and Sexual Assault Response and Resource Team (SARRT). Presentations were made by Nikhita Ved, Vice President of Community Services, SAFE and Shelli Eggers, managing attorney, Texas Legal Services and co-chair of Austin Travis County Sexual Assault Response. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Discuss and approve the formation of an Austin Police Department Cadet Training Academy Recommendations Working Group. The motion to approve the formation of an Austin Police Department Cade Training Academy Recommendations Working Group tasked with reviewing the progress the APD Training Academy has made based on the Kroll report and recommendations by Office of Police Oversight, talking to stakeholder groups and bringing back possibly multiple recommendations to establish tracking and continuity was made by Chair Ramírez, seconded by Commissioner Smith and approved on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Hermesmeyer, Holmes, Nguyễn and Orr were absent. Chair Ramírez, Commissioners Smith and Sierra-Arévalo agreed to be part of the Working Group. 6. Approve the Public …
