HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.01.21 work session minutes COUNCIL WORK SESSION
February 1, 2021
4:10 p.m.
Meeting was held via Zoom.
Members present: Boesen, Amos, Morrissey, Klein, Feuss, Grieder, and Juon.
159448 -Juon/Grieder
that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Voice-vote Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
159449 -Juon/Grieder
that the Minutes, as proposed, for the CIP Meetings on January 11-13, 2021, and Work Session
on January 19, 2021, be approved. Voice-vote Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Objective: Discussion of purchasing cameras,tasers, and a digital evidence management system
for the Police Department.
Chief Fitzgerald provided an overview of Axon, a software and equipment company, and
explained that 6,000 agencies across the United States are utilizing their product. He explained
that Axon was selected because they provide technology that automatically switches on body
worn cameras once the officer leaves the vehicle. The software then provides a cloud-based
evidence workflow that makes it easier to get the information to the station, an attorney's office,
or the media faster. The recommendation is to also upgrade to a Taser 7 product. Axon has
virtual reality training as well. Virtual reality learning has shown to have a higher knowledge
retention rate than lecture-style learning. Training scenarios include empathy, tactical, officer
preparedness, and officer coping and allows the officers to make mistakes and learn during
training rather than on the street. Training would occur on a monthly basis,will provide analytics
for targeted improvement, and the training integrates with the Axon platform. The body worn
cameras will have embedded GPS, precision audio, a lighter and more secure mount, longer
battery life and be easy to operate. The Axon platform also offers the ability to complete
reporting from the vehicle rather than come into the station to finish a report. Chief Fitzgerald
then reviewed the cost and funding sources for purchasing.
Mr.Boesen questioned why the power point in the packet is different from the numbers presented
at the work session tonight.
Joel Fitzgerald explained that he was able to work with Dean Cunningham at Axon to help bring
the figures down.
Mr. Boesen commented that CIP funding was requested in part to help purchase new Tasers and
body cameras.
Joel Fitzgerald commented that if this purchase is approved, the department will not be needing
the figures from the CIP.
Mr. Boesen questioned if CIP money would be used to pay for the first year, since the new
cameras are not yet installed.
Joel Fitzgerald commented that the cameras are in the process of being installed and that they
will begin establishing a larger revenue stream.
Mr.Boesen shared his concern that the state legislature continually looks to ban red light cameras
in Iowa. He questioned how the program would be paid for without the traffic camera revenue.
Joel Fitzgerald commented that these requests are a need and they need to be paid for one way
or another.
Mr. Boesen questioned if the virtual reality training is an additional cost.
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Joel Fitzgerald commented that it is included in the cost. He added that the company is taking
one million dollars off what the program would cost.
Mr. Boesen questioned if the equipment for the virtual reality training was included as well.
Joel Fitzgerald confirmed.
Mrs.Juon questioned how much money the virtual reality training would save the city each year.
Joel Fitzgerald commented that it adds a degree of flexibility but that it would not create costs
savings because the training budget is very small. He added that the department should have a
separate line item for police academy training because that step in onboarding eats up a
significant portion of the departments funds.
Mr. Grieder questioned if the dictation tool is effective, meaning, will it capture the correct
words.
Dean Cunningham, Axon, commented that the dictation is built on an artificial intelligence
platform, similar to Alexa. It currently has a 90 percent accuracy rate but does improve with
use.
Mr. Grieder added that he wants the city to be aware of the fact that we one bill away from the
state legislature taking away some of our revenue sources.
Joel Fitzgerald commented that the city is so far behind from a technology standpoint because it
continues to purchase insufficient products and peace meal equipment.
Mr. Amos commented that he too is concerned with the revenue being generated from GATSO.
When the program started,it was pitched to the community that the traffic cameras are for safety.
Now he is hearing that we are doubling the number of cameras and is concerned how the citizens
will view the city using these funds for Tasers, etc.
Joel Fitzgerald explained that the equipment purchase and traffic cameras are all for public
safety, both citizens and officers.
Mr. Amos commented that he wants to ensure that the city is approaching this from a safety
standpoint.
Joel Fitzgerald added that the state has oversight on camera placement and ensures that traffic
crash data supports their placement.
Mrs. Klein commented that she supports the GATSO cameras as it lessens interaction with an
actual officer and keeps people from panicking or running.
Mr. Morrissey asked for input from our Chief Financial Officer on the comparison of this
proposal versus if we were to keep the current system in place, and if the she believes that this
is doable and that GATSO funds should be used for this or if bonds would be more appropriate.
Michelle Weidner, Chief Financial Officer, commented that she would need to do some research
on the numbers provided today but that she would look into Mr. Morrissey's questions.
Mr. Morrissey questioned what types of interferences can impact the technology and how are
the body and in-car camera systems activated and what is the error rate on that type of activation.
He asked from a human rights perspective, how soon after an incident occurs would citizens or
attorneys have access to the recordings. He questioned if body cameras could be shared and
where the funds came from to purchase the additional 10-12 GATSO cameras.
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Joel Fitzgerald explained that there is no cost associated to put up additional cameras, and stated
that individuals can request footage through an open records request, which must be fulfilled
within ten days.
Mr. Morrissey questioned how redactions work.
Joel Fitzgerald explained that an un-redacted version is retained.
Dean Cunningham, Axon, explained how the automated redaction system works.
Mr. Morrissey questioned the error or reliability rate for the software.
Joel Fitzgerald commented that currently the city is working on human error not to be present
and explained that they do monthly audits to ensure that officers are turning on their cameras
and the amount of time it takes them to turn it on. This software would help to automate the
audit process and remove the human error from turning on the body worn camera.
Dean Cunningham explained that the signal-based technology uses Bluetooth activation on the
holster and the Taser to turn on any Axon cameras in the area. He further explained how priority
video works, and that by adding a particular word or phrase into the program, it brings specific
videos to the top of the list for supervisors to review saving time on reviewing random traffic
stops, etc.
Mr. Morrissey questioned what activates the software.
Dean Cunningham provided an overview of the software activation.
Mayor Hart questioned how this helps build up trust and accountability with the community.
Joel Fitzgerald commented that this keeps everyone on the up and up with every encounter the
officers have with the public.
159450 -Juon/Feuss
that the meeting be adjourned at 5:12 p.m. Voice-vote Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Kellef Y_I::elchle
Kelley Felchle
City Clerk