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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017/11/27 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study SessionAll St. Louis Park MINNE50TA The meeting convened at 6:30 p.m. OFFICIAL MINUTES CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA NOVEMBER 27, 2017 Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Tim Brausen, Steve Hallfin, Gregg Lindberg, Anne Mavity, Thom Miller, and Susan Sanger. Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Deputy City Manager/Human Resources Director (Ms. Deno), Communications Manager (Ms. Larson), Chief Information Officer (Mr. Pires), Police Chief Harcey, Fire Chief Koering, and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas). Guest: St. Louis Park Police Officer Siar Nadem and Bob McNaney, Padilla Communications 1. Future Study Session Agenda Planning — December 4 and 11, 2017 Mr. Harmening presented the proposed Study Session agenda for December 4 and 11, 2017. Mr. Harmening noted that the second reading of the flavored tobacco ordinance will be on the consent agenda on December 4. Also, council members will participate in an orientation for the new council chambers at the Monday, December 4, 2017 study session. 2. SLP Policing Model/Critical Incident PIanning (Session 4 of 4) Chief Harcey began the discussion by thanking Mayor Spano and the council for allowing the Police Department to have these discussion sessions with the council over the past few months. He stated that the first three sessions have been completed and involved discussion about the Police Department's service delivery model; policy and procedures; and difficult situations faced by officers. Chief Harcey stated that the final presentation will deal with the impacts that an officer involved shooting can have on council and staff, as well as council's role and responsibilities during such an event. The presentations will include an overview of an incident from 2004 in which Officer Siar Nadem was involved, and another scenario which involved a serious incident at Louisiana Court in January, 2017. Officer Nadem outlined the incident and presented audio, including the police dispatcher's calls (in order to present what officers experience during a call), as well as the subsequent chase and shooting of the suspect. Officer Nadem explained the very tense situation and how, due to policy, police were not allowed to pursue the suspect in a highspeed chase early in the incident. He pointed out that after the shooting occurred and there was a threat to public safety, officers were allowed to pursue the suspect. Subsequently, Officer Nadem was shot in the leg, while the suspect was fatally shot. Chief Harcey stated that the use of force was necessary as the suspect was an immediate threat to officers and to the public. Also, the suspect was resisting arrest and fleeing. He added that the case was investigated by the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office and the Hennepin County Attorney. A Hennepin County Grand Jury concluded that this was a justified use of force. He commended Officer Nadem for how he handled this case. Councilmember Sanger asked if it is common for suspects to return to the scene of the crime. Study Session Minutes -2- November 27, 2017 Chief Harcey stated that it is not common. Councilmember Sanger asked what a code 4 means. Chief Harcey stated that it is an "all clear" code. Councilmember Miller asked when the decision was made to pursue the suspect in his vehicle. Officer Nadem stated that the determining policy factor was when they knew the suspect had shot the resident, which allowed the officers to pursue hien. Councilmember Miller asked Officer Nadem if he felt the outcome of the situation would have been different had he been allowed to pursue the suspect before the shooting occurred. Officer Nadem said yes. Councilmember Miller asked if body or dash cameras may have changed the analysis of the incident afterwards. Officer Nadem stated it probably would not have changed anything, adding that the officers would still have tried to make the situation as safe as possible. Councilmember Miller asked if the cameras may help with officer training. Officer Nadem stated that cameras would help, but also some actions by officers are learned on the job. Chief Harcey discussed how critical incidents are investigated. He noted that his first call after a situation is to the City Manager, who then notifies the council. After that, either the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office or the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is contacted. The agency that is available at the time of the incident will begin the investigation process, with the help of the city's duty sergeant, who is immediately involved at the crime scene. Officers directly involved in the case are put on administrative leave and are not required to speak to anyone about it. They are assigned a peer support officer and can only discuss the case with their attorney, clergy, or spouse. They can also contact the Minnesota Peace and Police Officers Association Legal Defense Fund Attorney for assistance. Chief Harcey stated that the concern is not to interfere with the ongoing investigation and to avoid any potential conflict of interest. Chief Harcey stated that investigations can take anywhere from 3 months to 1 year to complete. He added that during this time period, very limited information about the case is shared with the public, and everything goes through the county attorney's office. All information remains private until the county attorney releases it to the public. Councilmember Mavity asked how the procedure could be improved. She noted that because of the long timeframe for the investigation, it seems some recall of the incident could be lost. Chief IIarcey stated that the main goal is to get to the truth, and it takes time to get there. Councilmember Mavity asked if it is the best system. Chief Harcey stated it is the best system that we have at this time, adding that it will likely change with fixture technology. He added that nothing can compel officers to give a statement, and this is determined on a case-by-case basis. Mayor Spano thanked Chief Harcey, Officer Nadem, and the police force for all they do to protect St. Louis Park and its residents, He added that he wants to make sure they know they are appreciated. Chief Harcey thanked the Mayor on behalf of the police force. He proceeded to present another scenario that occurred in January, 2017, at Louisiana Court. The serious incident involved a youth threatening suicide with a knife that lasted three hours in very cold winter temperatures. Chief Harcey explained that this particular young person had been in and out of hospital care for mental health issues. He stated that the situation ended successfully, with the help of additional officers and resources, special less lethal tools, and hostage negotiation techniques. Mayor Spano stated this was a mental health issue. With proper mental health funding, the circumstances could possibly have been avoided. Study Session Minutes -3- November 27, 2017 Chief Harcey discussed what would have happened if this situation had turned out differently, and deadly force had to be used. Councilmember Sanger asked how officers distinguish when a person is asking for help or if they want suicide by police. Chief Harcey stated it is a constant balance and a threat to officers. He added that the police take their time and react based on the person's actions, while trying not to force them to act. He added that additional resources, including ambulances, Tasers and less than lethal weapons are available to assist. The Chief added that an incident commander is always present and leading all actions taken during the event. At this point, Communications and Marketing Manager Larson and Mr. McNaney from Padilla discussed what the council can expect in the wake of a critical incident. They presented best practices for responding in order to balance the demand for speed and transparency with the responsibility of providing accurate information. Mr. McNaney stated that his firm handles crisis communications for all types of incidents in the public and private sectors. He noted that his role would be to support Mr. Harmening and the city in the case of a crisis incident. Mr. McNaney stated that when a crisis happens, everyone wants to help, but the council needs to remember the big picture and what is best for the city and community members. The council cannot let their emotions drive their response in a crisis situation. He added that the staff and council will be judged by how they react. Mr. McNaney stated that there is a need for controlled information dissemination, which is the role of spokespeople like the City Manager, Police Chief, Conununications Manager, or Mayor. He also pointed out that it is not the role of the councilmembers. Mr. McNaney pointed out that expectations must be set to avoid confusion. There will never be full disclosure, and the council needs to be ok with that. He stated that sometimes communities rush to tell, then they have to back pedal and lose credibility. He added that being transparent is not saying everything we know, but it is a saying why we cannot talk about it. Mr. McNaney presented several video examples, pointing out that there will be a need for disciplined communicators, especially in the light of social media. Mr. Harmening pointed out that communications management is not the same as manipulation of information. Mr. McNaney added that it is about finding the truth and being as open and transparent as possible about what is being done to correct the situation, in an honest, earnest and empathetic way. Councilmember Sanger asked how Padilla deals with the circulation of fake news and if they assume the facts will win out or if they become more aggressive in their messaging. Mr. McNaney stated that their team monitors all the news, but also states the facts, only becoming aggressive if something is hurtful or harmful. He added that Padilla prefers to be the calm in the storm. Mr. McNaney stated that as soon as a crisis occurs, it is best if the councilmembers immediately detach from their social media accounts and give a unified statement with a calm voice. He added that it is fine for each councilmember to repeat the same message, if that is what is agreed upon. It is best to channel it through the city manager or communications manager, or both. Mr. McNaney stated that the councilmembers are ambassadors for the city, and only one accurate message should be disseminated. Study Session Minutes -4- November 27, 2017 Mr. Harmening stated this can become difficult for council members because they can be overwhelmed with social media, phone calls, texts, and people coming to their homes. However, he added that speaking with one voice is important. Councilmember Miller noted he is concerned about keeping all councilmembers aware when even a smaller incident happens, so that a clear singular message can be delivered to residents. He asked if there is enough time to reach out to Padilla when an incident happens. Mr. Harmening stated that Padilla has a 2417 hotline available to call. Councilmember Miller stated that as a councilmember, he would appreciate communication from the City Manager at any hour of the day or Tright in the event of a crisis situation. He would want to have the key facts and a singular message ready to go, as constituents will reach out to councilmembers at all times for information. Councilmember Brausen said that training and a clear action plan for the council will be important when an incident happens. He noted the council should receive immediate notification of incidents occurring at schools or public places, as the safety of our children and the public are always of paramount concern. Councilmember Lindberg agreed with Councilmember Brausen, stating that he would want to wait for the facts to be in and respond accordingly at the appropriate time. Councilmember Mavity agreed, also, and added that any information learned by councilmembers should be communicated directly to the City Manager as soon as possible. Mr. McNaney added that the councilmembers are the eyes and ears in the field and have a significant role to play. Councilmember Sanger asked if city staff is also prepped and educated on the crisis communication plans of the city. Ms. Larson stated that staff directors and front line employees have all gone through media training and how to talk to the media. She added that if any staff member receives a media call, they are to let Ms. Larson know first, and she will determine who the media should talk to. Councilmember Miller stated that he would rather receive a text or call from Mr. Harmening at any hour of the day or night versus not knowing anything. Mayor Spano added an incident might seem low key, but it is important the council know about it before it is directed to the public. Mayor Spano stated there will need to be an outline of the communication plan and steps for the council, as well as information on the objectivity piece and directing questions back to the central source for the most current information. Mr. Pires also suggested that the council revisit this topic, as social media will continue to change and develop over time. Mr. Haimening stated that this will be further discussed at the January 2018 council retreat. Councilmember Mavity stated she that would like all of the handouts from the policing model sessions redistributed to councilmembers, along with the department action plans on race equity and additional data points, as well. She would also like this information added to the city website for public review. Study Session Minutes -S- Communications November 27, 2017 Mr. Harmening stated that the council will have their individual and group photos taken at the first meeting of the year in January. Mr. Harmening added at the December 4 meeting, a youth member will be appointed to the Human Rights Commission (HRC). Additionally, the council will need to review information on past interviewees for the HRC and appoint three members to take the place of those who have resigned from the commission. Staff will review the rankings and data from past interviewees and ask past interviewees if they are still interested in serving on the HRC. Ms. Deno added that staff will send this data and ranking information to the council for review. Margaret Rog asked that Todd Sandler be considered for appointment to the HRC, noting that he would be a welcome contributor to the commission. The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m. Written Reports provided and documented for recording purposes only: 3. October 2017 Monthly Financial Report 4. 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update 5. Proposed Terms for Purchase of 5639 Minnetonka Blvd. 6. Historic Walker Lake Update Melissa Jake Spano, Mayor