City Council Work Meeting Minutes

Thursday, July 12,2018
Minutes



ST. GEORGE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

WORK MEETING

JULY 12, 2018, 5:00 PM

ADMINISTRATIVE CONFERENCE ROOM

 

PRESENT:                                         

Mayor Jon Pike

Councilmember Jimmie Hughes

Councilmember Michele Randall

Councilmember Bette Arial

Councilmember Ed Baca

City Attorney Shawn Guzman

City Manager Adam Lenhard

City Recorder Christina Fernandez

 

EXCUSED:

Councilmember Joe Bowcutt

 

DISCUSSION REGARDING LAW ENFORCEMENT STAFFING AT DIXIE REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER (DRMC):

City Attorney Shawn Guzman explained staff has been working with DRMC to station a police officer in the emergency room.  Other large Intermountain facilities do have armed personnel present.   He noted that concerns include having armed personnel present who are not POST certified as the City’s Police Officers are.  Staff is proposing to have an on duty officer posted at the hospital.  He commented at times doctors and nurses feel threatened by patients.  This officer may be able to relieve some minor cases where a patient is not being belligerent.  Other agencies will have to remain with their person in custody while they are receiving medical care. 

 

Police Chief Stratton noted five (5) additional officers will be hired to staff these positions.

 

City Attorney Shawn stated the cost would be approximately $101,000 annually for each officer.  It is proposed that the City share in the cost.

 

Chief Stratton stated it will be beneficial for an officer to be stationed at the hospital.   As part of the agreement, these officers will be able to respond to a major event in close proximity to the hospital if needed. 

 

City Attorney Shawn explained the City’s cost will be 15% while the hospital will cover 85%.

 

Police Chief Stratton outlined how the School Resource Officers are funded.

 

After discussing the proposal, the consensus of the Council is to move forward.

 

The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:30 p.m.

 

 

 

________________________________               

Christina Fernandez, City Recorder