Brian Thompson

The commission held a budget study session which included a comprehensive update on the police department. Key discussion topics included the department's mission statement, organizational structure, staffing levels, policing models (community-focused, data-informed, and technology-driven), and the functions of the real-time information center. Additionally, the department reported on crime reduction statistics for 2025, property crime clearance rates, patrol division response times, and the activities of the criminal investigations and drug enforcement units, including the seizure of narcotics and firearms.

The Comprehensive Safety Action Plan for Crawford County, Kansas, adopts the Safe System Approach and Vision Zero initiative to eliminate roadway fatalities and serious injuries. It focuses on key emphasis areas including roadway departures, intersection-related crashes, and unrestrained occupant incidents, while also addressing vulnerable road users, distracted driving, and alcohol or drug-related crashes. The plan outlines specific strategies, projects, and policy recommendations to enhance transportation safety and foster collaboration among stakeholders.

The board discussed several items, including the Greenbush Strategic Planning Report and status updates on SEK-CAP bus signs and the procurement of bike racks and benches. The board reviewed the upcoming Downtown Strategic Plan Update, including design workshops and a community conversation. New business items included the preparation of the annual report for the City Commission, a budget update incorporating a potential holiday tree lighting event, and detailed planning for the 6-2-0 Day event, including marketing, entertainment, and logistics. Open discussions addressed potential commercial advertising for downtown, market grants, digital and print mapping, and revenue-generating opportunities for the board.

The board discussed the implementation of common consumption areas, including liability concerns, potential mitigation strategies involving security cameras and identification wristbands, and the upcoming participation of local businesses. Other topics included a review of the successful Back to Broadway event, strategies for encouraging downtown employees to park off Broadway, the identification of projects for Historical Preservation Fund grants, the distribution of a downtown business directory, and the launch of the B22 Innovation Challenge. Additionally, the board discussed logistical planning for upcoming community events like Art Walk and Paint the Town Red, and potential community-wide expansion of the Veo Ride bike-share service.

The meeting featured a budget work session for the Fire Department. Key discussion topics included an overview of the department's historical evolution, service level and risk management strategies, the maintenance of the ISO class 2 rating, and the current state of departmental facilities. The presentation covered a comprehensive review of frontline and reserve apparatus, detailing the need for formal replacement plans and the importance of maintaining fully equipped reserve units. Furthermore, the discussion highlighted the department's role as an all-hazard agency, emphasizing the critical importance of ongoing training, special operations capabilities, and the necessity of sound fiscal decision-making regarding aging equipment.