Jeffrey Gaier

The commission received staff updates regarding police job function test revalidation, EpiPen training, 9/11 anniversary planning, and fire training center master planning. Several financial authorizations were granted for department bills. Personnel actions included accepting a recruit resignation and authorizing the recruitment process for a vacancy. The commission approved a Comprehensive Risk Assessment and Long-Term Service Plan, as well as specific fire department policies. Additionally, the commission reviewed and approved components of the 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Plan for both fire and police departments, encompassing equipment, facilities, and emergency management services.

The committee received a comprehensive presentation on the United Way's ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed) program, which addresses financial challenges for households earning above the poverty level but below a living wage. Updates were provided by the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Central Wisconsin regarding service availability, farmer's market vouchers, and the status of meal programs. The committee also discussed transportation updates involving the transition of services to MTM for Inclusa clients, received a transit report on new equipment, and initiated preliminary planning for the upcoming 2026 Senior Health Fair.

The Commission discussed several departmental updates, including the renovation of the Wildwood Plaza building and the acquisition of EpiPens for police department first responders. Progress reports were provided on the Training Center Master Plan and a fully funded UTV project. The commission also addressed a memorandum of agreement regarding the emergency medical transport of K-9 officers. Financial actions included the review and approval of multiple fire and police department bills, as well as the authorization of 2025 ambulance accounts receivable write-offs. Additionally, the commission reviewed and approved various fire department policies and procedures regarding safety, training, and incident response.

The committee meeting focused on reviewing several key policy drafts presented by the Communications Director. These included the City Social Media Policy 2026, the Marshfield Broadcasting Announcement Policy 2026, the updated Marshfield Broadcasting Policy 2026, and the comprehensive City Communications Policy 2026. All policies were discussed in detail, with specific feedback provided regarding comment moderation, annual review requirements, and banner distinctions, and all were recommended to the Common Council. Additionally, the committee received an update regarding the cancellation of the City's LPFM license and a request regarding radio station speakers was postponed.

The meeting included staff updates from the Police and Fire Chiefs regarding the status of the new police department building RFPs, the development of the Training Center Master Plan, and challenges related to the implementation of the new NERIS federal fire reporting system. The Commission approved social media policies for both the police and fire departments, with plans for a future policy on Artificial Intelligence. Additionally, the Commission reviewed and approved various financial bills for both departments. Several fire department operational policies and procedures were reviewed and approved, incorporating specific recommended changes to communication operations and apparatus identification protocols.