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11-28-22 Conf. Mtg COUNCIL CONFERENCE MEETING November 28, 2022 5:30 PM Fridley Civic Center - 7071 University Avenue N.E. AGENDA 1. Commercial Fire Inspections 2. Proposed Catalytic Converter Ordinance The City of Fridley will not discriminate against or harass anyone in the admission or access to, or treatment, or employment in its services, program, or activities because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation or status with regard to public assistance. Upon request, accommodation will be provided to allow individuals with disabilities to participate in any of Fridley’s services, programs, and activities. Hearing impaired persons who need any interpreter or other persons with disabilities who require auxiliary aids should contact Roberta Collins at (763) 572-3500. (TTD/763-572-3534). 1 Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses. AGENDA REPORT Meeting Date: November 28, 2022 Meeting Type: City Council Conference Meeting Submitted By: Maddison Zikmund, Fire Chief Title Commercial Fire Inspections Background I am joined today by full-time Fire Inspector and Captain Brian Williams. Brian’s position is focused primarily on inspecting commercial properties across the City of Fridley. There are over 1,000 commercial occupancies in the City requiring some form of fire- related inspection. The goal is to inspect every property every three (3) years. The purpose of the fire inspection is to promote life safety, ensuring that occupancies are meeting or exceeding standards provided by life safety code, MN state fire code, and Fridley ordinances. Financial Impact None Discussion It is with excitement that I welcome Brian to stand before you today as he has successfully completed all inspections in the 3 years he has been in this position. To our knowledge, this is the first time this has been accomplished in recent history. With turnover in the position and staff dedicated to other tasks, it has not been possible until a committed staff member like Brian stepped to the plate and our other staffing needs allowed this to occur. In addition to the annual inspections, Brian also consistently interacts with businesses outside of their 3-year rotation for changes in occupancy, updated fire access keys, contact information, and beyond. Brian also responds to emergencies both while on shift and from his home with a take-home vehicle on a regular basis. His ancillary duties include quality assurance on all of our incident reports, the City’s Safety Committee, retrieving information for public data requests, tracking pre-plan and Tier II data, and our mobile CAD subject matter expert. With all of this in mind, Brian has not only met but far exceeded our expectations as an employee, inspector, and asset to the Fire Division. It allows us to stay ahead of schedule on inspections while adding the other pieces that make our businesses and emergency responders safer. As we hope to operate an efficient combination staffing model (relying heavily on paid-on-call firefighters), it is largely due to the success of programs like commercial fire inspections that allow us to sustain. This is because we know our commercial businesses are up to code and going to keep workers and patrons as safe as practical to minimize emergencies or prevent them from occurring altogether. We will be happy to stand for any questions or comments to myself or Inspector Williams. 2 Item 1. Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses. Focus on Fridley Strategic Alignment Vibrant Neighborhoods & Places Community Identity & Relationship Building X Financial Stability & Commercial Prosperity X Public Safety & Environmental Stewardship X Organizational Excellence Attachments and Other Resources  3 Item 1. Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses. AGENDA REPORT Meeting Date: November 28, 2022 Meeting Type: City Council Conference Meeting Submitted By: Brian Weierke, Director of Public Safety Title Proposed Catalytic Converter Ordinance Background Over the last three years, catalytic converters have been stolen off of many vehicles in Fridley. This can be costly (up to $3,500) for each person who experiences this theft. Staff have put together a report to help us better understand the thefts, which will shared at the Conference Meeting. Police departments in Minnesota are starting to enact new ordinances which will make it a misdemeanor crime to possess a catalytic converter without proper proof or verification of legal receipt of the catalytic converter. Staff believe this new ordinance will give our police officers another tool to assist them in their investigations of catalytic converter thefts. Attached is a sample ordinance from the City of Coon Rapids, (Exhibit A) which will serve as the direction staff plan to take in crafting the City’s ordinance. Focus on Fridley Strategic Alignment Vibrant Neighborhoods & Places Community Identity & Relationship Building Financial Stability & Commercial Prosperity X Public Safety & Environmental Stewardship Organizational Excellence Attachments and Other Resources  City of Coon Rapids Sample Ordinance 4 Item 2. ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE REGULATING THE POSSESSION OF CATALYTIC CONVERTERS AND THEREBY AMENDING REVISED CITY CODE - 1982 BY ADDING CHAPTER 7-700, POSSESSION OF CATALYTIC CONVERTERS The City of Coon Rapids does ordain: Section 1. Revised City Code - 1982 is hereby amended by adding Chapter 7-700, Possession of Catalytic Converters as follows: (additions double underlined) CITY OF COON RAPIDS, MINNESOTA CHAPTER 7-700 POSSESSION OF CATALYTIC CONVERTERS 7-701 Possession of Detached Catalytic Converter. It shall be unlawful for any person to possess or resell a catalytic converter that is not attached to a motor vehicle unless: (1) The person can provide proof or verification the catalytic converter lawfully passed from the owner of the vehicle from which the converter was removed to the person possessing the catalytic converter; or (2) The person can provide proof or verification of legal receipt of the catalytic converter; or (3) The person can provide proof of compliance with the recording requirements of Minnesota Statutes, section 325E.21. 7-702 Penalty. Violation of this Chapter is a misdemeanor. Nothing in this Chapter shall be construed to limit the city’s other available legal remedies for any violation of law, including without limitation, criminal, civil, and injunctive actions. Section 2. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and publication according to law. 5 Item 2.