Social Services and Public Safety Committee

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Social Services and Public Safety Committee convened on March 14, 2023, at 1:00 PM with J. Reynolds presiding. The committee reviewed three informational agenda items focused on key public safety and social service programs within the community. The meeting included updates on the Community Paramedicine Program, Substance Use Disorder Intervention Program, and Community Corrections, all presented for informational purposes rather than requiring formal action.

During the session, the committee took one formal vote and heard no public comments. All three agenda items were informational presentations designed to keep committee members informed about the status and progress of these critical community programs. The meeting provided an opportunity for committee members to receive updates on ongoing initiatives that serve vulnerable populations and support public safety efforts in the jurisdiction.

Attendance

The following members were present at the March 14, 2023 meeting:

• J. Reynolds
• W. Baxter
• J. Brown
• C. Ellinger
• T. Fogle
• D. Gray
• F. Brown
• D. Sevigny
• K. Plomin

Absent: • B. Monarrez

No members arrived late to the meeting. Nine members were present with one absence recorded.

Votes and Decisions

The committee took one formal vote during the March 14, 2023 meeting.

Approval of January 24, 2023 Committee Summary 0:01 - The committee voted to approve the summary from their January 24, 2023 meeting - Outcome: Passed by voice vote - No individual vote counts were recorded for this voice vote - No members voted against or abstained from the motion

The vote was conducted early in the meeting and passed without opposition, allowing the committee to proceed with the remainder of their agenda items.

Community Paramedicine Program Update

0:02 Captain Lockhart and Chief Wells presented an update on the Community Paramedicine Program during agenda item II. The presentation focused on the program's effectiveness in reducing emergency medical services (EMS) call volume and outlined future operational requirements.

The speakers highlighted the program's positive impact on the community, demonstrating measurable reductions in EMS call volume through proactive community health interventions. The Community Paramedicine Program represents a shift from traditional emergency response to preventive care delivery in community settings.

During the presentation, Chief Wells and Captain Lockhart addressed future funding requirements necessary to sustain and expand the program's operations. They also discussed staffing needs, indicating the program's growth trajectory and resource requirements for continued success.

The agenda item was classified as informational, with no formal action taken by the governing body. The presentation served to update officials and the public on the program's current status and future planning considerations.

The Community Paramedicine Program update provided transparency regarding the initiative's performance metrics and operational planning, allowing stakeholders to understand both the program's achievements in reducing emergency call volume and its ongoing resource needs for future sustainability.

Substance Use Disorder Intervention Program Update

1:30

Amy Baker and Commissioner Speckert provided an update on the county's ongoing substance use disorder intervention efforts during this informational presentation.

The discussion covered current initiatives to address substance use disorders in the community, with particular focus on naloxone distribution programs. Naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses, has been a key component of the county's harm reduction strategy.

The speakers also addressed the impact of national opioid litigation settlements on local intervention programs. These settlements, resulting from lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies and distributors involved in the opioid crisis, are providing additional resources for communities to expand their substance use disorder treatment and prevention efforts.

Baker and Commissioner Speckert outlined how these settlement funds are being integrated into existing programs and what new initiatives may be possible as a result of this additional funding. The presentation provided an overview of the current state of substance use disorder intervention efforts and how the county is positioning itself to address ongoing challenges in this area.

This was an informational item with no action required from the governing body. The update served to keep officials and the public informed about the progress and evolution of the county's substance use disorder intervention programs.

Community Corrections Update

2:30

Director Colvin provided an informational presentation on the current status of the Community Corrections division during the March 14, 2023 meeting.

The update centered on three primary areas of focus for the division:

• Staffing challenges - Director Colvin addressed ongoing personnel shortages affecting Community Corrections operations
• Recruitment strategies - The presentation outlined current and planned approaches to attract new staff members to fill vacant positions
• Jail operations improvements - Efforts underway to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of correctional facility operations

Director Colvin served as the primary speaker for this agenda item, delivering the comprehensive update to meeting attendees. The presentation was structured as an informational briefing, providing stakeholders with current data and strategic direction for the Community Corrections division.

The discussion focused on operational matters within the correctional system, with particular emphasis on human resources challenges that are impacting service delivery. Director Colvin outlined both immediate concerns and longer-term strategic initiatives designed to address staffing gaps and improve overall system performance.

This agenda item was designated as informational in nature, meaning no formal action or voting was required from meeting participants. The update served to keep stakeholders informed about the current state of Community Corrections operations and the division's efforts to address identified challenges through targeted recruitment and operational improvements.