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City Council MinutesPage 6 of 7 August 4, 2025 --------- looked at for the day. Mr. Femrite explained that there ended up being a power failure at the lift station that took out the breaker and panels, and they believe it was out for 17 hours. Mrs. Helle stated that she appreciated all the discussion and asked if they could get a summary of tonight's discussion. Councilmember Calva asked Mrs. Helle if he could stop by their home. She said, "Absolutely." If anyone wants to stop by and see the damage and how they are living right now, they are welcome. 11.2Traffic Safety Officer The staff report was presented. Duane Siedschlag, Impaired Driving Program Coordinator, and Becky Putzke, Northwest Law Enforcement Liaison from the Office of Traffic Safety - Minnesota Department of Public Safety, were present. Mayor Dietz asked if it was similar to the Towards Zero Deaths program. Chief Kuhnly stated it is an extension of that program. Mayor Dietz asked how long the grants are for. Mr. Siedschlag stated for one year. Mayor Dietz asked if you get the grant one year, is it guaranteed that you will get it the next year. Mr. Siedschlag stated, Yes, usually you do. Mayor Dietz asked if this would be opened up to the current department or would it be a new hire. Chief Kuhnly explained that they would like to increase their staff from 35 to 36, but they would take one of their current officers and have them work this position in particular, and then add a new hire for general patrol. Mayor Dietz asked what would happen if they received the grant, and if they would have to have someone in place by a particular date. Mr. Siedschlag stated it would start on October 1, 2025, and go through September 30, 2026. Councilmember Beyer asked if Chief Kuhnly asked for this or was it something that came to him. Chief Kuhnly stated that he was familiar with the program already. Mayor Dietz asked if the program was successful. Mr. Siedschlag stated that he is committed to putting the federal funds where the problems exist and explained that other cities that have participated have been very successful and have seen a 60% rate drop in alcohol-related fatalities from 2022-2024. Mayor Dietz asked if it would be hard to find someone to work those hours and on holidays. Chief Kuhnly stated that there are a couple of people interested in this already, and it could be a rotated position as well. Mr. Siedschlag stated that it is a concern that some officers get burned out, so they rotate. He stated he keeps close monitoring of the program.