Good evening, everybody.

Welcome to the City of Nevada City Council meeting for Tuesday, April 8th.

Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

And to the Republic for which it stands one nation.

Thank you.

Laura, if you'd call roll.

Councilmember Eckland.

Present.

Councilmember Jacobs.

Present.

Councilmember Herbert.

Present.

Present and Chairman.

Present.

Thank you.

The council did meet in closed session before the meeting tip this evening.

I'll turn to a city attorney Bell.

Yeah, thank you, Mayor and Council members.

No reportable action from close session.

Thank you.

We have two proclamations this evening.

I'd like to invite the city council to join me at the front of the room.

Thank you, thank you.

All right.

Our first proclamation is recognizing National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, and I'd like to invite the members of the Nevada Police Department to join us for the award.

Good to see you guys.

Come on up.

Friend center.

Okay.

We get to do this each year, and this group has to be the least the most reluctant in terms of standing up and receiving praise, then they will they they really really deserve it.

So recognizing National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, whereas the professional public safety dispatcher plays a vital role in the protection of human life and property and the preservation of law and order guaranteed by our Constitution, and whereas the incidents of crime, alcohol, and drug abuse, suicides, medical and fire emergencies, traffic collisions, and domestic abuse are a daily occurrence, and whereas the safety of our police officers and the public is dependent upon the quality and accuracy of information obtained from community members who contact the police department, and whereas the professional public safety dispatcher is the vital link between the community member or victim and the public safety provider who may apprehend a criminal, save their worldly possessions, or save their life for the life of a loved one.

And whereas the City of Novato is incredibly fortunate to have a wonderful group of dedicated and trained professional public safety dispatchers, and whereas these professionals need and deserve the informed support of our community to continually maintain and improve the quality of public safety dispatching services.

And whereas the United States Congress has set aside the second full week in April to recognize telecommunicators and their crucial role in the protection of life and property.

Now therefore, be resolved that the City Council of the City of Novato, on behalf of the residents of Nevada, do hereby proclaim the week of April 13th through the 19th, 2025 as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week and commends the dedication and contribution of our professional public safety dispatchers to the overall delivery of public safety services.

Thank you so much for everything you do.

I tried to get her to say something too, and I don't think it's gonna happen.

No, I just want to say thank you for recognizing uh our dispatchers.

I mean, we're so fortunate to have such an incredible group.

You know, I always say dispatchers are the unsung heroes in this this whole profession because these are the ones that are getting the phone calls all day, all night, you know, the people in their worst moment and just the calm and the professionalism and the caring they bring to the job.

I think people can feel it through the phone, and it helps Sam.

It sets up us up for success, they keep an eye on us when we wander off doing things in uh so we're just so grateful to have such great dispatchers.

Thank you, guys.

Our second proclamation recognizes the Nevada Police Department, and I'd like to invite up members of the Nevada Police Department and Jody Burks, Dean Burks, Brian Burks, and Aggie Freeman to accept the proclamation.

Oh sure.

So where is the Novata?

I thought you guys were here.

Whereas the Nevada Police Department is dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of our community through vigilance, professionalism, and swift action in the face of danger.

And whereas on February 15th, 2025, officers of the Nevada Police Department demonstrated outstanding investigative skills, teamwork, and unwavering commitment to justice in the successful apprehension of kidnapping suspects.

And whereas the department's rapid response, coordination with Allied law enforcement agencies, and steadfast determination led to the safe recovery of the victim and the prevention of further harm.

And whereas the this incident exemplifies the bravery, dedication, and integrity of the men and women of the Nevada Police Department, who work tirelessly to protect and serve the residents of Novado.

Whereas the City Council of Novato, on behalf of all our residents, wishes to express its gratitude and appreciation to the Nevada Police Department for its heroism and professionalism in handling this critical incident.

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the City Council of the City of Nevada does hereby recognize and commend the Novato Police Department for its outstanding service and commitment to the safety of our community and extends its heartfelt appreciation for the department's efforts in bringing justice and security to our city.

Thank you for everything you do.

Would you like to speak to you?

Dear Mayor O'Connell, uh Nevada City Council and the members of the community that are present here tonight.

During a recent distressing incident in which Dean was abducted from his care facility, the swift and compassionate response of several organizations made all the difference in ensuring his safety.

We are especially grateful for the timely and skilled actions taken by the Nevado Healthcare Center, 911 Emergency Services, and the Nevado Police Department.

Under the leadership of Chief Jim Nagel, this department is clearly well trained and prepared to protect the most vulnerable members of society.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Officer Laura Hauser, whose quick response and professionalism were crucial in the positive outcome of this situation.

Additionally, we would like to commend Lieutenant Bates, Detective Hutcheson, Officer Hauser, Sergeant Carroll, Sergeant Hinkle, and Corporal Roderick for their tireless and diligent work in supporting Dean's safety and well-being.