The electric theft deterrent devices spoken of could mean the approval of electric fences for industrial area business use. Electric fences are currently illegal, according to city law. This amendment would make certain types of electric fences legal, according to staff reports prepared for the meeting. And while potential burglars might get a shock from the devices, city staff state that the fencing would “pose no medical risk.”
The type of electric fence that could be approved would give off a short shock powered by a 12-volt battery. According to the staff report, the short shock is the difference that makes the fences more humane. The current standard is a constant flow of electricity conducting through the person who touches the device.
If approved, the fences would have to be the second line of defense, standing inside an existing six-foot tall fence. Signs would also have to signal that such a fence exists.
The item will be receiving its first reading today, meaning that council members will have to wait until a later date to vote on the code amendment.
However, the council will be voting on the Mayor’s recommendation for a new member of the Sparks Advisory Committee for the Disabled. After receiving and sorting through applications for the position, Mayor Geno Martini will be suggesting that Yvonne Flynn take the open committee position. The council must ratify the mayor’s decision.
The council started taking applications for the position on Sept. 14.
In other business, the council will hear a report on staffing levels from both the police and fire departments. Both public agencies have struggled with staffing levels over the past year in the midst of city budget concerns.
“Faced with closing down engine companies and/or stations, operationally we are at a point where future budget reductions would certainly create this, and have a direct impact on the safety of the citizens of Sparks, as well as our firefighters,” said Sparks Fire Chief Andy Flock in an April statement.
In December 2008, the Sparks Fire Department reduced its staffing levels from 29 to 23 per shift. This meant that the number of people on a fire truck would drop from four firefighters to three. The change was expected to save $400,000.
Comment from the police department echoed the fire department’s plight.
According to a March statement from former chief of Police Steve Asher, the minimum staffing levels for police officers have not increased in 14 years. In that time, Sparks population has grown by 32,427 people. Now, the city is watched over by 1.22 officers per 1,000 people.
No action will be taken on the staffing levels as the item appears in the presentations section of the agenda.
Along with the presentation on the public safety staffing levels, the council will hear a presentation from the All Star Band, which traveled to Longford Ireland in September to perform in a musical festival.
The group was made up of high school students from Sparks, Reed and Spanish Springs high schools. While the students were asked to come up with most of the money for their trip, other funds were gifted by the city. The band received several thousand dollars from the Sparks Tourism and Marketing Committee for the trip.
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