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~l..t. rr Page 7 City Council Minutes April 27, 1994 Mayor Baldwin asked how Ramsey County would coordinate public relations activities in Falcon Heights and how residents would get to meet their new officers. Commander Bergeron stated that his officers seek opportunities to meet and chat with people - they don't just drive around all day. They attempt to build trust in the community and with staff by checking in with people on a regular basis and not just when an emergency occurs. Councilmember Gehrz observed that under the second option presented, there would be no police car in Falcon Heights between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. What kind of response time could Falcon Heights expect during these hours? Commander Bergeron replied that the closest car would be in Arden Hills and response time would be between five and seven minutes. Councilmember Hustad asked Bergeron to expand upon statements in the RFP that pertained to code enforcement and traffic enforce- ment. Bergeron stated that his officers would be actively involved in these areas; they attempt to solve problems before getting to the ticketing stage. Mayor Baldwin asked about Ramsey County's formal procedures for assuring gender and ethnic equity and diversity within the police force. Sheriff Moen replied that Ramsey County is an EEOC/AA employer that is actively working with colleges and schools to recruit qualified women and minority police candidates. Mayor Baldwin adjourned the meeting at 9:05 p.m. for a five minute break and again called to order at 9:11 p.m. Mayor Baldwin asked for questions and comments from the audience. He first addressed two written questions. The first question asked how fine money from traffic violations is returned to Falcon Heights. Baldwin answered that there is a formula that is determined by Ramsey County. The second question asked if there was a particular reason why the city chose to highlight cooperation between police and the fire/rescue unit as a criteria for policing service. Baldwin answered that the reason for the emphasis was that fire/rescue volunteers are sometimes the first responders in dangerous situations and police back-ug becomes essential. Mr. Ray Garcia, 1906 Prior Avenue, stated that citizens currently see a lack of patrol. He took an informal poll around his neighborhood and reported that people don't have a comfortable level of security. For many years, Ramsey County patrolled the City and had a presence. People became comfortable with this presence. Mr. Garcia asked the council NOT economize on the part of safety. Falcon Heights can afford high service. The cost of