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