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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCMin_94Apr27CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 27, 1994 Mayor Baldwin convened the meeting at 6:51 p.m. PRESENT Baldwin, Gehrz, Gibson Talbot, Hustad, and Jacobs. were Hoyt, Asleson, and Bachman. MINUTES OF APRIL 13, 1994 Council approved minutes as corrected. -~ .~. Also present ADDITION OF ITEM C-9, RECEIPT OF GRANT, TO CONSENT AGENDA Council approved the addition of Item C-9, authorizing receipt of a forestry grant, to the Consent Agenda. DISCUSSION OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS Councilmember Jacobs inquired as to why a homeowner would be reimbursing the City for a Marshall ash (as described in Item C- 5). Administrator Hoyt replied that the tree was requested by the homeowner for planting in the boulevard. Since it is not a scheduled tree replacement, the homeowner is willing to pay for it. CONSENT AGENDA APPROVED Council approved the following Consent Agenda by unanimous consent: 1. Licenses 2. Disbursements a. General disbursements through 4/19/94, $77,395.84 b. Payroll, 4/1/94 to 4/15/94, $10,971.63 3. Proclaiming May 7, 1994 as Arbor Day and the month of May as Arbor Month in Falcon Heights 4. Appointment of Brad Lasser to the Human Rights Commission 5. Adopt resolution proclaiming the city's support for the Roseville, Maplewood, and Falcon Heights League of Women Voters on the organization's 40th birthday 6. Authorize purchase of 14 trees for 1994 7. Authorization to Contract with "Prairie Restorations, Inc" for services related to prairie restoration at Community Park 8. Request for variance to Chapter 9-2.06 of five feet from the maximum fence height at 1703 St. Mary's Street 9. Authorize receipt of 1994 Urban and Community Forestry Challenge grant Page 2 City Council Minutes April 27, 1994 Mayor Baldwin read the adopted proclamation aloud, and called pictures with League members iri League of Women Voters a brief recess to pose for attendance. CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSALS FOR POLICE SERVICE ~.: Mayor Baldwin gave a brief summarization of the process undertaken to solicit police service proposals. He explained that the four cities that had responded to the RFP would be making brief presentations. Mayor Baldwin also said that all citizen comments would be heard at the conclusion of all the presentations. He also asked that any questions from the public be written on cards and he would ask the question of each provider. CITY OF ST. PAi,JL Presenters: BiII Finney, Chief of Police Ed Steenburg, Deputy Chief Chief Finney emphasized that St. Paul's policing philosophy is to be "responsive to and reflective of the communities we serve". He also noted that St. Paul would assign the five officers and a supervisor (a fact not stated in their RFP response) to Falcon Heights. It would be St. Paul's intention to have a Falcon Heights "substation" whereby residents would get to know the officers that serve them. Finney also highlighted St. Paul's extensive follow-up and support service abilities. Deputy Chief Steenburg commented that no matter who gets this police contract, the City of St. Paul wants to be a good neighbor. Councilmember Gehrz asked how the City of St. Paul would dispatch police for fire and rescue calls. Deputy Chief Steenburg replied that St. Paul would respond to any type of call requested by Falcon Heights. The exact method for dispatch would be open for discussion, but mast likely would involve re-programming 9-1-1 calls to St. Paul's dispatch system. Councilmember Hustad commented that many of the crime prevention activities currently in place in Falcon Heights are noted as "up for discussion" in the RFP response. Finney responded that he sees "up for discussion" as meaning a tailoring of expectations between the two cities. St. Paul participates in the Neighbor- hood Watch and National Night Out programs; the McGruff program will be considered if St. Paul gets this contract. Councilmember Hustad noted that St. Paul and Falcon Heights are two very different cities, and asked how officers would be 1..~. ~ Page 3 City Council Minutes April 27, 1994 assigned to a Falcon Heights district. Finney replied that he would first ask for volunteers from among the force and would then request that the two cities jointly select the officers that would serve Falcon Heights. Councilmember Gibson Talbot asked the Chiefs to describe the strengths and weaknesses of the Community Policing concept in St. Paul. Finney replied that there have been differing levels of interest in policing in general among the various St. Paul neighborhoods, so naturally Community Policing has been more successful in those neighborhoods that have a higher interest. Steenburg commented that St. Paul has a number of community councils within its borders which work with the police. Finney assured the city council that St. Paul Police would attend any meetings requested in the name of community relations. Mayor Baldwin asked about St. Paul's formal procedures for assuring gender and ethnic equity and diversity within the police force. Finney responded that St. Paul wants its force to look like the community it serves. St. Paul has a formal affirmative action plan, part of which involves Chief Finney reviewing lists for assignments and placements. These lists are reviewed and must be balanced along gender and racial lines or they are returned for revision. CITY OF ST. ANTHONY Presenter: Dick Engstrom, Chief of Police Chief Engstrom stated that one of St. Anthony's strengths is that it has knowledge of the needs of a small community. It recently began serving the City of Lauderdale and both parties are happy with the arrangement. The primary purpose of policing, according to Chief Engstrom, is accessibility and communications between the police and the residents, businesses, and staff of the community. St. Anthony police focus on three areas of emphasis: public relations, juvenile relations, and crime prevention. In all three areas, the police stress friendly yet aggressive enfor- cement of laws. Engstrom further stated that since Falcon Heights is a bit more complex than St. Anthony or Lauderdale (with respect to roads and land use) that the police force would initially look for areas of perceived concern and emphasize patrol in those areas. Mayor Baldwin asked for clarification on office staffing and also asked how St. Anthony would provide for community relations and crime prevention programs. Engstrom confirmed that St. Anthony would establish an office in Falcon Heights and would encourage continuation of the National Night Out and Neighborhood Watch Programs. St. Anthony does not have the McGruff program, but r--1 i .__J `1 Page 4 City Council Minutes April 27, 1994 ~..~, Lauderdale does and this would also continue in Falcon Heights. St. Anthony police feels communication with both residents and staff is essential. They favor a community policing style, where officers get out of their cars and informally meet the public rather than staying in their cars and patrolling. Councilmember Jacobs asked for an explanation of "Traditional Policing in a Non-Traditional Way" as stated in the St. Anthony cover letter. Engstrom stated that this referred to the community policing concept, whereby police get out of their cars and interact informally with citizens and businesses. Councilmember Gehrz inquired as to how St. Anthony would handle large/serious crime situations and if the Chief could foresee having difficulty dealing with three different sets of city codes. Engstrom responded that in disaster situations, St. Anthony has arrangements with other cities to provide mutual aid and that Hennepin County provides crime lab services. The St. Anthony force has enough staffing to respond to any kind of crime. The maximum number of cars that would initially respond to a crime in progress would be six. As for dealing with three different city codes, Engstrom did not foresee that this would be a problem, as squad cars all carry copies of the codes and there will also be a copy in the Falcon Heights office. Councilmember Gibson Talbot asked Chief Engstrom to describe what St. Anthony has learned thus far in serving the City of Lauder- dale. Engstrom responded that the most important matter learned is that policing another city requires constant analysis to keep service quality high. In Lauderdale, some areas have needed more special attention and personal contact, and St. Anthony has tried to respond to these needs. Councilmember Hustad inquired as to other crime prevention activities offered by St. Anthony, outside of street visibility and traffic enforcement. Engstrom cited participation in school programs such as DARE as examples of prevention activities. Mayor Baldwin asked about St. Anthony's formal procedures for assuring gender and ethnic equity and diversity within the police force. Engstrom answered that St. Anthony uses MPRS procedures for hiring and is an EEOC employer. There is currently one minority officer, but no female officer. Engstrom stated that they attempt to recruit qualified female and minority candidates, but that big cities are usually more successful in attracting these types of officers. I.~.J Page 5 City Council Minutes April 27, 1994 CITY OF RO5EVILLE Presenters: Steve Sarkozy, City Manager Jim Zelinsky, Chief of Police Ed Burrell, Finance Director Steve Sarkozy gave a background on the City of Roseville's history as Falcon Heights' police provider and introduced his staff. Police Chief Zelinsky described Roseville's Community Oriented Policing emphasis. Roseville has a Community Relations Officer. Roseville has also provides DARE education in the schools, staffs the Mayor's Commission Against Drugs, and administers a grant for cultural sensitivity training of officers. They have tried to be a good fit with the community and will keep trying if awarded this contract. When first hired by the City of Falcon Heights, there were some difficulties getting officers hired and residents had a bias in favor of the Ramsey County Sheriff. Complaints against the Roseville Police are now down. Roseville serves Falcon Heights with reciprocal staff meetings and recently by providing regular service by community service officers. Chief Zelinsky and Finance Director Ed Burrell reviewed the financial aspects of the proposal's options. Burrell noted that Roseville is among those cities with the lowest per capita expenditure on police despite its high commercial land usage. The most expensive proposal called for Falcon Heights to be a stand-alone police district. Zelinsky stated that while Roseville wants to meet Falcon Heights' needs, he doesn't feel that current needs do not justify the high cost of this option. Zelinsky stated that his preferred option would be a continuation of the current system of policing, as he doesn't feel there is a visibility problem in Falcon Heights. Zelinkky and Burrell reiterated their willingness to work with Falcon Heights and at the same time be sensitive to the needs of the taxpayer. Mayor Baldwin asked if there were any anticipated changes to crime prevention programs such as McGruff, Neighborhood Watch, and National Night Out. Zelinsky replied that these are valuable crime prevention tools and that no changes were anticipated. Mayor Baldwin then asked about Roseville's Public Relations plan - how will Falcon Heights residents get to know their police? Zelinsky described several past activities undertaken by the Roseville Police, such as DARE, police open houses, school programs, crime prevention programs, and a ride-along program. Mayor Baldwin asked about Roseville's formal procedures for assuring gender and ethnic equity and diversity within the police force. Chief Zelinsky replied that Roseville has an Affirmative ~..~. ~ Page 6 City Council Minutes April 27, 1994 Action policy and uses the MPRS system to recruit female and minority police candidates. Roseville has not had a good success rate in recruiting regular minority officers, but has had success in recruiting minority reserve officers, one of whom became a regular officer. RAMSEY COUNTY... SHERI~'F'rS OFFICE Presenters: Pat Moen, Ramsey County Sheriff Jerry Bergeron, Division Commander Dick Dornbush, Investigations Jim Daly, Administration Gary Coleman, Communications Mike Shandling, Uniform Patrol Lieutenant Sheriff Moen described the police services provided by Ramsey County. They are involved in many community-based programs including MCAD and DARE. The Ramsey County Sheriff services a consortium of communities that can share resources, yet have policing tailored to their individual community's needs. Moen described two options far Falcon Heights (24 hour/365 days per year and 24 hour/226 days and 16 hour/139 days per year). Moen stressed that by being served by Ramsey County, Falcon Heights would have access to services and equipment that would be too costly for a smaller police department to offer or provide. Commander Bergeron reiterated that Ramsey County would be committed to a partnership with Falcon Heights if chosen as a service provider. He also noted that Ramsey County has an 80 member licensed reserve force that could possibly serve the State Fair activities. Other staff members made presentations: Dick Dornbush described the investigations services available through Ramsey County and noted that the Sheriff's Department has never had to request outside assistance on investigations. Mike Shandling stressed the importance of patrolling Falcon Heights' alleys and noted that he would also be the liaison between the Sheriff's Department and the City Administrator in Falcon Heights. Gary Coleman stated that if awarded the policing contract, the Sheriff's Office would hold a meeting with the Falcon Heights fire and rescue unit to tailor a plan for dispatching services. Mayor Baldwin asked about whether crime prevention programs (National Night Out, McGruff, Neighborhood Watch) would continue under a Ramsey County contract. Dick Dornbush stated that all would continue under his leadership. DARE and block parties are also coordinated through the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department. ~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 ++~ ,1 t7 Page 8 City Council Minutes April 27, 1994 Public Safety is only slightly more than refuse service, and is much more important. Mayor Baldwin thanked Mr. Garcia for his comments and noted that St. Paul, Ramsey County, and St. Anthony are proposing that Falcon Heights have its own patrol district. Ms. Judy Sabean, 1847 North Pascal Street, stated that in her opinion, St. Anthony seems too small and understaffed to give Falcon Heights the protection that it needs. She also commented that the five to seven minute response time under Ramsey County's 16-hour proposal is much too long. Mayor Baldwin thanked everyone for their comments and interest. He then reviewed the goals and priorities for police services and stated that ideally, the Council should give him and the adminis- trator a sense of what direction to take next. Councilmember Gehrz commented that it is the consensus of the community that patrol visibility is important and that if affordable, that visibility should be available 24 hours a day. She felt that when she heard people saying "tax me more if you need to" in order to get improved service, she knew that the current system was not meeting people's needs. Gehrz stated that the City of Roseville has a professional department but that the cost to have them here 24 hours a day is quite high; in addition, Roseville is quite busy within their own city limits. Gehrz further stated that she had concerns related to the size of St. Paul as related to the size of Falcon Heights and whether Falcon Heights would have any influence over the decision making process in St. Paul. Ramsey County has a great track record in Falcon Heights, but Gehrz stated concern over the five to seven minute response time from Arden Hills. Councilmember Gehrz expressed her opinion that the City of St. Anthony would be the best fit for Falcon Heights in terms of size, ability' to provide 24 hour patrol, communication style, and cost. Councilmember Gehrz moved that the City Council authorize the Mayor and City Administrator to meet with the Police Chief of the City of St. Anthony to discuss interest in shared services and authorize the City Administrator and City Attorney to enter into negotiations with the City of St. Anthony to work out details of a police contract. Councilmember Jacobs commented that he was very impressed with St. Paul's Chief Finney and the St. Paul proposal. However, he expressed concerned about the amount of control the council would exert over Falcon Heights' policing activities in such a large organization. Their proposal is also vague in some areas. 1..L a7 Page 9 City Council Minutes April 27, 1994 Councilmember Hustad expressed several thoughts that had occurred to him. In reading the RFP's, St. Anthony provided the most impressive responses; however, he came into this meeting with an open mind. Chief Finney was indeed impressive, and if he was going to be one of Falcon Heights' officers, he'd have no hesitation about contracting with St. Paul. However, he has concerns about the difference in the two cities' sizes and whether they would be a good fit together. Hustad stressed that it is important that the two cities work closely together on common causes, but he also felt that St. Paul has a different character than Falcon Heights. Residents would have confidence in the Ramsey County force because of their past good history. Their long response time is bothersome to him though, and their resources available may be overkill for a small residential community. In addition, Ramsey County's cost for 24 hour patrol is too high and the 16 hour option doesn't provided the service level needed. Hustad noted that he appreciated St. Paul's and Ramsey County's responses to the gender/ethnicity question and that it is important to him that the selected police force represent ail segments of society. Councilmember Gibson Talbot stated that she came into the meeting most impressed with St. Paul's and St. Anthony's proposals. All four forces gave very professional presentations. However, St. Anthony's proposal stands out above the rest because: 1) they have a long history of Community Oriented Policing; 2} their past partnerships within their own community; and 3) their high focus on youth and on crime prevention. Mayor Baldwin stated that Falcon Heights would be well served by any of the forces represented. However, the police contractor selected should say something about the future direction of a city. Mayor Baldwin stated that his instincts are to go with the City of 5t. Paul, since Falcon Heights and St. Paul share so many common concerns and because of St. Paul's strong commitment to gender and ethnic diversity. However, the people of Falcon Heights first and foremost want police visibility and fast response to complaints. Mayor Baldwin commented that the City of St. Anthony appears more equipped to meet these needs than does St. Paul. Falcon Heights is more likely to become a crucial part of St. Anthony's organization and future than it would be in St. Paul. After further general discussion, the motion passed unanimously. Councilmember Jacobs requested that as a part of the contract negotiations, an insistence upon gender and ethnic diversity and upon the Falcon Heights' contribution to the selection process of its officers be included. i~~ Page 10 City Council Minutes April 27, 1994 ANNOUNCEMENTS Administrator Hoyt made the following announcements: • Carla Asleson began working for the City of Falcon Heights on April 18th. Carla is the City~s new Administrative Assistant/Planner. • For the fifth year in a row, Falcon Heights has been designated a "Tree City" and for the fourth year received a "Tree Growth Award". Hoyt commended Forester Linda Treeful, Public Works Supervisor Vince Wright, and former City Clerk Shirley Chenoweth for all their hard work that made these awards possible. • Congratulations were extended to Public Works Supervisor Vince Wright, who received an Outstanding Employee Service Award from the Roseville Rotary Club. • The Grove Park Project is near completion. Basketball standards and benches have yet to be installed. • May events were announced; a flyer with more details will be delivered to homes the week of May 2. Mayor Baldwin thanked staff and the community for their input and assistance in the search for a new police provider. ADJOLfRNHENT The meeting adjourned at 9:56 p.m. ~ ~~~~ Tom Baldwin, Mayor -rte Carla Asleson Recording Secretary i