HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCMin_07Mar14Regular Meeting of the Falcon Heights City Council
March 14, 2007
Members present: Mayor Gehrz, Council members Harris, Lindstrom, and Administrator Miller.
Mayor Gehrz called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
PRESENTATION:
St. Anthony Police Department Annual Report
Presentation from Chief John Ohl, St. Anthony Police Department
Report is detailed in the Police Department 2006 Annual Report
Questions:
Council Member Harris asked what is a liquor offence versus a D.W.I.? Chief Ohl explained it is under age possession of alcohol or someone trying to purchase alcohol.
Mayor Gehrz asked what the difference is between a Part 1 and Part 2 Crime. Chief Ohl stated Part 1 offenses are the more serious such as murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault,
burglary, motor vehicle theft, and arson. Part 2 offenses are less serious such as misdemeanor property damage, terroristic threats, forgery, disorderly conduct, liquor violations,
etc.
Mayor Gehrz asked if the new officers that have been hired started yet. Chief Ohl responded that they are, and are working on their field training.
Council Member Harris asked for a comparison of the training and authority of an officer and a reserve officer. Chief Ohl stated all reserve officers go to school to learn what they
can and cannot do. They are all also members of the Reserve Officers Association. One of our officers is a liaison to them, and a Lieutenant oversees the entire program. They are
citizens, and have no more or less power than any other citizen. They assist with calls; they don’t go to a call unless they are asked by us. They do not take any in-progress calls.
They don’t do any law enforcement, offense reports, or handle evidence. They do tasks that assist us, such as traffic control, and write parking tickets. They are all tazor certified,
carry tazors, and wear a uniform. They drive a “reserve” car.
Council member Lindstrom asked about the status of some of the cases that we had last year. Captain Cotroneo stated that the home burglaries are still under investigation.
Mayor Gehrz stated that a while back the Northome neighborhood held a meeting at Coffee Grounds for awareness and information as a result of incidents they had in their neighborhood.
Chief Ohl did a great job presenting information at that meeting, and answering their questions. She asked for suggestions to prevent someone from breaking into their home.
Chief Ohl first explained that because Falcon Heights is a first ring suburb of a major city, we are susceptible to crime activity that could significantly change our statistics. Burglars
are very mobile throughout the cities. If you notice something suspicious or unusual, notify the police. Use dead bolt locks with security strike plates. Some basic things are effective
lighting, keeping hedges trimmed, sidewalk shoveled, and mail picked up on time. A big thing is to have lights on in the home or on a timer. If you need help with these things just
call the police department, ask for a crime prevention officer to conduct a premise survey. This doesn’t stop offenses from occurring, but pushes it out of the neighborhood when everyone
is being proactive.
Council member Lindstrom commented that it may be effective if we hold more neighborhood meetings, especially in light of the fact that statistics show that summer time increases offenses.
During that meeting he learned that the police department has a lot of tools that people are not aware of. Maybe more promotion of this should be done. Do you still have the car watch
program that was on your website? Chief Ohl stated that this program was removed due to some constitutional issues. Council member Lindstrom asked about the Operation Identification
program? Chief Ohl stated that it is a program that uses engraved serial and model numbers to identify items if they should be stolen. Maintaining these numbers is very effective,
and are put into a national system. Captain Cotroneo stated that it is no different from what your insurance agencies ask for, including video taping the items. Council member Lindstrom
asked to be reminded of the Child ID Packets. Chief Ohl stated that kits are available for parents to use with their kits. They were even distributed during National Night Out. Mayor
Gehrz asked if baby hair works for identification. Chief Ohl stated that what really is needed is the hair at the root, not just the end that is cut. Council member Lindstrom asked
to have the officers who are certified to look at car seat installation available at the summer event and to publicize the program and do some public education especially since officers
are at the event anyway. Chief Ohl stated to arrange for the House Check or other programs to call the Police Department at 612-782-3350.
Resident Sam Munson 1969 Summer Street, Boy Scott of America Star Rank, asked how teens are affecting the crime rate. Chief Ohl stated that crime rates have a lot to do with economics
and the 15 – 25 year old males in the population. This group commits a fair amount of the offenses in a given city.
Council member Lindstrom stated that one of the agencies Falcon Heights works with is Northwest Youth and Family Services, and they have diversions services. How important are programs
like this to the Police Department? Chief Ohl responded that they don’t direct any juveniles directly to Northwest Youth and Family Services any longer. What they were finding is that
if a youth is diverted there from several cities he never really gets into the system. Now youth are sent to Ramsey County and Hennepin County.
Council member Harris thanked Chief Ohl for his service on the Human Rights Commission.
Mayor Gehrz thanked Chief Ohl and the Police Department for their service and partnership in the city. Various residents have complemented on their service. She also stated to the
listening audience to take advantage of the programs offered.
The minutes of the February 28, 2007 council meeting were submitted and approved as amended.
Council member Lindstrom moved to approve the following three items. The motion passed unanimously.
Consent Agenda:
1. General Disbursements through 3/8/07: $123,973.90
Payroll through 2/28/07: $14,904.74
2. 2007 Licenses
3. Approval of Bylaw Amendments to the Capitol City Regional
Firefighters Association
Information/ Announcements:
Council Member Harris stated that the Park and Recreation Commission met and wants to thank everyone who responded to their survey. They are working on the Park and Recreation plan
as a new one is needed. The Commission will be working hard on this in their meetings.
Council Member Lindstrom stated that the Environment Commission met March 12, and they will be accepting applicants for the Garden Plots starting this next week. Contact City Hall for
an application. Information will also be on the website An organizational meeting will take place April 30 for all of the gardeners, and a work day on May 5. There is a decent amount
of money allocated for this, but they have also found ways to save money. A Falcon Heights resident is willing to till up the land at a great price. Ramsey County will be giving as
much compost as is desired. The U of M may provide some mulch. He stated that Team Falcon Heights has started, which is part of the Minnesota Energy Challenge. This is where cities
or entities across the state are forming teams to see which team can save the most energy. Falcon Heights used to be in the mid 70’s, but since posting this in the newsletter the city
has jumped about 10 - 15 slots. This is saving about 14,000 tons of carbon by the residents of Falcon Heights. To join the team, go to www.mnenergychallenge.org to sign up. We will
soon hear the results of the Fiskars grant for the gardens. This is a national grant of $1,500.00.
Administrator Miller stated that there are still discounted exhibit tickets available for the RACE exhibit at the Science Museum. We do ask that you agree to attend a Falcon Heights
RACE Talking Circle at City Hall on April 17 to discuss what you saw. Tickets can be purchased at City Hall or the Falcon Heights Elementary School.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:01 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Melanie Leehy
Office Assistant