05-09-2017 Parks & Rec Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP APRIL 26, 2017 2 for the Council. McGraw asked what we want to accomplish with Item 3. The City Administrator stated that he would like Staff and the Council to have a good understanding of officer training, hiring practices, and race relations issues so that if we are asked about any of our oversight of these areas, we would be able to provide an educated answer. Commander Clark noted that when an incident occurs and if the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is called in, the BCA takes over and has very strict rules for releasing information. He explained that even though it would be nice to be able to release information to dispel rumors, the County and the BCA have to work together and cooperate to preserve the investigative process. The City Administrator stated that the Council needs to think hard before speaking and giving statements to the public and media when police events happen. He stated that some information and talking points can be drafted for the Council in order to be prepared should the need arise. The City Administrator stated that the RFP for the Parks Master Plan was sent out and are due on Monday, May 8th. Montour suggested holding off on the Spooner Park playground replacement until after the new Parks Master Plan is done because the plan may show a different idea for that park. McGraw agreed. There was Council consensus to hold off on the playground replacements until after the Master Plan is done. The City Administrator stated the Parks Commission will discuss this at their May meeting. Montour noted that there are grants out there for playground equipment, and the new Parks & Recreation/Community Services Manager could look into finding additional funding. The City Administrator stated that the City Planner put together this list for the Comprehensive Plan Update which will be worked on by Staff and the Planning Commission over the next 18 months. The City Administrator stated that the last goal was to increase efforts on crime prevention in focused areas with higher crime rates. Keis stated that there has not been an increase in crime, so he is wondering where the higher crime areas are. Montour noted that several years ago a meeting was held with the managers of some of the apartment complexes, and a lot of improvements were made which really helped at the complexes that were more problematic. Commander Clark stated that they have continued to try to have meetings with the managers within the contract communities, but it is hard to get them to attend. Fischer asked if Neighborhood Watch Programs are actually effective. Commander Clark explained that it completely depends on the neighborhood, and that some residents are very active. Fischer asked how to stop the smaller crimes. Commander Clark stated that putting out more officers does not necessarily stop that type of crime. He explained that people need to call 911 when things are happening rather than just complaining about it to their neighbors. Fischer