09-25-2002 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 25, 2002 car is locked, the alarm system on, valuables are left in the vehicle. A pamphlet is left on the window to let the owners know how they rated. Valento reported that another program they are undertaking is the Citizens Civil Defense Force. They are currently looking for 911 volunteers who are health care professionals, retired law enforcement, fire fighters, people with expertise in communications, etc. This group would be utilized during major catastrophes. Altendorfer pointed out that both the VIPS program and the Citizens Civil Defense Corps are volunteer groups. The use of these volunteers results in a huge tax savings to residents. Fahey asked what locations other than Bally's has the anti-car theft program been done. Altendorfer reported that it has been used at the Little Canada Bingo Hall, Montreal Courts Apartments, and Grand Pre' Apartments. Scalze pointed out that in addition to the problems in the parking lot at Bally's, there is also a problem with thefts from lockers. Altendorfer agreed that Bally's could make some improvements on their premises, and felt that efforts should be made to get Bally's to be more pro-active. Altendorfer also pointed out that the hot spot areas in the City have dense populations. However, if you calculate crime statistics on a per capita basis, the numbers may be relative close to the less dense areas. Fahey suggested that one way to help address the issue would be implementing business licensing for some businesses. License issuance could be contingent on a number of issues that address crime prevention, such as security, lighting, cameras. Fahey suggested that it may be possible to address these issues without the license requirement by having discussions between the property owner, Sheriff's Department, and the City. Altendorfer pointed out that he would not want to implement a program that would discourage people from calling the Sheriffs Department. The Council agreed. Scalze pointed out that the crimes at Bally's are crimes against customers at the business. Therefore, abusiness-licensing program, for example, would not deter these customers from calling to report a theft. Anderson asked how the Sheriff's Depat~tment was following up with management of the multi-family housing complexes on the Crime Free Coalition program. The City Administrator reported that Tim Gulden, the County's Crime Prevention Officer, has been keeping in contact with management at the apartment complexes. The Administrator also noted that the City has tied some financing agreements at Montreal Courts and The Provinces to their continued involvement in this program. Altendorfer felt that the Sheriff's Department could do a better job of getting these management people to the table more often. 4