04-09-97 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL APRIL 9, 1997 Department's Crime Prevention Officer since January 1" of this year. Fletclter reported that crime typical of inner cities is starYing to move into the first-rii~g suburbs. Therefore, the need is increasing to address crime prevention. Fletcher reported that Deputy Wilzbacher will give a short presentation on the activities he and his unit are working on. Wilzbaclier thanl<ed the Council for invitin~ him this evening. He repo~ted tl~at he has worked for Yhe Ramsey County Sheriff's Department for the past 10 years, a~~d due Yo l~is ability to work well with people, was asked to do crime prevention. Wilzbaclier reported that part of his efforts will be f'ocused at expanding the neighborhood watch program and implementing a park watch program. As part of the park watch program, Community Affairs Officers (CAOs) will work with property owners around park areas to help tiddress problems which are occurring in parks. Another focus will be the crime-free inulti-fainily housing coalition. This program gets apartment mana~ers, owners, and tenants together to address problems. Neighborhood watch ~rotiips will be implemented in the various apartment complexes, as will tl~e Oper~tioil IdenYification Program. Wilzbacher reported th2t he will be worl<ing with aparYment managers, owners, and cities on the licensing of lpartment buildings. This licensing causes managers ~ud owuers to take more responsibility for their apartment complexes. Wilzbaclier reported that with him this evening is Julie Swanson from the Fridley ]'olice Department. Julie is a crime prevention specialist with Tridiey and is cw~rently assistin~ Wilzbaclrer in his efforts for the Sheriffls Department. Another program being implemented is the (ock box program at apartment complexes 2nd businesses. Lock boxes allow deputies access to buildings wliich is lielpful in respondii~g to calls. Wilzbacher stated that he would also be puttin~ together a McGruff safety house and operation kid print. Fahey introduced Sheriffls Department personi~el presenY this evening. They include Sheriff Bob Tletcl~er, Deputy Gary Wilzbacher, Community Affairs Officer Tanya Preston, VIPS Coordii~ator Allan Rossman, Undersheriff John Luey, and Fridley Crime Prevention Specialist 7ulie Swanson. Fahey asked which of the crime prevention activities outlined by Wilabacher were being implemented in Little Canada. Wilzbacher reported that all of the activities he outlined are being implemented in LiTtle Canada, and will be implemented in all tlie seven contracting cities. 2