10-12-11 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 12, 2011 development and his intention is to recruit deputies from within the community. Another goal of the Department is to catch kids doing things right reinforcing positive behavior. The Department has recently updated its police manual basing it on national best practices, and has provided it electronically to every member of the Department. Bostrom informed the Council of work that is being done with the 911 dispatch system, and indicated that Mayor Blesener has provided good representation on that committee. There was some discussion about the potential of the Sheriff's Department to provide policing for additional Ramsey County cities. Bostrom indicated that the level of service in Little Canada would not decrease in that case; however, Little Canada's administrative costs may decrease given the ability to spread these costs to additional communities. Blesener asked if it was necessary to have a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) with the Roseville Police Department, as an example, in the event that they respond to a call at a Rice Street business that is in Little Canada. Bostrom replied that a JPA is not needed for special circumstances, and noted that if Roseville is the first responder on a scene in Little Canada, once the Sheriff's Department arrived, the call would be handed off to the County. Keis asked about trends in public safety, and noted that issues in Little Canada have been primarily centered on Montreal Courts and Ryan Industrial Park as hot spots. Keis noted the additional police presence at Montreal Courts and the hope that the County's impound lot on South Owasso Blvd will help deter crime in Ryan Industrial Park. Bostrom indicated that traffic issues are always of concern, and it seems that if traffic is calm then neighborhoods are calm. Bostrom indicated that the contract cities are doing a good job in the area of traffic patrol /controls. With regard to overall trends, Bostrom reported that crime activity seems to be dropping off a little. He noted that there have always been packs of bullies around and when these packs have given themselves names, they have been referred to as gangs. This gang activity seems to be reducing and has not moved further out into the suburbs. Bostrom also indicated that the homicide rate is down and associated that to a reduction in gang activity and a quicker response to domestic calls. Bostrom also reported that the Crime Free Multi- Housing group has been successful in working with the management of multi - family housing units in tenant screening, etc. Blesener noted that this group meets quarterly in Little Canada with management from Montreal Courts and The Provinces. Bostrom thanked the Council for the approvals necessary so that the County can purchase the property at 5 South Owasso Blvd. Bostrom noted that in addition to the impound lot, the Sheriff's Department will 2