11-14-07 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 14, 2007 McGraw pointed out that from his review of police call activity, it appears that a lot of calls are generated by people passing through the City on the freeways, as an example, rather than residents of the City. He noted that this puts Little Canada under a pressure that other communities are not. Keis asked if it were possible to increase fines to help defray the cost of police protection. The Administrator noted that not only do hearing officers tend to discount fines, but fine revenue is also divided between the State, County, and City. Further, State-imposed surcharges are paid first which also reduces fine revenues when judges do not impose fair fines. Little Canada's fine revenue will be approximately $50,000 in 2007. The Administrator noted that an alternative would be to enact administrative fines; however, it appears there may be a constitutionality issue with doing so. The Administrator noted that there will be no change in the Sheriffls Department's formula for the 2008 Budget. He just wanted the Council to be aware of the issue for 2009 through 2011. Montour pointed out that public safety is one of the key services that the City provides, and noted that it will have to take precedence over other services, if necessary. The Administrator noted the additional traffic car that was put on during the Unweave The Weave project. He suggested that this car has been a good investment and that, if feasible, it should continue after the project has been completed. Keis pointed out that North Oaks has a community services off cer, and asked if this was a less expensive alternative that Little Canada should consider. The Administrator reported that a CSO could not replace the traffic car. He indicated that North Oaks' CSO does some code enforcement as well as security patrol and resolution of neighborhood issues. Their CSO is on duty for 8 hours each day. The Administrator pointed out that North Oaks does not have 24 hours per day Sheriff's patrol. The CSO keeps a visible presence in their City for another 8 hours each day. They feel the CSO has been a good investment. McGraw asked about the crime prevention line item in the Sheriffls Budget. The Administrator replied that these are the costs associated with neighborhood watch, multi-family housing, residential and commercial premises checks, etc. The Finance Director reviewed staffls report relative to IRS mandated changes to the City's Post Employment Health Savings Plan administered