03-07-2016 Council Work Session Minutes

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION March 7, 2016 APPROVED 89 which is coming in low based on actual January and February numbers. He reviewed 90 revenue estimates based on the current pace, an increase of $43,000 above what was 91 included in the budget for 2016. 92 93 Director Swenson said that staff is seeking the council's direction on how to handle the 94 ACE Program administration. One option would be to limit participation to a level that 95 current staff can handle. Another option would be to bring in an additional half-time 96 Community Service Officer (CSO) position. A third option would be to move the 97 administrative function into city hall and staff it with a half-time Office Tech. 98 99 Mayor Reinert indicated his reluctance to bring on permanent staff and asked about the l00 possibility of using volunteer staff. 101 102 The council discussed the types of violations that qualify for the program and Director 103 Swenson reminded them that there is a requirement of no previous violations. The 104 program is voluntary and not promoted by officers. 105 106 Council Member Manthey asked about the possibility of providing the program on-line to 107 save on staff assistance. Deputy Director Swenson indicated that there are outstanding 108 questions at the state level about these type of programs and he believes that having direct 1o9 staff instruction is an important element. 110 111 The council discussed the process of the ACE Program, from ticket to instruction. They 112 discussed the type of violations that would be turned away if the participation was limited 113 due to lack of staff and heard that the majority of the violations are speeding and traffic 114 signals. They discussed the revenue received by the city for a standard ticket versus an 115 ACE program ticket. 116 117 Mayor Reinert explained that he has supported the program from its implementation 118 through the previous police chief. He believes in offering an alternative like this when a 119 situation arises like a new driver getting a ticket and then having that impact the whole 120 family through raised insurance rates. 121 122 Council Member Kusterman questioned if an administrative person would legally be able 123 to access data to manage the program. Director Swenson explained a process that would 124 allow access to necessary records. 125 126 Council Member Rafferty wondered if administering the ACE Program would be 127 beneficial to a CSO in their training. Director Swenson indicated that it is a good 128 element of a full training program. 129 IN The council asked if Director Swenson has a recommendation. Director Swenson said 131 he would hate to see a reduction in the program because believes in its benefits. Council 132 Member Manthey suggested that there's a clear benefit to the people served by the 133 program and also to the city. 3