03-28-2016 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION March 7, 2016 DRAFT 3 which is coming in low based on actual January and February numbers. He reviewed 89 revenue estimates based on the current pace, an increase of $43,000 above what was 90 included in the budget for 2016. 91 92 Director Swenson said that staff is seeking the council’s direction on how to handle the 93 ACE Program administration. One option would be to limit participation to a level that 94 current staff can handle. Another option would be to bring in an additional half-time 95 Community Service Officer (CSO) position. A third option would be to move the 96 administrative function into city hall and staff it with a half-time Office Tech. 97 98 Mayor Reinert indicated his reluctance to bring on permanent staff and asked about the 99 possibility of using volunteer staff. 100 101 The council discussed the types of violations that qualify for the program and Director 102 Swenson reminded them that there is a requirement of no previous violations. The 103 program is voluntary and not promoted by officers. 104 105 Council Member Manthey asked about the possibility of providing the program on-line to 106 save on staff assistance. Deputy Director Swenson indicated that there are outstanding 107 questions at the state level about these type of programs and he believes that having direct 108 staff instruction is an important element. 109 110 The council discussed the process of the ACE Program, from ticket to instruction. They 111 discussed the type of violations that would be turned away if the participation was limited 112 due to lack of staff and heard that the majority of the violations are speeding and traffic 113 signals. They discussed the revenue received by the city for a standard ticket versus an 114 ACE program ticket. 115 116 Mayor Reinert explained that he has supported the program from its implementation 117 through the previous police chief. He believes in offering an alternative like this when a 118 situation arises like a new driver getting a ticket and then having that impact the whole 119 family through raised insurance rates. 120 121 Council Member Kusterman questioned if an administrative person would legally be able 122 to access data to manage the program. Director Swenson explained a process that would 123 allow access to necessary records. 124 125 Council Member Rafferty wondered if administering the ACE Program would be 126 beneficial to a CSO in their training. Director Swenson indicated that it is a good 127 element of a full training program. 128 129 The council asked if Director Swenson has a recommendation. Director Swenson said 130 he would hate to see a reduction in the program because believes in its benefits. Council 131 Member Manthey suggested that there’s a clear benefit to the people served by the 132 program and also to the city. 133