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3. Minnesota Public Safety Aid <br /> Public Safety Director John Swenson provided an update to Council on the status of Public <br /> Safety Aid received by the City of Lino Lakes. He advised that to date, $610,525 of the funding <br /> has been allocated with $318,769 remaining. Director Swenson advised that there is no <br /> expiration dates on the funds. <br /> Discussion was held on staff use of the funds for retention (of public safety staff) purposes. <br /> Director Swenson discussed retention concerns, and current hiring trends and issues. He <br /> stated that retention decisions with regard to financial incentives need to be looked at long- <br /> term as well, not just short-term. <br /> Staff will bring forward some proposals for retention in the future for Council's consideration. <br /> Mr. Christopher Stowe, 426 Pine Street, stated that when he lived in Vadnais Heights, they <br /> did not have their own police department and also commented on other communities in the <br /> county which do not have their own police departments. He asked if it would be more cost- <br /> effective to have police services covered by the Sheriff's Office. <br /> Ms. Catherine Decker, 614 Pine Street, added comments expressing concerns about retention <br /> benefits and the need for any new employees who receive retention pay benefits to be <br /> employed for a specified amount of time. <br /> 4. Annual Appointments <br /> City Administrator Sarah Cotton presented the proposed annual appointments for Council <br /> consideration and discussion. Containined within the staff report were all recommended <br /> annual appointments. Staff will bring a formal recommendation for consideration at the next <br /> regular Council meeting. <br /> Councilmember Cavegn noted that the schedule for the Joint Law Enforcement Council is <br /> difficult for him; he asked if another Councilmember could be appointed in his place. <br /> Councilmember Stoesz indicated a willingness to step in. <br /> Councilmembers Ruhland and Lyden will be added to the Local Board of Appeal and <br /> Equalization after they complete their training requirements. <br /> Council concurred with the remaining recommendations. <br /> 5. Board and Commission Appointments <br /> City Administrator Sarah Cotton advised Council of pending board appointment term <br /> expirations and the applicantions received for appointment. <br /> Council indicated they would like to conduct interviews with all applicants. Tentative <br /> interview schedules were discussed. <br />