07/13/1998 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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BUDGET WORKSESSION AUGUST 8,1996 Chief Pecchia outlined City goals for the Police Department such as: 1. Establish identity for City, how does the Police Department get involved with this goal? 2. Expand and enhance Economic Development goals, it is important to have people involved with CEPTD. 3. Address City's infra - structure needs, continue the street weight restrictions program. 4. Enhance City's solvency, explained how new programs are financed. 5. Manage City's growth in a prudent manner. 6. Enhance communication with the public. This is done through the City quarterly newsletter, the quarterly neighborhood crime watch newsletter, City Survey and bicycle patrol officers. Police officers are assigned to precincts and are required to get out of their car often. The bicycle patrol has been well received. In addition, the annual National Night Out program has been a great way to get feedback from citizens. 7. Upgrade City Facilities, explained the need for a new building. More space is needed, a generator is needed for emergencies. There was a lengthy discussion regarding the need for a new Police facility, why the cost of this building is more expensive than a new City Hall and where the new building should be located. Mr. Schumacher explained that if the new Police facility is constructed at the Town Center, on the property recently acquired from the Metropolitan Council Open Space, no taxable property would come off of the tax rolls and possibly the current Police facility could return to the tax rolls. Council Member Lyden said that he would want the Police facility to have its own entry and exit. He did not want police cars and other City vehicles co- mingling. Chief Pecchia identified the need for two (2) additional police officers, one permanent part-time clerical person and one part-time CSO person. He explained that these personnel will be needed to maintain the Police Department as it is currently operating. Council Member Bergeson said that some Council Members want, as a goal, to have two (2) police officers on duty 24 hours per day, seven (7) days per week. He asked if the City Council approves the two (2) additional officers for 1997, would this goal be realized. Chief Pecchia presented a 30 day schedule and noted that there still would be times when only one officer was on duty. Council Member Kuether said that since Chief PAGE 6