07/13/1998 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

BUDGET WORKSESSION AUGUST 8,1996 Pecchia became Chief, seven (7) new officers were hired and we still do not have two (2) officers on duty per shift. Council Member Lyden asked if the City Council wants the minimum standard to be two (2) police officers on duty per shift, how many new officers are needed to accomplish this standard? Chief Pecchia said this would require four (4) officers per shift. He noted that the union contract prohibits "floating" officers. He also noted that part-time officers and professional officers do not mix. Part-time officers have priorities elsewhere. The Circle -Lex Police Department has several part-time officers and they are not getting the quality service that the citizens are paying for. Council Member Neal asked if Lino Lakes goes to two (2) officers per shift, will the Circle Pines -Lex Police Department reduce their police force. Chief Pecchia said he would monitor how many times the Lino Lakes Police Department is requested to assist the Circle -Lex Police Department. Chief Pecchia outlined the program for a bike patrol. He noted that the bike patrol officers would be allowed to wear shorts. There would be a minimum of two (2) officers on bike patrol. The officers would stay relatively close to their vehicles so that they can assist in emergency situations. Mr. Schumacher noted that the amount of training for bike officers could have an effect on scheduling. Chief Pecchia explained that training is done on the officers day off. Also, the officers in training do not get comp time. Council Member Neal said that he wanted to compliment the Police Department for being well trained. Council Member Kuether noted the intent to add another sergeant for 1997 and asked how this will impact the salary portion of the Police Department budget. Chief Pecchia explained that a police officer must be a member of the Police Department for at least two (2) years to qualify for the sergeant position test. Council Member Kuether asked to see a pay schedule for current sergeants and the new sergeant. Council Member Lyden asked if two (2) additional officers are hired, would overtime salaries be reduced. Chief Pecchia said that overtime salaries would not be greatly impacted. Court time requiring the appearance of a police officer takes almost all of the overtime salary. Council Member Kuether asked if there would be added revenues such as additional tickets. Chief Pecchia said that this type of revenue will not be impacted until the Police Department is fully staffed. He explained that he has actively solicited donations to cover some of the additional police programs such as D.A.R.E. Mr. Schumacher also noted that Chief Pecchia has done an excellent job of securing grants and donations. Council Member Bergeson said that he had mixed feelings about adding to revenue by issuing PAGE 7