07/13/1998 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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BUDGET WORKSESSION AUGUST 8, 1996 additional tickets. He felt that this could be counter- productive. Council Member Lyden asked if the City would have hearing officers to handle the additional volume of tickets. Chief Pecchia said no although some communities have experimented with this concept. Chief Pecchia was asked about the computer program for the Police Department. He explained that he would like to have all computers on a three (3) year rotation plan. Chief Pecchia explained that he has three (3) new squad cars in his 1997 budget. However, it appears that the 1997 squad cars will be more expensive. He is looking for new 1996 cars that could be purchased and placed in storage until 1997. One squad may be traded in on a new squad and the balance will be taken to the auction. Chief Pecchia explained that he had checked into leasing a vehicle. This is not feasible because too many miles are put on a squad car each year. He outlined the number of vehicles currently maintained by the Police Department. Other Police Department requests included a new fax machine. The old machine will be traded in. A work station is need for a part-time office employee. Council Member Neal asked Chief Pecchia if his department could use any of the computers that are being replaced in the Administration Department. Mr. Schumacher explained that the Police Department has placed their computers on a rotation program. The used Administration Department computers are being replaced by equipment that is updated. They would not be useful to the Police Department. Chief Pecchia noted that he had prepared a graph showing that his proposed budget reflects a $87.40 cost per capita. This is under the national average for a Police Department. Promotion of officers to sergeants positions costs were outlined. Chief Pecchia expects to test five (5) officers. He is proposing to use the same firm for testing as he used for hiring new officers. If no one in the department qualifies for the position, an explanation will be provided to the City Council. He said that he would like a sergeant "on- board" by September 1, 1997. Council Member Kuether asked if a defibrillator should be placed in every squad car. Chief Pecchia explained that he is watching a new program that may allow the department to apply for EMS grants for each defibrillator. He noted that Lino Lakes does not qualify for the program at this time because the City already has four (4) defibrillators in the three (3) fire stations and in the Fire Chief's car. Council Member Kuether felt that because Lino Lakes is spread out over a large area and because of the senior complex, there should be a defibrillator in each car. Chief Pecchia noted that the cost is $5,000 each plus the cost of training an officer. Council Member Kuether asked Chief Pecchia to prepare costs of battery operative defibrillators. Mayor Landers felt it was not necessary to have defibrillators in squad cars since the Fire Department has them at each fire PAGE 8