11/13/1984 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

04( COUNCIL MEETING November 13, 1984 Page Six The Task Force felt the only viable option was to continue with our own police department and look at hiring our own Chief of Police or contracting with the Sheriff's department. Currently the City is getting more patrol than the Sheriff's Department would provide for the same money. Also, they feel there are some things in the Police Department budget that could be reduced to save money. There is more accountability with our own depart- ment and the Council can deal with them directly. The Task Force anticipates the City to grow and the cost of adding patrol from the Sheriff's Department jumps significantly. That is the City would have to contract in 8 hour segments. The City cannot contract for 4 hours or 6 hours more coverage. Our own part -time city officers would be much cheaper and patrolling hours can be changed easily. Mr. McKenna said speaking for the Task Force they feel they wish to continue with a police department in Lino Lakes and hire another Chief of Police. They feel they have more control over it and after studying our police department they feel they can help make it much more accountable and much more available to the citizens and the committee does not feel any other solution at this time is feasible. Mr. Marier thanked Mr. McKenna for his report. He asked him to have his figures compiled so they can be passed on to the Council for study prior to the next Council meeting. Mr. McKenna said the Task Force would like another year to work with the police department. Mr. Reinert asked if it would be practical or feasible to wait to hire a chief until the study is complete. Mr. McKenna said he would then suggest appointing an acting Chief, possibly Officer Zerwas. Mr. Marier felt there was nothing to be gained by delaying final action; the Council should move ahead. Mr. Kulaszewicz asked what areas the Task Force would like to study. Mr. McKenna said the Task Force is looking into every facet of the police department; amount of paperwork they generate, how the paperwork is processed, how the men patrol, training they have, how all their time is spent and what they feel the citizens of Lino Lakes are receiving for their efforts, also the problems that might arise when citizens feel perhaps the police department did not treat them justly, looking into possibly recommending that Lino Lakes eventually have a permanent police commission which would oversee the operation of the police department. Mr. Ross, from the audience asked if the Task Force pursued the idea that with the Anoka County Park taking up so much area if the County would consider this in setting a rate for County Sheriff's service. He felt this would be a good bargaining issue. Mr. McKenna said it appears they have a standard table.