07/08/1985 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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1 1 1 043 COUNCIL MEETING July 8, 1985 Page Four Mayor Benson asked that the City Engineer be contacted and asked to provide some detail as to what the study will provide, how will the financing take place, who will be assessed. He asked for this information at the next Council Meeting. CONSIDERATION OF CITIZEN COMPLAINTS Mayor Benson explained this item is the result of a greviance pe- tition presented to the Council in April. The Council asked that each resident who had specific complaints file them with the City in writing. The Council has received three letters that deal with the Police Department and several letters were received dealing with other matters. Mayor Benson asked that anyone who has anything constructive to offer as to how the City can solve the problems mentioned in the complaint letters in the future should come to the podium and give their name and address. An individual will be given two to five minutes to give their comments. He also noted that most of the in- cidents mentioned in the letters happened several years ago. It would be difficult to make decisions on these past matters. Further, since the Police Chief has been with this City for only three months these complaints have been looked at in an impartial or objective manner. In addition last October the State mandated that when any complaints dealing with the conduct of an officer are received, the Chief must respond to the complainant within a specified period of time. Mayor Benson noted he had also received letters and calls from the community who were happy with the manner in which the po- lice officiers were conducting themselves and the department. The Council is looking for ways to improve relations with the Police Department and the community. He asked that anyone who has any ideas or comments as to how this can be accomplished should express them tonight. Judy Seekon - 889 Main Street - Mrs. Seekon referred to Chief Camp- bells letter to her responding to the complaints expressed in her letter to the Mayor and City Council. She wanted to know why he referred to outstanding warrants for her son. She explained her son has never had a warrant out for him. Mayor Benson asked if Mrs. Seekon's son was present to respond directly to Chief Campbell's letter. Mrs. Seekon said no he was at the Lino Lakes Rehabilitation Center and would not make any statements for fear of retaliation from the officers. Mrs. Seekon referred to the harrassment of her husband by the Police Department. She asked why Chief Campbell did not respond to her question on this matter. Mayor Benson explained that there are some instances when the Chief may not be aware of some of the problems the officers are responding to. This incident referred to by Mrs. Seekon occurred some time ago and former Chief Myhre was not available for his comments.