09/28/1970 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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These minutes were taken of an informal meeting and are placed here for informative purposes only: The followup special meeting on policing was held at the Lino Lakes Village Hall on September 28, 1970, presided over by the respective Mayors of Lexington, Circle Pines, Centerville and Lino Lakes. Members of the four councils were in attend- ance as were some police officers. Mayor L'Allier called the meeting to order at 7:38 p.m. A questionaire had been sent out to part time police members; 11 replies had been received. Mayor Anderson stated that the overwhelming opinion was for separate full time police forces; 2 replies had favored staying with part time. A letter had been received signed by 7 couples in Circle Pines who recommended going with the County proposal. Copies of the Sheriff's proposal were passed around. Mayor Rivard of Centerville commented that there had been repercussions on the proposed subsidy by the County of 50% of the Sheriff's proposal from other areas of the County. This was discussed. Gene McMurchie stated that he would object to the remainder of the County sub- sidizing this area on the grounds that he would not want to receive such money. This was disputed by Mayor L'Allier who noted the proposals for tax disparities correction, ,ar}icuiarly in schools. Mayor L'Allier asked for comments from any part time police officers who would like to give reasons for going with the County proposal. He personally found it difficult to proceed in violation of State laws against part time policing. Mr. Myhre felt that the comments on the bottom of the questionaires should be reed. Mr. Anderson read Mr. Myhre's at his request. He had suggested that the Villages hire their oWn full time police forces, keeping the present part time men for evening work if the full time cost should be prohibitive. If necessary, each department could hire extra men, not so with the County. Mayor L'Allier noted that if they went consolidation they would need a committment from each Village, that because of the investment, none would be able to pull out. Mr. Myhre felt that Mr. Drowns' proposal could be cut somewhat -- he didn't see any need for a tower and some of the other equipment at the beginning of the program. Mr. Munson wished to hear the views of the Councilmen. Ron Jaworski of Lino Lakes felt we should try the County since the combined proposal is prohibitive. There was discussion, with the note that Federal funds might be 1 year to 18 months in coming, even if approved. Mayor Anderson felt that with the estimated growth of Circle Pines, they could not go full time on their own. He felt that Lino Lakes would grow the fastest. Mr. L'Allier felt that the ultimate was Lino Lakes own full time force, but in the interim something else must be done. Bill Bohjanen of Lino felt that we needed a full time force now and thought we should try the County for 1 year with the 50% subsidy. A discussion with Mr. McMurchie ensued on the current amount of service from the County in the town- ships and villages. It was decided that the townships receive extra traffic policing. John Peterson of Centerville stated that before the new County Court system went into effect, they received some money from fines; now they can't afford to issue a ticket. He suggested that we get action for an evening or Saturday court and