Laserfiche WebLink
184 <br />COUNCIL MEETING MAY 24, 1993 <br />the program on a permanent basis. <br />Council Member Kuether asked if the City would buy the video <br />camera for the traffic enforcement program. Officer Keller said <br />yes. She also asked that a monthly report be given to the City <br />Council on this matter. <br />Council Member Neal asked for an explanation of how overtime <br />salaries would be cut with the use of the video camera. Officer <br />Keller explained that it will eliminate a great deal of court <br />time because the defendant will be unable to challenge camera <br />evidence. All vehicle stops will be video taped and documented <br />for evidence. <br />Officer Keller explained that he planned to have this police unit <br />in operation no later than July 1, 1993. <br />Council Member Kuether moved to proceed with the Traffic and <br />Weight Enforcement Unit for a three (3) month trial period and <br />purchase the video camera. Council Member Neal seconded the <br />motion. Motion carried unanimously. <br />Consideration of a Proposal Regarding False Alarms and Vehicle <br />Lockouts - Officer Keller explained that the Police Department <br />currently responds to alarms with full emergency equipment. <br />There has been a sharp increase in residential and commercial <br />alarms within the City and responding to false alarms takes <br />needless officer time as well as it puts the general public at <br />risk. Officer Keller is proposing that an ordinance be enacted <br />to encourage individuals with alarms to have them properly <br />installed and maintained. It is not the intent of the Police <br />Department to discourage the use of alarms but to reduce the <br />needless time in responding to false alarms. <br />Officer Keller explained that vehicle lockouts also take police <br />officers valuable time. The proposal does not include any <br />charges for vehicle lockouts at this time however if a large <br />shopping mall or other commercial area attracting out of town <br />traffic were to be constructed this policy would be reviewed. <br />Council Member Kuether asked Mr. Hawkins if the City would be <br />responsible for damages to the vehicle if City Police Officers <br />caused damage while unlocking the vehicle door? Mr. Hawkins <br />suggested that the Police Officer have the vehicle owner sign a <br />release form prior to unlocking the vehicle door. <br />Council Member Neal moved to request that the City Attorney <br />review policies from other cities and then draft an ordinance <br />addressing false alarms and vehicle lockouts. Council Member <br />PAGE 3 <br />1 <br />1 <br />