02/23/1998 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL MINUTES FEBRUARY 23, 1998 Mayor Sullivan, on behalf of the entire Council, recognized Chief Pecchia's efforts in his additional role as Interim City Administrator, as well as the commendable effort by the Economic Development Department with regard to its recent citizens' forum. OPEN MIKE No one appeared under Open Mike. POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT, DAVID PECCHIA Consideration of Resolution No. 98 - 18 Accepting Donation from Centennial Fire Relief Association and the Lexington Fire Department for Rice Lake Elementary School Safety Patrol Event - Chief Pecchia explained that the Centennial Fire Relief Association donated $235 and the Lexington Fire Department donated $100 to the Lino Lakes Police Department for use in the Rice Lake Elementary School Safety Patrol Program. These funds will be used for patrol recognition day, at which time elementary patrol members from throughout the Centennial School District will be treated to an afternoon of roller skating. Council Member Lyden moved to adopt Resolution No. 98 - 18, as presented. Council Member Neal seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Resolution No. 98 - 18 can be found at the end of these minutes. Consideration of 1997 Annual Police Department Report - Chief Pecchia introduced Police Officer Ken Strege, who presented the 1997 statistical review which, according to Chief Pecchia, represents a concentrated effort data illustrating the Police Department's service during that time period. Chief Pecchia added that in 1997 the Department continued to experience unprecedented growth in the areas of personnel resources, professional development, and community involvement. He added that the community policing philosophy continues to be implemented throughout the City, resulting in the enhancement of numerous programs including the McGruff House, Neighborhood Watch, Crime Free Multi Housing, Curfew Sweeps, Bicycle Patrol, and, most noteworthy, the 2nd Annual Public Safety Citizens Academy. The Public Safety Citizens Academy consisted of a six-week program identifying the challenges and opportunities facing Lino Lakes with respect to public safety. The Academy was a joint effort of the Centennial Fire District and the Lino Lakes Police Department. Chief Pecchia explained that four (4) additional officers were hired to enhance the patrol staff and community policing initiatives. Additionally, an emergency management natural disaster exercise was planned, prepared for and completed by utilizing the resources of several neighboring public safety agencies, including the Department of Corrections at the Lino Lakes State Prison. Chief Pecchia stated that the Department continued to enhance both "volunteerism" within the community by adding six (6) additional reserve officers, and policing capabilities through the addition of a snowmobile donated by a multiple DWI offender for use by patrol and reserve officers. 2 •