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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/22/2025LAUDERDALE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Lauderdale City Hall 1891 Walnut Street Lauderdale, MN 55113 Page 1 of 3 April 22, 2025 Call to Order Mayor Gaasch called the Regular City Council meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Roll Call Councilors present: Evan Sayre, Sharon Kelly, Duane Pulford, Jeff Dains, and Mayor Mary Gaasch. Councilors absent: None. Staff present: Heather Butkowski, City Administrator; Jim Bownik, Assistant to the City Administrator; and Miles Cline, Deputy City Clerk. Approvals Mayor Gaasch asked if there were any additions to the meeting agenda. There being none, Councilor Dains moved and seconded by Councilor Pulford to approve the agenda. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Gaasch asked if there were corrections to the minutes of the April 8, 2025, City Council meeting. There being none, Councilor Pulford moved and seconded by Councilor Kelly to approve the April 8, 2025, City Council meeting minutes. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Gaasch asked if there were any questions on the claims. There being none, Councilor Kelly moved and seconded by Councilor Dains to approve the claims totaling $71,457.54. Motion carried unanimously. Consent Councilor Dains moved and seconded by Councilor Sayre to approve the Consent Agenda thereby acknowledging the March finance reports and the first quarter investment report. Informational Presentations/Reports A. Falcon Heights — Lauderdale Sustainability Fair Administrator Butkowski highlighted the upcoming sustainability fair taking place on April 26 at Falcon Heights City Hall. The event will include textile and electronics recycling, along with guest speakers and kid - friendly activities. B. Annual St. Anthony Police Department Report and Presentation Chief Jeff Spiess was at the meeting to present the annual police report. He reported on many items including Part I and Part II crime rates, calls for service, investigations, clearance rates, recruitment strategies, and community engagement. He also noted the benefits to Lauderdale for the relaunching of St. Anthony's police partnership with Falcon Heights. Chief Spiess responded to community members prepared questions regarding the recent dangerous dog situation at the end of his annual report. Mayor Gaasch opened the floor to community members with additional questions and comments. The following is a summary of those that spoke at the meeting. LAUDERDALE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Lauderdale City Hall 1891 Walnut Street Lauderdale, MN 55113 Page 2 of 3 April 22, 2025 Mindy Nakamoto, 1795 Carl Street, stated that she has dealt with issues related to 911 calls being routed to the wrong dispatchers. She also requested that dog -friendly officers be tasked to Lauderdale for their shifts more often. Kristine Sand, 1924 Walnut Street, asked about vandalism issues related to political signs from the 2024 general election. She also inquired about reporting issues to the police anonymously instead of giving out her personal information. Karen Abbot, 1795 Eustis Street, wanted to know when the dog will be euthanized, and how the public will know when it has been completed Robert Jacobson, 1747 Carl Street, requested ways to find out potentially dangerous dog information before it becomes a larger problem. Sara Nelson, 1784 Carl Street, asked for better signage to warn the public of potentially dangerous or dangerous dogs on a property. She asked for an increase in social media content on this issue. Heather Brian, 1778 Eustis Street, shared that she observed SAPD officers driving through the City looking at the screens in their vehicles. She said that the use of strobe lights from police vehicles could cause seizures, that the proposed drone program could violate people's privacy, and she expressed concerns about retribution when reporting an issue to the police. Gary Brandenburg, 1773 Carl Street, recalled the story about his dog being attacked - which was the second reported case. He also asked about the leash laws in the City. Steve Sventek, 1765 Carl Street, mentioned several ways he would like to see the City contact its residents about pressing and urgent matters. Ann Feider, 1698 Eustis Street, shared her concerns about the possibility of a drone program. She asked for information about flock cameras and trailer cameras. With the addition of Falcon Heights back to the SAPD force, she asked that the department look into hiring people of diverse backgrounds. Diane Galvin, 1746 Malvern Street, stated that the entire dangerous dog discussion should have happened at an earlier meeting. Leslie Klutz, 1773 Carl Street, discussed the idea of preventing the occurrence of further incidents through City ordinances. City council members and staff addressed some of the questions during the session. Remaining items will be researched or considered at future meetings. LAUDERDALE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Lauderdale City Hall 1891 Walnut Street Lauderdale, MN 55113 Page 3 of 3 April 22, 2025 Set Agenda for Next Meeting Butkowski stated that the May 13 Council meeting might include the variance and lot split applications for 1836 Carl Street. Work Session A. Community Development Update Mayor Gaasch asked Chief Spiess about the likelihood of street racing issues this summer. He said state patrol has been more active in addressing the issue with them. Residents are encouraged to call 911 to report what they are seeing and hearing. Councilor Pulford asked what a weapons violation would be as referenced in the annual report. Chief Spiess said most often a weapons charge happens when officers find an illegally possessed weapon during a stop. Spiess also responded to questions about officer scheduling and what wellness services officers are provided. B. Opportunity for the Public to Address the City Council Mayor Gaasch opened the floor to those interested in addressing the Council. There being nobody interested in speaking, Mayor Gaasch closed the floor. Adjournment Councilor Kelly moved and seconded by Councilor Sayre to adjourn the meeting at 9:34 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, 6414 Miles Cline Deputy City Clerk