Minutes - 2013/02/25 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council February 25, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 9 Finance Director Beer discussed the water, sewer, storm sewer and light fund balances with the Council. He noted a small rate increase to the light fund was proposed to cover the current deficit. He commented a water rate increase would be proposed for 2014. Finance Director Beer indicated Staff was looking to update its general ledger program. The new program would allow for online services in addition to more human resources options. He has budgeted $50,000 for this expense, which included employee training. It was noted the upgrade would not take place for two years. Council Member Mueller asked if the Finance Department has had correspondence from Ramsey County regarding increased costs for the 911 system. Finance Director Beer stated he has not seen an increase from the County. Mayor Flaherty thanked Finance Director Beer for his report this evening. 2. Police Department Annual Report Police Chief Kinney reviewed the Police Department’s annual report with the Council. He discussed highlights from 2012 noting the arrest numbers have increased for both adults and children. He attributed this to the increase in traffic enforcement and traffic stops. He commented the Police Department has seen an increase in “Permits to Purchase” firearms. Police Chief Kinney discussed the “Towards Zero Death” initiative. He noted DWI, speed, seat belt and distracted driving issues were all addressed through saturation events. He explained the Mounds View Police Department hosted an event at the Community Center last October, which was well attended by officers from Ramsey County. Police Chief Kinney described the work completed by the Crime Prevention/DARE Officer. He then provided comment on the great success of the K9 program. He stated Officer Erickson has done numerous demonstrations in the past year, along with 48 deployments with K9 Officer Niko since June 1st. He thanked the Council for supporting the K9 program. Police Chief Kinney indicated the police department launched its own Facebook page to increase awareness in the community. He stated several officers participated in the Climb for a Cure and the Law Enforcement Torch Run. He explained that 13 students participated and graduated from the Fire Arm Safety program. Mayor Flaherty thanked Police Chief Kinney for discussing the work completed by the DARE officer. He found this work to be extremely valuable. Council Member Gunn requested further information on the new smartphone Amber Alerts. Police Chief Kinney discussed the new alerts system stating this was being offered through FEMA and was evolving over time.