08-23-2021 CC (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Mounds View City Council August 23, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 4 improved safety. She noted she has not reviewed the plans for Spring Lake Road but she encouraged all of the residents in attendance to attend the upcoming neighborhood meeting, which was scheduled for Wednesday, August 25, 2021. She reiterated that the common goal was for the City to update the infrastructure under the street, while also providing residents with new curb, gutters and streets. Council Member Bergeron commented until he knows what the plans are his vote will be up in the air. He noted he would be attending the neighborhood meeting on Wednesday night. 7. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. 2nd Quarter Police Report – Chief Harder. Police Chief Harder provided the Council with a presentation on the 2nd Quarter Report on behalf of the Mounds View Police Department. He stated he was very happy with the two officers that were hired during the second quarter. He explained two cold case suspects were arrested in the community and were awaiting trial. He noted traffic stats were back up along with community engagement and outreach. He reported the department received a DUI grant again this year, along with a grant for a use of force/de-escalation virtual reality simulator. He noted this simulator would be shared with other agencies. He reviewed the calls for service in 2021 and noted there has been an increase in violent crimes. He expressed frustration with the repeat crimes that were occurring in the community but noted his officers were doing great work to make arrests. Council Member Hull asked why repeat crimes are being committed. Police Chief Harder explained this was occurring because the offenders are being given probation on top of probation or are bonded out immediately by the Minnesota Freedom Fund. Council Member Bergeron commended the department for increasing the number of traffic stops in the community. He stated this was very encouraging to him. Police Chief Harder explained speeding became a huge concern during the pandemic. He reported the radar trailer has been deployed, along with signs in hopes of reducing speed. He indicated his officers were committed to addressing this concern and were conducting a lot of stops. Mayor Mueller requested further information regarding the sacrifices the team made during the civil unrest and throughout the pandemic. Police Chief Harder reported he had to cancel vacation time for about six months. He appreciated the fact his officers stepped up, even if they got sick. He indicated the call stats over the past year speak volumes as to the level of commitment his officers have to the department. He stated last year was not an easy year for any officer. Mayor Mueller commented she was incredibly proud of how the Mounds View Police Department has served the community and its people over the past year and a half. Council Member Meehlhause requested further information regarding the City’s traffic/DUI officer. Police Chief Harder explained the department’s full-time DUI/Traffic Officer Alex Aase was honored with the Minnesota Rookie of the Year Award along with the top DUI enforcer. He noted he has also been recognized by Minnesota Towards Zero Death on two different occasions.