Minutes - 2003/05/12 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council May 12, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 16 • Chief Sommer indicated he did not want to proceed unless there is a commitment by the Council to proceed as there is a lot of work involved with submitting the grant application. Mayor Linke read an excerpt from Chief Sommer's memo outlining that there is a two to four hour period every day that there is one officer on patrol and that number drops to zero if the officer has to transport someone to jail. He then said that having one officer on duty poses a significant safety threat as there are certain types of calls that protocol suggests a minimum number of two officers respond to. Mayor Linke indicated he understood the need for being fiscally prudent but said he feels the City needs to look at the health, safety, and welfare of its residents and he feels the police department is short staffed and is not doing the job for residents. Council Member Stigney indicated this would be an opportunity to restructure the police department so that does not have that problem. Council Member Marty indicated the issue had been raised by the previous Chief and Deputy Chief but the force is as lean as it can be. Council Member Quick asked if there would be any retirees within the three-year timeframe. i Chief Sommer indicated there is the potential for three retirements within this time. Ayes - 3 Nays - 2(Stigney/Marty) Motion carried. 10. REPORTS Council Member Quick asked whether there would be a discussion of priorities. Mayor Linke indicated that the discussions would occur at another meeting. Council Member Marty asked for an update on the soundwall issue. Interim City Administrator Ericson indicated that Public Works Director Lee is working on that issue with MNDOT and the League of Minnesota Cities for alternative funding sources. He then said that MNDOT pledged $30,000 of seed money but that is not nearly enough to build the wall. He further commented that Staff is looking at adding a berm north of LaPorte Meadows. Council Member Stigney indicated he was copied on a response from Senator Betzhold indicating there is no MNDOT funding. Council Member Marty asked for an update on the surveying of the County Highway 10 corridor • to determine whether there would be any other issues such as the tree in front of the Mermaid. Interim City Administrator Ericson indicated that item is on his list.