HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 4354
RESOLUTION NO. 4354
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CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
COUNTY OF RAMSEY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION PROTESTING SENATE FILE NO. 322/HOUSE FILE NO. 458 -- A
BILL TO CONSOLIDATE MUNICIPAL PROSECUTIONS UNDER THE
RAMSEY COUNTY PROSECUTOR
WHEREAS, Senator Kelly and Representative Farrell have
introduced companion bills which would consolidate the criminal
divisions of the offices of municipal attorneys in Ramsey County
with the criminal division of the office of Ramsey County Attorney,
and authorizing the Ramsey County Attorney to prosecute all
criminal actions; and
WHEREAS, the City of Mounds View strongly objects to the
proposed legislation because of the following reasons:
1. The cities of Ramsey County have not had input into this
matter, nor have they been consulted and given the opportunity
to discuss the possible ramifications of the proposed
legislative action.
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2. The proposed legislation, if passed, would significantly
and negatively impact the cost of prosecution services for
the city. Costs are currently controlled through a negotiated
contract for services which retains local control.
3. Any action to consolidate prosecutions for municipal violations
under the Ramsey County Attorney would greatly diminish the
City's ability to retain local control over matters directly
and measurably impacting its operations. At this time, the
City has direct control over the actions of its prosecutor.
There is a process in place to ensure accountability, good
communication, responsiveness and consistent performance
standards. If services are not satisfactory, or prove to
be more costly than anticipated, the city currently has service
options that would be eliminated under the proposed
legislation.
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4. If prosecutions for all municipal offenses were the
responsibility of the Ramsey County Attorney, the chances
increase that the movement to eliminate the suburban courts
in New Brighton and Maplewood would be successful. If that
occurs, the costs for providing police services in Mounds
View and other Rnffisey County suburban communities will
increase dramatically. cities will be forced to pay increased
travel and time costs for officers to appear in court in
st. Paul. The increased costs will directly impact the tax-
payers.
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RESOLUTION NO. 4354
PAGE TWO OF TWO
5. Consolidating prosecution services under the Ramsey County
Attorney would, in effect, lessen the sensitivity and
responsiveness to local issues, and the uniqueness of
individual city codes, ordinances and practices. At present,
the City of Mounds View's prosecutor meets regularly with City
officials to review changes in ordinances or practices. It is
doubtful that such responsiveness to individual city policies
and practices would prevail within the office of the County
Attorney responsible for multiple and diverse cities
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the City Council in and
for the City of Mounds View does hereby express its protest for
Senate File No. 322 and its companion House File No. 458.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, the City Council does declare
that Senate File No. 322 and House File No. 458 represent actions
which are clearly and irrefutably not in the best interest of the
City of Mounds View and its taxpayers.
ATTEST:
Adopted this 22nd d~y of March, 1993.
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