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May 28, 2024 St. Anthony Council Work Session - 5 <br />Councilmember Doolan referred to the SWOT analysis and asked if there are aspects around Council and <br />mitigating some of the risks from misconceptions. More detail could be added as far as communication <br />and governance. <br />Mayor Webster noted she agrees with Councilmember Doolan’s comments. She has been approached <br />about taxes increasing due to this partnership which is incorrect. <br />Councilmember Randle stated we never know what is going to come out of people’s mouth. He has <br />heard worse than the need for a new police station. <br />Councilmember Jenson stated all Council can do is to stick with the facts. The message we give to the <br />public should be the facts. <br />Councilmember Doolan stated this document prepared by Chief Spiess is really wonderful. <br />Mayor Webster stated when hearing concerns the officer’s expressed, she asked Chief Spiess what other <br />things Council can do to aid the Officers. Chief Spiess stated the major concern is staffing. The resources <br />are needed to be successful. Mayor Webster asked about the expansion of the cadet program and when <br />would that expansion be implemented. Chief Spiess stated as soon as possible. There are a number of <br />interested parties. It would be beneficial to increase by one more cadet by July. <br />Councilmember Doolan asked if hiring a recruiting person would be effective. Chief Spiess stated <br />someone knowledgeable on incentives for cadet recruits would be advantageous. <br />Councilmember Jenson suggested hiring a recruiter would dilute the workforce from attending job fairs. <br />Hiring 9 in the timeframe being considered will be very difficult. There would need to be a ramp-up <br />process. City Manager Yunker stated right now Falcon Heights needs to determine how policing will be <br />covered in 2025. <br />Mayor Webster asked what Council thinks about discussing increasing the cadet program at an <br />upcoming Council Meeting. The consensus was to put on agenda of a Council Meeting. <br />Future Work Sessions: <br />The next Work Session will be held on June 11, 2024 in the Council Chambers. <br />Adjournment: <br />The meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m. <br />Respectfully submitted, <br />Debbie Wolfe <br />TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.