HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006.07.14 CC Minutes - Police ServicesMINUTES FOR THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 14, 2006 TO DISCUSS
POLICE PROTECTION SERVICES
Mayor Fran Miron called the meeting to order at 8:37 am.
PRESENT: Haas, Puleo, Miron
City Administrator Mike Ericson and CD Director Bryan Bear
ABSENT: Granger and Petryk
REVIEW WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF'S CONTRACT
City Administrator Mike Ericson reviewed with Council its contract under which the Washington
County Sheriffs Department provides police protection services to the City of Hugo. The contract
dated 1999 runs annually each year and it provides a formula under which the County and the City
pays for its operational costs. He stated that the objective of the Council is to look proactively to
the future — 5, 10, 15 years in providing police protection services.
PRESENTATION OF POLICE PROTECTION SERVICES
Washington County Sheriff Steve Pott, along with Chief Deputy Chuck Yelter, provided Council
with a PowerPoint slide show of how the deputies provide police protection services to the City.
He explained that contract work is very important to the WCSO. He provided Council with
statistics and graphing info, which clarified why the County had hired so many new deputies over
the past three years. The City is currently served four deputies and it would take 5'/z full-time to
achieve 24-hour coverage. He went on to explain that the standard under the IACP International
Association of Chiefs of Police is one officer per 1,000 residents. Council asked many questions,
which were answered by Sheriff Pott. The Sheriff explained the model used by Carver County
Sheriff, Bud Olson, with a sergeant as a police chief or deputy as a town cop. Council directed
staff to work with the Finance Director in budgeting for another deputy in 2007. Council was
pleased with the services of the WCSO and did not desire or want any changes due in part to the
excellent service provided, as well as a great value to the citizens.
DISCUSSION ON CRIMINAL PROSECUTION SERVICES
Prosecuting Attorney Tom Weidner and Josh Christenson from the City's law firm Eckberg
Lammers explained how the relationship exists between the attorneys and the WCSO. He
explained how the prosecuting attorney, which has been his role for several years, goes to court
weekly, with dozens of court appearances for Hugo and other cities, providing an excellent value
to the City. Tom will work with Finance Director Ron Otkin on some revenue projections for
2007. He will work closer with the WCSO in communicating cases and issues.
ADJOURNMENT
Haas made motion, Puleo seconded, to adjourn at 10:54 am.
All aye. Motion Carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael A. Ericson
City Administrator