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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999 [08] Aug 12 Page 3591 August 12, 1999 Pursuant to due call and nòtice thereof, the City CóunCiI fòr the City òf St. Joseph met in special session on Thursday, August 12, 1999 at 4:15 p.m. in the St. Joseph City Hall. Members Present Mayor Kenneth J. Hiemenz. Councilors Ken Twit, Bob Loso, Mary Niedenfuer, Cory Ehlert. Deputy Clerk Judy Weyrens. I Others Present: Police Chief Brad Lindgren, Sergeant Jeff Young, Office Jean Gustin, Officer Brad Meyer, Gladys Schneider, Donald Schneider, Ross Rieke, John Kierzek, Martha Kierzek Mayor Hiemenz opened the meeting and stated the purpose of the meeting is to discuss the staffing needs òf the St. Joseph Police Department. Hiemenz alsò presented the Council with letters of support from Steuve's Garage, Cloverdale Townhouse Addition, CMS Autobody, and Mrs. Wood. In addition, the Mayor presented the Council with a petition signed by approximately 108 people. The petition read as follows: . , 'We the undersigned, residents, business's or citizens who vJotk in the St. Joseph community. We want it to be known that we are not in support of the St. Joseph City Council's decision on August 5, 1999 to look at reducing the St. Joseph Police Departments staff by 1 full time officer. (Current staffing is at 6 full time officers, and no part time officers, and has been so for many years). Further, with St. Joseph being part of the St. Cloud Metropolitan community and all of the growth related issues to our own growth of our city in residents, houses, business's, students, and traffic we question the wisdom and r motives behind such a move. » ' I Loso stated it is his opinion that residents misunderstood the intent of the City Council. It is not the intent of the City Council to reduce the police force in St. Joseph, rather to make sure the Council was filing the vacancies in the most prudent manner. Before a decision could be made as to the number of officers to hire or the status of their employment, the Council requested a report from the Police Chief detailing what affect the Secretary will have on the workflow in the office. In a prior meeting the Police Chief stated that hiring a police secretary would allow the Officers to be on the street rather than in the office answering phones and completing paperwork. Therefore, the quéstion' of the Council was could the sixth officer position be best utilized by hiring part time i officers. I I , Twit concurred with Loso and stated that it was never the .intent of the Council not to hire a second officer. The Council had onlý authorized the hiring òf òne officer and a police secretary. To fl1l the sixth position would require action by the City Council. At the August 5, 1999 City Council meeting the City Council requested the Police Chief to submit a report to the Council discussing the impact of hiring a secretary and the affect this positiòn would have on police Sèheduling. Police Chief Lindgren stated that after the July 8, 1999 Council meeting he was of the understanding that the City would maintain a police staff of six officers and one secretary. Further, at that same meeting the Council had not yet received the resignatiOn of Officer Dahl, but they were made aware that a second officer wóuld be leaving. Lindgren stated that if the Council does not wish to hire a sixth officer the services of the department could be compromised and the department may not longer be able to provide various community programs. In Lindgren's opinion the Council I I I I Page 3592 August 12, 1999 would be selling the residents of St. Joseph short if the sixth officer position were left vacant. While the Steams County Sheriffs Department provides backup to St. Joseph, the response times is sometimes less than desirable. Gladys Schneider of 118 - 3'" Avenue SE stated that it was her opiniòn after watching the Council meeting of August 5, 1999 the Council was not supportive of the Police Department. Schneider also stated that people in St. Joseph desire more police, not less and encouraged the Council to fill the sixth officer position with a full time officer. Martha Kierzek of 409 College A venue North questioned the Council if they are looking at saving money or lives? Twit clarified that the newspaper story did not accurately portray the decision of the Council. As of August 5 the Council had only authorized the hiring of one officer and one secretary. Further, when the Council authorized the hiring, a second officer had not yet resigned. i Ehlert stated that he did not oppose the hiring of a sixth officer, rather the CounCil had some unanswered questions and were awaiting information from the Mayor. Ehlert stated the Council was looking for information from the Police Chief as to how part time offICers would accommodate the schedule and whether or not it would be effective to hire officers on a part time basis. Niedenfuer concurred with Councilors and stated that she too did not say the Council would not hire a sixth ~fficer, rather there were some unanswered questions. Niedenfuer stated that while some of the public thought the Council was not being supportive, in her opinion the Council was doing their job. Twit stated that the Council is supportive of the Police Department. The Council authorized the hiring of a police secretary and the use of part time officers to help cover shifts. The question that arose is would the department have more Scheduling flexibility if two part time officers were hired rather than hiring a sixth full time òfficer. Lindgren stated that while two officers are scheduled during the day there are 'many times that he is either giving talks or handling administrative paperwork. Lindgren stated that part time officers could work if the City were able to find officers who were dedicated to pårt time work. Sometimes the part time officers are more of a liability and the City would spend more money in training. Niedenfuer made a motion to authorize the hiring of a sixth officer to' replace Officer Dahl who resigned from the Department. The motion was seconded by Ehlert. Discussion: Upon continued discussion of why officers are leaving the department, Chief Lindgren responded that he has been give three common reasons for leaving: 1) Facilities; 2) Equipment; 3) City Council. Ehlert responded that it is the responsibility of the City Council to be fiscally responsible. When the Council asks questions it is not an indication of lack of support, rather clarification Further, Ehlert stated that residents expect the Council 10 justify the expenses and if questions are not asked, Councilors cannot provide accurate answers to the residents. I , , ; , I Lindgren stated that the department is not aSking to increase the department, but to keep the status quo. Lindgren further stated the petition submitted is an I indication of what the resident's desire. If the staff of the department is reduced I some of the proactive ponce will not be able to continue. Se¡geant Young stated, Page 3593 August 12, 1999 that if the City were to hire part time officers they would become members of the St. Joseph Police Officers Federation. Hiemenz stated it is his understanding that officers are looking for stability. Further, Hiemenz stated it is his opinÎÓn that the City Council cannot continue to micro manage the Police Department and the Council should listen as to what is being said. Ayes: Hiemenz, Twit, Loso, Niedenfuer, Ehlert. Nays: None. Motion Carried 5:0:0 Loso requested the Council schedule a special meeting with the Ciity Attorney to discuss the police department operations. Hiemenz stated that he contact the City Attorney and report back to the City Council. Twit emphasized the importance of the Police Department recognizing that the City Council is not scrutinizing the Police Department and looks forward! to a good working relationship with the Department. Twit concurred with Ehlert and sl.ated that the Council needs to ask questions for clarification and those questions are not an indication of lack of support rather Council responsibility. Ross Rieke of 41 - 5111 Avenue NW discuSSed the importance of es1ablishing communication between the City Council and Police Department Hieke stated that when he was a member of the Council he took the time to ride with the officers in the evening help understand the duties of a police officer. Rieke encouraged the CoUnCil to do the same and ride with the officers. Authorization to accept recommendations of Police HirinQ Committee: Ehlert stated the Police Hiring Committee has interviewed candidates for the position of Patrol Officer and has established a list of three qualified candidates. Lindgren reported that he is in the process of completing the background checks on the top two candidates. If the background checks are satisfactory the candidates will be required to complete psychological and physical testing. Twit made a motion to hire the tlJp two patrol officer candidates as recommended by the Police Hiring Committee contingent upon the success completion of the background check, psychological analysis and physical examination. The motion was seconded by Niedenfuer. Ayes: Hiemenz, Twit, Loso, Niedenfuer, Ehlert. Nays: None. Motion Carried 5:0:0 Adiourn: Loso made a motion to adjoum at 5:30 p.m.; seconded by Twit. Ayes: Hiemenz, Twit, Loso, Niedenfuer, Ehlert. Nays: None. Motion Carried 5:0:0 Judy Weyrens Deputy Clerk I I I I Page 3594 August 12-A Pursuant to due calf and notice thereof, the St. Joseph City Council met in special session on Thursday, August 12, 1999 at 7:00 p.m. in the St. Joseph City Hall. Members Present Mayor Kenneth J. Hiemenz. Councilors Ken Twit,. Bob Loso, Mary Niedenfuer, Cory Ehlert. Deputy Clerk Judy Weyrens. Others Present: EDA Director Chad Cartson, Fire Chief Dave Theisen, Wastewater Operator Jim Marthaler, Public Works Director Dick Taufen, Police Chief Brad Undgren, Park Board Chair Lonnie Abbott, Steve Streng. Mayor Hiemenz stated the purpose of the meeting was to accept preliminary budget information from department heads and committee chairs. The Mayor stated that as in the past year, the City is limited in budgeting due to levy limits imposed by the Legislature. The preliminary general fund budget indicated a revenue shortfall of approximately $ 52,031.00. . I The Council also discussed the need to plan for future projects such as: reconstruction of CR 121; utility extension along CR 121 including the construction of a lift station; financial commitment for projects approved for 1990 construction; and financing for the purchase of the First State Bank and remodeling of the City Hall for the Police Station. Through discussion with department heads and committee chairs, the Council reduced the budget by $ 10,172.00 and agreed to continue working on the budget on August 26,1999 at 6:30 p.m. Adiourn: Loso made a motion to adjourn at 10: 10 p.m.; seconded by Niedenfuer. Ayes: Hiemenz, Twit, Loso, Niedenfuer, Ehlert. Nays: None. Motion Carried 5:0:0 I