Minutes - Council Work Session - 10/30/2007

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Councilmember Look asked if Police Chief Way had any idea of how many offenses were committed by residents. Police Chief Way stated that he does not have that information and noted that the City has about a 50-52% arrest rate for Part 1 and 2 crimes. Councilmember Look asked if the City pays the County for any police services. Police Chief Way stated that a portion of our taxes goes to cover help from the Criminal Investigative Unit, for example, if there is a burglary, the City can ask them to process the scene for DNA evidence. He stated that the City does not use the County for patrol purposes. Councilmember Jeffrey stated that the public nuisance abatement incidents have increased and asked if Police Chief Way saw this increase continuing. Police Chief Way stated that he thinks the abatement numbers will spike and then slow down because of the new ordinance. Assistant City Administrator Nelson stated that Coon Rapids experienced the same thing with the strong spike early on with abatement issues and now they only process about 1 abatement per year. Police Chief Way stated that he will update the City Council on the recent abatements at the end -ofthe meeting. Councilmember Ehrig asked how the City is generating revenue. Finance Officer Lund stated that she expects the City to meet its projected numbers for 2007. She stated that for 2008, the City budgeted $497,000 based on building permits for 197 units. She stated that this number did not include additional permits such as heating permits. Councilmember Elvig confirmed that the City had taken a conservative approach in these estimates. He stated that he wanted to make sure that the City Council was cognizant of the opportunity loss on the $940,000 transfer out of the resolving equipment fund. He asked if the City Council could get a different type of monthly financial report so it is easier to compare what the City has earned versus what it has spent. He stated that if our data could be compared back to 2 or 3 years prior that would be very helpful for him. Councilmember Strommen stated that she supports the staff proposals. She stated that she likes the idea of the police officer not starting until mid-year, which gives the City a chance to change its plans if the economy changes. Mayor Gamec suggested that the City Council hang onto last year's budget because it is very helpful to go back and compare to see how the City is doing. City Council Work Session / October 30, 2007 Page 15 of 19