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Mayor Strommen noted that code enforcement is not the only tool the City is using to address <br />issues in certain corridors. <br />Public Works Superintendent Riemer provided additional information on the new staffing <br />position proposed for the Public Works Department, noting that this will be the first addition to <br />the department in the past ten years. He stated that he presently contracts out street sweeping <br />and parking ramp snow removal services in the amount of $58,000 and noted that while this <br />position would not totally remove those costs he believed that cost would be reduced. He <br />explained that one of the current staff members has been moved to the mechanics bay to keep up <br />with that demand, noting that the Public Works Department services all the City equipment and <br />vehicles, and; therefore, another worker is needed on the street crew. <br />Councilmember Riley stated that it seems that work would be needed for snow removal but <br />noted that the position is not slated to begin until April 1st <br />Public Works Superintendent Riemer explained that postponement was done in attempt to save <br />funds and noted that he would hire on a seasonal staff member to address the snow removal <br />needed in the winter months. <br />Police Chief Katers provided additional information on the Drug Task Force position proposed <br />to be added for the Police Department in 2016. He stated that the City is currently reactive and <br />not proactive in the area of drugs. He stated that the Task Force currently has members from 11 <br />cities in Anoka County and explained that the group is hesitant to spend their time in a city that <br />does not contribute to membership. He stated that he would like to see this position as it would <br />provide a benefit to the City and would also provide opportunities to the current members of the <br />department as the position would be equivalent to an investigator. He noted that typically there <br />is a two-year rotation on the task force and provided additional information on the administrative <br />services provided by the Sheriff's Department, including interviewing and recommendations for <br />whom in the department should fill the position. <br />Councilmember Kuzma confirmed that this would be an added position. <br />Police Chief Katers stated that the position would be filled by an officer or investigator with <br />experience within the department and; therefore, he would be backfilling the position vacated <br />with a new officer. <br />Councilmember Riley asked if drugs are considered a big problem in the City and whether the <br />Drug Task Force position is a better fit than simply adding an additional patrol officer. <br />Police Chief Katers replied yes to both questions noting that a lot of the calls do involve drinking <br />or drugs, which is not different than any other city. He stated that while patrol would add <br />another body to the street, he believes that patrol is adequately staffed and this would be a better <br />use of resources. <br />City Council Work Session / August 25, 2015 <br />Page 3 of 6 <br />