Minutes - Council - 12/08/2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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7.03: Adopt Resolution #20-307 to Approve Acceptance of a Grant for Dedicated DWI Enforcement and Authorize an Additional Police Officer Hire in 2021 City Administrator Ulrich reviewed the staff report and recommendation to authorize the police department’s participation in the grant program and to authorize an additional Police Officer hire starting April 1, 2021. Police Chief Katers stated that the Police Department followed the direction of the Council to look into alternate funding sources and did that by applying for this grant to dedicate an Officer to traffic enforcement, specifically to impaired driving. He stated that the department applied for the grant three times and most recently was awarded in this third round. He stated that this action would dedicate an Officer, beginning January 1, 2021, to traffic safety and impaired driving. He stated that in previous budget discussions there was a need identified to hire an Officer, which was approved tonight. He stated that there is another Officer proposed to be added in 2022, noting that this would allow the position to begin in 2021 as a budget neutral position and alternatives could be discussed for 2022. He stated that the number of deaths on the roadways has not fallen during COVID and has in fact increased from the previous year. Bill Hammes, Law Enforcement Liaison for the eight-county metro area, noting that he assists with traffic enforcement education and the TZD grants. He stated that he lives in Anoka County and has worked in the County, noting that a traffic accident is an extremely violent way to lose a life. He stated that in Minnesota in 2019, 364 people lost their lives to traffic accidents, noting that 2020 has already seen 372 deaths. He stated that in Anoka County last year, 18 people lost their lives and already in 2020, 17 people have lost their lives due to traffic accidents. He noted that is the second highest in the eight county area. He also noted that 25 to 30 percent of those fatalities are the result of an impaired driver. He estimated that about 5,000 lives have been saved because of everything that has come forward during that time from public works, engineering, and traffic safety. Duane Siedschlag, Office of Traffic Safety, provided background information on this grant program which continues to grow and provide value. He stated that the 15 or 16 Officers and Deputies involved in this project have arrested six percent of the impaired drivers in the State. He stated that Anoka County has the second highest fatality rate in the State. He stated that if one life is saved, then the funds provided by this program are worth it. Police Chief Katers appreciated the input from the representatives of the Office of Traffic Safety. He stated that the calls for service have increased during COVID, noting that he has been cognizant to ensure there can be proper staffing levels. He stated that the benefit of this position is that they are out on the road looking for impaired drivers but are also able to address other traffic issues. He stated that some of the other agencies that received awards from the grant received funding in subsequent years but noted that is not a guarantee. Councilmember Kuzma stated that a comment was made to add an Officer in 2022 and asked for details on the budget impact. City Council / December 8, 2020 Page 14 of 17