Agenda - Council - 09/24/2024 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Finance Director Lund noted that the Police Department does get this information from the Alexandra House. Police Captain Frankfurth explained that the Alexandra House is a program that the Police Department uses for domestic assault cases throughout the County. He shared that this program helps victims navigate the court system and make sure they have protections in place. Finance Director Lund asked if there is a list of how many participants of this program were Ramsey residents. Police Captain Frankfurth said he can try to find this information. City Administrator Hagen asked if other entities are contributing to the Alexandra House. Police Captain Frankfurth shared that he believes other agencies are contributing to this and noted that there is also grant funding that contributes. Mayor Kuzma asked Councilmember Woestehoff, the Council liaison to Youth First, about the importance of Youth First to the community. Councilmember Woestehoff shared that it is an organization throughout Anoka County that provides safe spaces for children which are education adjacent. He noted that it is funded by Ramsey, Andover, Coon Rapids, Anoka County, the Anoka -Hennepin School Districts, and various grants. Councilmember Musgrove asked if the JPA between the City is directly with Youth First or another organization. Councilmember Woestehoff noted that it is with another organization. He added that he advised the Chair of the Youth First Board that the City would likely not be able to fund them in the future. Councilmember Musgrove asked how they would go about making this decision if it is a joint powers agreement. Councilmember Woestehoff stated the JPA has nothing to do with funding. He added that the Youth First Board is meeting later this week to discuss the new Executive Director and her vision of what the organization will be. Councilmember Howell shared that she does not like the idea of the City funding non -profits, regardless of the organization's contribution to the City. She added that Andover currently has an employment opportunity for a Youth Mental Health and Wellness Services Coordinator for Youth First. She noted that DEI is implemented throughout the role, and she has issues with the City supporting an organization that will prioritize certain children over others. City Council Work Session / September 10, 2024 Page 3 of 13