Police Advisory Commission Agenda 04-17-2013AGENDA
MONTICELLO POLICE ADVISORY COMMISSION
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
6:30 p.m.
Wright County Law Enforcement Center
1. Call to Order.
2. Consideration of approving minutes of July 18, 2012 PAC Meeting.
3. Consideration of approving minutes of October 17, 2012 PAC Meeting.
4. Consideration of approving minutes of November 14, 2012 Special PAC Meeting.
5. Consideration of approving minutes of January 16, 2013 PAC Meeting.
6. Consideration of adding items to the agenda.
7. Wright County Sheriff's Office updates / Q &A session.
8. Video Camera Update (Jason R.)
9. Discussion of added items.
10. Approval of next regular meeting date (July 17, 2013).
11. Adjourn.
MINUTES
MONTICELLO POLICE ADVISORY COMMISSION
Wednesday, July 18, 2012 - 7 p.m., Academy Room
Members Present: Brad Fyle, Chuck Fradella, Jason Roubinek (arr. 7:06 pm)
Members Absent: Brian Stumpf
Ex- Officio Representatives: Sgt. Dave Anderson, Wright County Sheriff's Office
Lt. Todd Sandin, Wright County Sheriffs Office
Bruce Westby, City Engineer
Others Present: None
1) Call to Order
Brad Fyle called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
2) Consideration of approving minutes of April 18, 2012 regular Police Advisory
Commission meeting
BRAD FYLE MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE APRIL 18, 2012
REGULAR POLICE ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING AFTER SPELLING
CORRECTION IS MADE TO LT. SANDIN's NAME. MOTION SECONDED BY
CHUCK FRADELLA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3) Consideration of adding items to the agenda
Chuck Fradella — Requested update on vandalism in city parks.
4) Wright County Sheriff's Office updates /O &A session
Captain Anselment provided an update on issues with Chatter's. Captain Anselment
stated that Cathy Shuman has been in contact with Chatter's about their licensing. She
has also been in contact with the Wright County Public Health Department trying to
coordinate the department sending notices to businesses about bar training that's
available. Due to a mix -up the letters were sent out with only a day's notice prior to the
training, so the training was canceled due to lack of participants. Sergeant Anderson
stated that it is in fact the county's public health department that's responsible for sending
out the training notices as they provide the training and the city should not be responsible
for coordinating or setting that up. Chatter's has had turnover in their personnel which
has assisted in them becoming more complaint. They were also warned and the calls
have since reduced.
Police Advisory Commission Minutes; 07/18/12
Sergeant Anderson indicated that in the past 3 months approximately 25 stop sign tickets
were issued, and around 64 traffic tickets /month were issued from deputies assigned to
Monticello. Numerous curfew violations were also issued. Sergeant Anderson said there
is a newer deputy that works traffic shifts from 2 -10 pm and in an 8 hour shift he is
stopping cars for 7 %2 hours. Brad Fyle noted that he has seen more traffic stops around
town and he said that is sending a good message to the public. Lieutenant Sandin said
that he's been very pleased recently in that the number of nuisance calls have been
significantly lower and that thefts from vehicles has settled down.
5) Consideration of 2013 Law Enforcement budget recommendations to City Council
Bruce Westby indicated that he is working on the annual budget for 2013. As in years
past, council is asking staff to look at any and all ways to reduce the budget. With the
law enforcement budget being one of the larger line items in the city budget, the question
comes up on whether that is an item that can be reduced. Bruce noted that the way to
reduce the budget would be to reduce the number of contract hours with the Wright
County Sheriff's Department. The county must be notified in writing by August 15`s if
the city intends to reduce their contract hours. The hours may be reduced in 4 -hour
increments. Monticello's contract currently includes 18,980 hours which equates to 52
hours /day. This has been at this same amount for quite some time. The budgeted amount
is $60.50/hour or a total of $1,148,290 for 2013. The current contract is up at the end of
2013, so a new contract will be brought to the city council next summer for execution and
approval. Brad Fyle indicated that it has taken a number of years and a number of steps
to get where we are at and it doesn't make sense to go backwards in service. Sergeant
Anderson indicated that there isn't much room for excess in the contract and that it is just
enough to provide Monticello with the services requested. Brad Fyle stated that he feels
that this contract amount is a small price to pay compared to Monticello having its own
city run police force. Lieutenant Sandin clarified that all contract cities are charged the
same rate per hour, it is the number of hours of service that are different. For instance,
both Buffalo and Big Lake are in the $2 million contract range because they want more
hours of service.
JASON ROUBINEK MOVED TO MAINTAIN THE CURRENT CONTRACT HOURS
WITH THE WRIGHT COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE FOR THE CITY OF
MONTICELLO'S CONTRACT AT 52 HOURS PER DAY THROUGH 2013, AND RE-
EVAULATE WHEN THE CONTRACT IS UP FOR RENEWAL IN 2014. MOTION
SECONDED BY CHUCK FRADELLA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6) Update on vacant Police Advisory Commission position
Bruce Westby stated that on May 15t1i Leila McCarty called Bruce and verbally resigned
her position. She also submitted an email to Bruce which stated that she liked working as
a volunteer for the city and thought everyone worked well together in the commission but
she had some concerns and she didn't feel she was really being effective. With time
being taken away from her family, she said it was in her best interest to resign at this
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7)
Police Advisory Commission Minutes: 07/18/12
time. She indicated that she would be happy to talk to anyone on the commission about
her decision. Bruce said that her seat is vacant and it has been posted for several months
but there has been no interest thus far. Bruce presented the option of advertising in the
local newspaper at a cost of approximately $150 -$175 for the ad. The commission
discussed recruiting ideas such as posting flyers around town, including an insert in the
utility bill, and /or word of mouth recruiting. Brad Fyle said his recommendation is to
try to recruit first before spending the money on an ad. Brad reminded the commission
that the vacancy must be filled by a city resident. Brad said he planned to call Leila to
discuss her resignation.
BRAD FYLE MOVED TO DENY ADVERTISING FOR THE POLICE COMMISSION
VACANCY AT THIS TIME AND TO FOCUS EFFORTS ON WORD OF MOUTH
RECRUITING AND POSTING FLYERS. MOTION WAS SECONDED BY JASON
ROUBINEK. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Discussion of added items
Chuck Fradella asked the sheriffs office representatives whether vandalism in the city
parks still remains a problem. The officers said they apprehended a juvenile male in the
Groveland Park vandalism case and that he was charged out for that. Since then there
haven't been many issues.
8) Schedule next meetin¢
Brad Fyle requested information from the sheriffs office for the next meeting. Brad said
that he has heard that Kjellberg's has less calls per capita compared to the rest of the city
and he would like confirmation on that. Sergeant Anderson said that when he was
working in Monticello years ago he spent 60% of his time at the parks but that has
significantly decreased. The approximate population of Kjellberg's is around 1,000 for
both parks. Sergeant Anderson said he will pull the calls and put together a report.
Brad Fyle asked Sergeant Anderson if they can break down the munber of false alarms at
one residence /year. Brad said that if the fire department has more than 2 nuisance fire
calls /property they will bill out at approximately $200 -$300 for each additional nuisance
call /property.
Brad Fyle asked Sergeant Anderson if drive -offs at the gas pumps are a problem in
Monticello. Brad said that he has heard that in Anoka or Coon Rapids they are
mandating pay at the pump due to this problem. Lt. Sandin said that it is time consuming
because they have to spend time locating the owner of the vehicle, then send out a letter
and ask the vehicle owner to contact the businesses regarding the non - payment.
Approximately 15 -20% of these calls aren't resolved before the end of the deputy shift.
Sergeant Anderson stated that probably only 5% of those gas drive -offs are legitimate
thefts where they haven stolen plates on the vehicle or covered plates. Sergeant
Anderson said that approximately 50% is clerk error or card°reader error. The patron may
Police Advisory Commission Minutes: 07/18/12
go into the station with the intention of paying for their fuel, and then they buy some
refreshments, snacks, cigarettes, and the clerk forgets to ask about gas so when they pay
the gas fill isn't on their bill. Another issue arises with a reader error at the pump where
the patron swipes their card and it doesn't accept but the clerk inside the station pushes
the button so the patron can fill. When the patron is done filling their vehicle, they
assume the charge went on their card at the pump. Lt. Sandin said he is aware of three
different vehicles in the county that were legitimate gas drive -off thefts. There was one
that was apprehended in South Haven, another was apprehended in Clearwater, and there
is one still outstanding.
The next regular Police Advisory Commission meeting was scheduled for Wednesday,
October 17, 2012 at 7 p.m.
8) Adjournment
CHUCK FRADELLA MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:44 PM.
MOTION SECONDED BY JASON ROUBINEK. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
Recorder: Beth Green, Administrative Assistant
Approved: April 17, 2013
Attest:
Wayne Oberg, Finance Director
@!
MINUTES
MONTICELLO POLICE ADVISORY COMMISSION
Wednesday, October 17, 2012 - 7 p.m., Academy Room
Members Present: Brad Fyle, Chuck Fradella, Brian Stumpf
Members Absent: Jason Roubinek
Ex- Officio Representatives: Sgt. Dave Anderson, Wright County Sheriff's Office
Lt. Todd Sandin, Wright County Sheriff's Office
Bruce Westby, City Engineer
Others Present: None
1) Call to Order
Brad Fyle called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2) Approval of minutes of July 18, 2012 Police Advisory Commission meeting
Minutes not available at this time.
3) Consideration of adding items to the agenda
Brad Fyle indicated that he has a recognition award for discussion.
4) Wright County Sheriffs Office updates /O &A session
The 2nd Quarter Summary Report for law enforcement activity and crimes and Monticello
was issued to the commission. The summary indicates the majority of incidents in
Monticello include traffic violations. At the previous meeting there were questions about
the number of calls in Kjellberg's Parks and Sergeant Anderson said that years ago those
calls made up the majority of Monticello's calls for service. Today the calls are all over
with a scattering of thefts from vehicles but nothing centered in one location. Lieutenant
Sandin said there have been no major issues and the numbers are very similar to last year.
Brian Stumpf said that he continually hears about speed and that continues to be the
typical complaint in residential areas. Brian said a study was completed to review the
need for 4 -way stop signs at several locations in Monticello and that study cane back
with the stop signs being unwarranted so while the council received requests from
residents for the stop signs, the request for the 4 -way stops was declined.
Sergeant Anderson discussed various programs the sheriff's department uses including
deputies in street clothes and deputies in unmarked vehicles. Deputies in street clothes
were not utilized as much this year as previously. Putting uniformed deputies into
civilian looking unmarked cars to sit and watch in specific trouble areas seemed to work
Police Advisory Commission Minutes: 10/17/12
best. Lt. Sandin said that this program is not just limited to the summer and the cars are
available at any given time. When the sheriffs office notices an area that's regularly
getting hit they will put an ummarked vehicle in that area and this has been a useful tool.
The downside is that the sheriffs office doesn't have a wide variety of cars available to
them and they don't want to over -use this function as it's necessary to remain
inconspicuous for this program to remain effective.
Sergeant Anderson said that he and Lt. Sandin have been discussing changing the hours
for one of the cars in town to shift the coverage from the 2 -10pm shift to an additional car
on the 6pm -2am shift. This would give extra coverage, especially in the summer months,
when bars may get out of control and more people are out and about at later hours of the
night. Lt. Sandin said that the sheriffs office allows the deputies to bid once /year by
seniority for the hours that they work. Most of the senior deputies take the early shifts
and the night shift is typically bid by the younger recruits. Many of the younger deputies
are working outside of Monticello in "sleepier" towns and they like to bid the night shift
(6pm -2am) in order to get into Monticello as they are aggressive and want to work hard.
Sergeant Anderson reported on the stop sign violation issue and he said that the deputies
are told to work the stop signs as much as they can in Monticello. Unfortunately, they
don't have the manpower to post on every corner but they are keeping it a priority. The
biggest problem is that drivers tend to be in a hurry to get where they are going and they
think their needs are more important than any other driver so they typically don't have
the common courtesy and respect to follow the protocol at stops such as left turners
yielding to drivers going straight, etc.
Sergeant Anderson gave an update on gas pump drive -offs. The city of Ramsey had
previously issued mandated pay at the pump but this appears to be having a negative
effect on sales. Lt. Sandin said that in Monticello, drive -offs are predominately a fairly
quick call which take up approximately 15 -30 minutes /call from start to finish. However,
they are a low priority call for officers as the drive -off call is after the fact so they can't
catch the criminal in the act. The process is to get the plate number from the store, and if
the plate matches then they will send them a letter, try to contact them, or go to the
residence if they're in the county. The deputies dislike these calls because the store
thinks every time the patron stole gas intentionally and then you find out that the patron
swiped their card at the pump, at the same time the clerk activated the pump so the patron
leaves the station thinking the fuel was paid for at the pump, when in fact the pump is
beeping inside the station for non - payment. Calls with no plates are more difficult to
follow up on. Sergeant Anderson said this is a repetitive and frustrating issue and it's
difficult in dealing with the stations such as Holiday where they have a high turnover rate
in managers to try and train clerks to ask every patron if they have fuel and so forth.
While it's frustrating, Sergeant Anderson said it is not a drain on law enforcement
resources as it's a relatively minor call compared to a domestic case which can take over
2 hours to process from start to finish. Sergeant Anderson said that for the time being he
will continue to stay updated on the process in Ramsey and how that is working for them.
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Police Advisory Commission Minutes: 10/17/12
5) Update on 2013 Law Enforcement Budget
Bruce Westby informed the commission that the recommendation to maintain
Monticello's contract hours at 18,980 hours /year with the Wright County Sheriff's Office
was approved by the city council.
6) Consideration of recommending appointment of Jim Roberts to the Police Advisory
Commission
Brian Stumpf said he served on the Police Advisory Commission (PAC) with Mr.
Roberts in the past and would be happy to serve with him again. Chuck Fradella said that
he does not know Mr. Roberts and he would like to set up an interview to learn more
about him in person. Bruce Westby said that Mr. Roberts was previously a member of
the PAC but then went overseas to serve in the military and has since returned and would
like to return to the PAC. The PAC members agreed to schedule an interview prior to the
next meeting so that a recommendation can be brought to the council for ratification at
the December Council meeting. Bruce said he will try to contact Mr. Roberts to set up an
interview time for Wednesday, November 14t1i. Bruce said that he will post a notice for
the special meeting once he verifies the time.
7) Consideration of Police Advisory Commission member term expirations
Bruce Westby said that Jason Roubinek's term is up in December. With Jason being
absent Bruce will contact him directly to confirm his interest in serving another term.
The commission members were all in agreement that they would like to see Jason serve
another term on the Police Advisory Commission.
BRIAN STUMPF MOVED TO APPROVE A RECOMMENDATION TO THE CITY
COUNCIL FOR JASON ROUBINEK TO SERVE ANOTHER TERM ON THE
POLICE ADVISORY COMMISSION WITH TERM ENDING ON DECEMBER 31,
2015. MOTION SECONDED BY CHUCK FRADELLA, MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
8) Discussion of added items
Brad Fyle read a letter that the fire department received from a Monticello resident
regarding the bravery and insight their daughter had during a recent fire in their home. A
fire had started in the home after an oven mitt was left on a stovetop burner. This young
girl brought the attention of the fire to her parents and was able to get out of the house
and the fire was put out without incident due to her quick thinking. The parent stated that
he believed the training that his daughter received at Little Mountain Elementary from
the Monticello Fire Department helped their daughter to recognize this dangerous event
and her quick actions in alerting her parents to the situation helped to save their home and
family. The father thanked the fire department for educating school children in
recognizing danger and how to respond correctly in emergency situations.
Police Advisory Connnission Minutes: 10/17/12
The commission indicated that they are in favor of offering a recognition award to this
child for her quick thinking and bravery in this situation. Brad said that he will follow up
with the fire chief and will let Bruce Westby know what they would like to do. All
agreed that the actions of the young girl meet the intent of the Outstanding Citizen
Recognition Award. Bruce said past awards were presented at a city council meeting.
9) Schedule next meeting (January 16, 2013 proposed)
The next regular Police Advisory Commission meeting was scheduled for Wednesday,
January 16, 2013 at 7 p.m.
8) Adiournment
CHUCK FRADELLA MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:36 PM.
MOTION SECONDED BY BRIAN STUMPF. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
Recorder: Beth Green, Administrative Assistant
Approved: April 17, 2013
Attest:
Wayne Oberg, Finance Director
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MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING
MONTICELLO POLICE ADVISORY COMMISSION
Wednesday, November 14, 2012 - 7 p.m., Academy Room
Members Present: Brad Fyle, Chuck Fradella, Brian Stumpf, Jason Roubinek
Members Absent: None
Ex- Officio Representatives: Sgt. Dave Anderson, Wright County Sheriff's Office
Lt. Todd Sandin, Wright County Sheriff's Office
Bruce Westby, City Engineer
Others Present: Jim Roberts, Applicant, Police Advisory Commission
1) Call to Order
Brad Fyle called the meeting to order at 6:57 p.m.
2) Consideration of adding items to the agenda
Jason Roubinek indicated to Bruce Westby that he would like to re -visit the security
camera issue and the possibility of purchasing cameras and placing them in some of the
busier parks. Bruce will include this on the January PAC agenda.
3) Consideration of recommending appointment of Jim Roberts to the Police Advisory
Commission
Brad Fyle indicated that he had previously served on the board with Jim Roberts and that
when the PAC seat came open he contacted Jim to find out if he was interested in serving
on the commission again.
Jim Roberts was in attendance at the meeting and provided the commission with his
resume and application. Jim previously served on the Police Advisory Commission from
January 2007 to June 2010. He resigned in 2010 pending military deployment overseas.
Jim has been employed as a Patrol Sergeant with the Golden Valley Police Department
since 1991. He is a resident of Monticello and stated in his application that he feels it is
important to contribute to the city to make it a safe place to live.
Chuck Fradella introduced himself to Jim and indicated that he requested the special
meeting as he did not serve in the past with Jim and he wanted a chance to meet him in
person and ask some additional questions prior to making a recommendation.
Police Advisory Commission Minutes: 11/14/12
Chuck asked Jim what prompted his decision to return to the PAC. Jim said that in 2010
he had to leave for military deployment and he felt there are still some issues that he was
interested in resolving. He said, he doesn't believe in being a complainer if you're not
willing to take action to make a difference. Jim also said it's his belief to make his
community a better place to leave and wants to teach that to his children through action.
Jim said that one of his top priorities is installing emergency over -rides on the stoplights
in town and getting that initiated. When Brad contacted him about the opening, Jim said
he felt it was the perfect opportunity for him to return.
Chuck asked Jim what accomplishments the PAC made when he served that really stick
out in his mind. Jim said that purchasing the speed trailer was a very good thing. He also
said that for him personally he felt that with his law enforcement background that he was
able to have a thorough understanding of the sheriff office reports and able to provide
additional insights as needed. Jim said that one of his goals in the next five years is for
the sheriff's office to put a public safety facility in Monticello.
Chuck asked Jim to define integrity and whether or not he feels it is important to have
some level of integrity on the PAC. Jim said that he believes as a PAC member that you
should have the integrity to realize that you're not just a volunteer but that you are
representing the city and you need to set that standard. Jim said he thinks the core
fimdamentals of the city are public safety, fire department and law enforcement.
Chuck asked Jim how strict he thinks a city should be on speeding and stop sign
enforcement. Jim said that in any city that is typically your #1 complaint. Jim said it's
important to spend time around the school patrol zone at school hours and there should be
some tags around there.
Bruce Westby inquired whether or not the commission felt it was necessary for Jim to
submit to a background check as past applicants have had to. While the group felt it may
not be necessary given his military and law enforcement background, Jim said he would
prefer to have the background test completed so it does not come down the line later that
he received special treatment. Bruce said that it may take several weeks to get the results
back and he will send out an email to the commission when he gets the results. After the
results are received the recommendation will be brought to the city council for approval.
JASON ROUBINEK MOVED TO RECOMMEND THE APPOINTMENT OF JIM
ROBERTS TO THE POLICE ADVISORY COMMISSION PENDING A CLEAR
BACKGROUND CHECK. MOTION SECONDED BY BRAD FYLE. MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4) Adiournment
CHUCK FRADELLA MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:20 PM.
MOTION SECONDED BY JASON ROUBINEK. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
Police Advisory Commission Minutes: 11/14/12
Recorder: Beth Green, Administrative Assistant
Approved: April 17, 2013
Attest:
Wayne Oberg, Finance Director
MINUTES
MONTICELLO POLICE ADVISORY COMMISSION
Wednesday, January 16, 2013 - 7 p.m., Academy Room
Members Present: Brad Fyle, Brian Stumpf, Jason Roubinek, Jim Roberts
Members Absent: Chuck Fradella
Ex- Officio Representatives: Sgt. Dave Anderson, Wright County Sheriff's Office
Lt. Todd Sandin, Wright County Sheriffs Office
Bruce Westby, City Engineer
Others Present: None
1) Call to Order
Brad Fyle called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2) Approval of minutes of November 14, 2012 Special Police Advisory Commission
meeting
Bruce Westby indicated that these minutes were not complete yet but that all previous
unapproved meeting minutes will be completed and brought to the next PAC meeting.
3) Consideration of adding items to the agenda
Jason Roubinek requested information on the status of purchasing security cameras for
use in the city parks.
4) Wright County Sheriffs Office updates /O &A session
Sergeant Anderson informed the commission about a new wave of thefts of tires and rims
from local dealerships. Both Cornerstone Chevrolet and West Metro have been hit. The
crime consists of thieves stealing landscaping blocks then jacking vehicles up and placing
the blocks under the frame so they can steal the tires and rims. This type of crime is
taking place from Wisconsin to St. Cloud. In Cokota there were 15 tires /rims taken one
night and 21 taken in the metro. The tires /rims most typically targeted are frorn GM
vehicles. Both Monticello dealerships have been hit. The thefts have typically occurred
during inclement weather with the last theft in Monticello being Thanksgiving night
during the snow /ice storm. The deputies have been patrolling the dealerships more to try
to catch the perpetrators. Sergeant Anderson said that they are trying to figure out where
the thieves are going; it must be out of state because they would be caught if they put
them up for sale on Craigslist or tried to sell them locally. Lieutenant Sandin said that
they did have a video from a dealer in Annandale and they were able to track down those
perpetrators from Wisconsin and they have been jailed in Washington County.
Police Advisory Commission Minutes: 01/16/13
Sergeant Anderson stated that yesterday there were two large cases in Monticello which
utilized a lot of personnel to apprehend some burglars in two separate cases involving
theft and drugs. In one case the thieves broke into an apartment to steal items to sell to
purchase drugs, and in another case a victim was robbed at knife point, and that was also
for money to purchase drugs. The thieves were all apprehended and booked.
Sergeant Anderson reported that there have been a few crashes, traffic incidents, minor
thefts and sadly two fatalities as the result of a head -on crash on CR 39 East at Gillard
Avenue. There are approximately 5 thefts /week from Walmart and Target but nothing
that's too out of the ordinary. There is an officer that has been assigned as the new
detective in Monticello and he is very familiar with the town and the people and is
therefore able to handle those calls efficiently. Those calls are generally quick and it's
typically a matter of jailing or fining the thief as the business has already processed them
and they have the surveillance tapes. There have been no new park vandalism issues, and
Lieutenant Sandin said the thieves that were apprehended from previous park vandalism
are in custody.
Sergeant Anderson informed the PAC about the personnel changeover in Monticello for
2013. The previous day car deputy moved to Albertville and Monticello has a new day
car driver. The new driver has been with the force for 12 years, has worked narcotics for
a few years and Sergeant Anderson said that he is definitely a good asset to have in town.
The afternoon driver switched to the l Oam -6pm shift and the part-time traffic deputy has
moved to a permanent traffic position in Monticello. The overnight shift deputies have
remained the same.
Brian Stumpf brought up the issue of the noise ordinance come spring. Captain
Anselment said that he spoke with Angela Schumann about re- writing the noise
ordinance last fall and he will check with her to see about getting that done by spring.
Brad Fyle agreed that it is necessary to get that complete.
Brian Stumpf informed the PAC that Mn/DOT will be in Monticello for the next few
years working on road projects. The traffic issues will definitely increase as a result of
this construction. Furthermore, when the new bridge in Clearwater is constructed those
travelers will most likely exit at Monticello, increasing the traffic through town. That
bridge work is scheduled for 2014. Sergeant Anderson said that CSAH 75 is scheduled
to be re -done from Monticello to Clearwater this year and that will change traffic patterns
as well. Sergeant Anderson said that with the new shift changes in Monticello that he is
confident the overall traffic enforcement will increase and the traffic issues will be
handled efficiently. The council is always talking about traffic enforcement and once this
year is over, Sergeant Anderson said that he is sure the number of stops will be much
higher than last year with the crew they have and the changes they've made
Lieutenant Sandin indicated that there was a slight increase in the crime rate from the 2`1
to the 3 "1 quarter of 2012. He said there was not a drastic increase in any one area, just
spread out overall. Sergeant Anderson said that he is glad the city council kept the
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Police Advisory Commission Minutes: 01/16/13
budget as is because with the issues that came up with the burglary incidents yesterday
the sheriff's office was stretched thin. He reiterated it's definitely wise to stay where we
are at for contract service hours.
Sergeant Anderson said that the office space in the FiberNet building is working out well.
At this time they don't have a need for an officer to sit in there and it is working well
with the sign on the door informing the public to call the general number for help.
Jim Roberts asked Sergeant Anderson if they have the new squads set up with opticons
yet. Lieutenant Sandia said that the price of opticons has gone down so it is a good
possibility for the cars they just ordered for 2013 to be equipped with opticons. Jim said
that with the increased traffic flow due to construction this will be a safety issue at
intersections and he feels they should be proactive before there is a fatal crash between a
squad car and a civilian. Brad Fyle said that they have the fire trucks equipped and he
can't imagine going through town without them. Many times the civilian drivers aren't
paying attention and that's where an issue could arise and having the opticons would be
the best tool to prevent that. Sergeant Anderson said that the delay has been the fact that
the cars are shared and many of those cars are out in rural Wright County and rarely, if
ever, go through a stoplight. Jim said that it's only a matter of time before a fatal
accident occurs and it would be best to be proactive rather than have the city and county
get sued because they didn't have the proper equipment. Lieutenant Sandin said that all
the lights on TH 25 in Monticello are equipped with opticons. Sergeant Anderson said
they will look at equipping the new cars with opticons and will work with the city to
possibly put money into the 2014 contract to assist with the purchase of the opticons.
Lieutenant Sandin informed the PAC that there is a doctor at New River Medical that has
his personal vehicle (a Nissan Pathfinder) equipped as an emergency vehicle with lights,
an opticon, etc. He said that this was approved by the Department of Public Safety and
the State Patrol. There is a state statute that allows emergency personnel this option and
with that they must go through same driving course as law enforcement. There are nine
such vehicles in the state of Minnesota.
5) Update on council appointments to the Police Advisory Commission
Bruce Westby said that the city council ratified the appointments on Monday of Jason
Roubinek for another term on the PAC and Brian Stlunpf as the council representative for
another term. However, a council alternate was not appointed for 2013 as in years past.
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Police Advisory Commission Minutes: 01 /16/13
8) Discussion of added items
Jason Roubinek inquired about the status of installing security cameras in city parks and
he said that he would like to get the ball rolling as he feels it is extremely important for
the public safety and to deter vandalism or to catch perpetrators. Bruce Westby said that
there have been numerous internal discussions about this and that staff is generally in
favor of using security cameras but struggles with how to pass it through council so the
public does not perceive it as the city being "big brother ". Sergeant Anderson said it may
be a good idea for Jason to set up a meeting with Jeff O'Neill to discuss the issue and let
Jeff know what his feelings are on it. Jason said that he will contact Jeff and said he
would like to start slow with just one camera to see how that works. Sergeant Anderson
said that if you get one camera that worked and served its purpose that would show
council that there is a definite need for cameras as a law enforcement tool.
9) Schedule next meeting (April 17, 2013 proposed)
The next regular Police Advisory Commission meeting was scheduled for Wednesday,
April 17, 2013 at 7 p.m.
8) Adjournment
JASON ROUBINEK MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:48 PM. MOTION
SECONDED BY BRIAN STUMPF. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Recorder: Beth Green. Administrative Assistant
Approved: April 17, 2013
Attest:
Wayne Oberg, Finance Director
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"Wright County:101"
N I E.G R I T Y
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Sheriff Hagerty invites you to an open
house at the Law Enforcement Center
Wednesday, April 17th
7.00 p.m. --9:00 p.m.
In the Lower Level Training Room
Topics of Interest
• Meet and Greet
• Tour of the Law Enforcement Center
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• Responsibilities and Duties of the Office of Sheriff
• Question and Answer
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