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HomeMy Public PortalAbout06/23/81 Special CCMepp The Council of the City of Medina met in Special Session on Tuesday, June 23, 1981 at "' 8:05 P.M. Present: Mayor, Thomas Anderson; Councilmembers, Wilfred Scherer, Sarah Lutz, Willaim Reiser, Thomas Crosby; Clerk -Treasurer, Donna Roehl; Public Works Director, Ron Duran; Police Chief, Charles Hoover; Attorney, Richard Schieffer n 1. MEDINA MORNINGSIDE WELL Ron Duran explained repairs that are needed on pump No. 2, according to a letter received from Stevens Well Co. Council discussed the possibility of billing a.portion of the cost against the retainer of the Water Supply Co. Thomas Anderson stated that he would be meeting with Orono and Long Lake to discuss connect- ing the Long Lake and Medina Morningside systems. Apparently they will not be charging Medina for the connection as they will be saving money on their plans to upgrade their water system. Ron Duran stated that if such a connection were to be made some adjustments would be needed in Medina's system. He also stated that new electrical wiring and a chlorine pump will be necessary. Council noted that Steven's Well was paid $8628. in May, for repairs to pumps in Medina-Morn- ingside. Motion by Scherer, seconded by Crosby to authorize expenditures. of 06421 to repair well No.2 with a new Johnston 9 stage 8CC bowl assembly as outlined in Stevens Well Co. letter dated June 17, 1981. Motion declared carried 2. M DINA - WEST HENNEPIN POLICE MERGER Robert Franklin, Police Commission member, reported that West Hennepin had responded to a number of calls in Medina while Medina officers were not on duty. He stated that they are not required to answer such call but do so anyway. Likewise, Medina assists other depart- ments when it is necessary. He compared Independence and Medina budgets and explained some areas that could be reworked of Council was interested in increasing the police budget. Thomas Anderson reported on meeting held in Independence; one car on duty in Medina at all times, with a second car for back-up. There would also be an investigator available. He reported on the survey he had conducted among businesses and home owners, stating that those interviewed expressed the opinion that roads were being well maintained and that they would not want to take funds from road department for police protection; Although most pre- ferred 24 hour protection, some did not know that it was not now available. Comments received indicated approval of all functions of the city except those in the planning and zoning de- partment. Charles Hoover .stated that he would like to have a 24 hour department but did not think Medina could afford, at this time. Emil Jubert stated that if the department is disbanded now, it may be difficult to reorganize at a later date. Mayor Anderson explained that a merger would mean a three-year joint powers agreement with a one year notice given for cancellation. Be stated that we would take our equipment into the merger and would get back what we had invested if we got out of the agreement. Regarding. personnel, he explained that Charles Hoover wouldbe second in command and that both full- time officers would become part of the organization. He reported that Hennepin County does not have a policy, at the present time, for not patrol- ing south of Hwy. 55• Joe Raskob asked if West -Hennepin had come to Medina or if Medina had gone to them. Thomas Anderson stated that a Police Commission was organized two years ago to determine the needs of a police department and whether or not Medina should increase police service. Thomas Crosby stated that he was not convinced that Medina needs its own 24 hour police pro- tection and that although we would be the largest contributor to the West -Hennepin group Medina might have the least to say because it is the last to join. He was concerned about citizens reluctance to give up the Medina department, for historical reasons. He stated that if Dther.departments were handling calls in Medina during the 8 hours the, police were not on duty, perhaps some compensation should be given those departments. Thomas Andersonstated that Hennepin County had stated that Medina could contract with them if it was looking for an alternative. Discussion of Wright Counties police contracts with individual cities. Charles Hoover explained the function of Hennepin County Park police. Thomas. Anderson presented preliminary road and police budgets for 1982, noting that the accumulated debt will be reduced substantially even by staying within the 8% levy limits. Robert Franklin stated that an Independence councilmember was concerned that Medina would take control of the department because they would be the largest contributor, He also re- ported that Long Lake. had participated in the selection of the last officers hired by the Orono department and had specific officers assigned to patrol Long Lake. Council discussed the possibility of sharing an investigative officer with West -Hennepin. Chief Hoover stated that it would be helpful and that he would be willing to work with such a person. Thomas Corsby stated that he.would like to retain the Medina police department, if by so doing we .would be responsible to the needs of the community. William Reiser stated that he did not believe Medina needs 24 hour protection at this time and would not want to jeopordize the road budget. Be stated that the police department needed to be upgraded. Wilfred Scherer stated that he would prefer to stay at 16 hours per day coverage if we con- tinue to receive assistancefrom other departments.. Sarah Lutz stated that the present department needs to be improved and could not find suff- icient funds being available for 24 hour protection. Thomas Anderson stated that it appeared that the concensus•of the Council was to improve the existing department at the approximate number of hours we now have. He also stated that Chief Hoover may want to pursue investigative service because Hennepin County will be decreasing service in that area. Council discussed improvements needed in the existing department: Need for Council support, upgrading public relations work, development of a set of goals and objectives, improvement in administration and enforcement of all ordinances. Mayor Anderson stated that Council needs to know what the Police Department is doing; Off- icers need more direction and Council will expect to see some improvements by the end of 1981. He stated that Council could have been more deliberate in its hiring of a new officer and in the future consideration should only be given hiring licensed officers. Chief Hoover stated that he could use office help, perhaps one-half of each day. John Duarte stated that police officers themselves should adhere to ordinances and reported that a police officer had discharged a firearm closer than 1000 ft. from a residence. Robert Franklin stated that he would contact West -Hennepin to report concensus of the Council. Thomas Anderson stated that they should be told that the city is reluctant to give up its own department and cannto financillay afford a merger, at this time. Motion by Reiser, seconded by Crosby to accept petition of residents regarding retaining the present police department at its present level. Motion declared carried 3. CABLE TV Thomas Anderson explained process involved in establishing Cable TV for Medina, the need to adopt a resolution coordinating the franchising process and designating members to the committee. Motion by Crosby, seconded by Reiser to adopt Resolution 81-27, Coordinating Cable Comm- unication system and designation of committee members,Thomas Anderson and Larry Boisclair and Sarah Lutz and Nancy Laurent as alternates. Motion declared carried 4. WOODLAKE SNAITARY LANDFILL Donna Roehl presented letter from Woodlake regarding their request of the PCA for a second expansion request at their landfill site. She asked how Council wished to handle this and any other planning and zoning matters as JoEllen Hurr would be unavailable for two weeks. Thomas Anderson stated that if any meetings were to be held in St. Paul he would attend. Donna Roehl also reported that Hennepin County has asked to use Council chambers for a meeting of property ownersiboutMirnetrista, Corcoran and Hassan to explain the Sanitary Landfill selection process, on June 30th. Council agreed that meeting could be held. Motion by Reiser, seconded by Crosby to adjourn. Motion declared carried Meeting adjourned at 10:30 P.M. Clerk June 23, 1981