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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20120314 CCM WS ROSEMOUNT CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS MARCH 14, 2012 CALL TO ORDER Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a regular work session of the Rosemount City Council was th held on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 2875 145 Street West, Rosemount. Mayor Droste called the meeting to order with Council Members DeBettignies, Shoe-Corrigan and Kearney attending. Council Member Weisensel was absent. Staff present included City Administrator Johnson, City Clerk Domeier, Chief of Police Kalstabakken, Police Lieutenant Ericson, Community Development Director Lindquist, Director of Public Works/City Engineer Brotzler, Communications Coordinator Cox and Fire Chief Aker. City Administrator Johnson stated that an additional item for 2.F. included a memorandum for consideration of Purchase of New Vehicle for Police Department. DISCUSSION 2.A. DWI Enforcement Chief of Police Kalstabakken provided a summary of the information outlined in the staff report. He explained that there was no indication that patrol officers fabricated reasons for stops and that a review of videos showed the officers to be doing their job correctly. He also provided additional information on the following during his presentation: 1) How the video equipment in squad cars operates; 2) Maps showing the location of stops in Rosemount; and 3) Fees associated with prosecution of DWIs and the City’s share of the cost. He added that officers have been encouraged to continue to patrol and make traffic stops away from the Downtown and to focus on moving violations and equipment violations that have a more direct safety issue for motorists, e.g. headlight, brake light or tail light out. Chief Kalstabakken added that he is proposing some changes to reduce the impression that officers are targeting individual people or businesses. First, he will ask that the officers emphasize making stops for safety related issues and de-emphasize stops for such things as license plate lights out or items hanging from a mirror. He also will ask the officers to spread out from the immediate Downtown area although officers will still be visible in Downtown. Council Member Kearney stated that Council received an email from the Executive Director at MADD. He questioned if Mr. Kalstabakken concurred with the statistics provided in the letter related to DWIs enforcement and alcohol related injuries. Mr. Kalstabakken stated that the information from crash reports in the City is submitted to the state and that the letter from MADD was based upon data in the state crash reports. Mr. Kalstabakken shared the video of six traffic stops that were performed by five different officers. Pete Roblish questioned if the Police Department finds its enforcement strategy more strict compared to other metro cities. Mr. Kalstabakken stated that larger cities have dedicated patrol just for traffic stops. He added that Rosemount is one of the highest in DWI enforcement for its size. Mr. Roblish stated he viewed the stops as harassment and an aggressive enforcement method. He questioned who residents should contact if he wanted to complain about a stop. Mr. Kalstabakken stated that residents should contact the on call supervisor or call the Chief directly. ROSEMOUNT CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS MARCH 14, 2012 Ralph Godbey expressed concerns about cars touching the fog line. He was frustrated that he cannot cross the fog line but can park within the fog line. Mr. Kalstabakken explained the rules for the fog lines. Chris Dixon talked about the perception of the Police Department and questioned the process for responding to complaints. Mr. Kalstabakken replied that complaints are looked at by gathering evidence that is available. That review may include reviewing the video of a traffic stop. However, the video does not always capture everything including something that may have occurred prior to the video being shot. Council Member Shoe-Corrigan talked about traffic stops in her neighborhood and trying to get people to slow down on arterial roads. She added that the City Council’s job is to hear all sides of the story. Steve Popplar, manager of the VFW, provided his perception of the Police Department. He stated that the business owners didn’t bring up DWI enforcement issues but instead were more concerned about the types of stops being made and enforcement. Dave Landgrebe, owner of Carbone’s, stated that all the numbers and statistics do not matter to him. He was more concerned about the type of enforcement and where the cops were concentrating their enforcement. Markos Choulairis, owner of TOPS, stated he likes having the police present near his location. He added that it’s important to train your employees about how much to serve patrons. Mr. Landgrebe expressed additional concerns about the stops being made in Rosemount and if staff really thought some of the stops were acceptable. Mr. Kalstabakken stated that the intent is not to disrupt anyone’s business. However, there is more concentration in a smaller area based upon the location of bars in Rosemount. He explained the balance of enforcement. Council Member DeBettignies stated the bar owners were going to provide detailed information about stops for the police to review. Mr. Kalstabakken stated he received only one submittal with detailed information and it was in the process of being reviewed. He added that he did make contact with the businesses that were not in attendance at the meeting. City Administrator Johnson stated that Mr. Kalstabakken has proposed some significant changes. He added that it may take time to notice the changes. Council Member Shoe-Corrigan stated that the City Council has to balance the concerns of the bar owners and the concerns of the residents. She requested that everyone remain respectful during the process. John Edmans of the Legion stated that while the department is professional some police stops that may be legal are coming across as nitpicky. He explained the decline in gambling profits is affecting their business. The City Council, staff and bar owners decided to meet again in November. Council Member Shoe- Corrigan asked the bar owners to work with police because the average DUI is nearly twice the legal limit. ROSEMOUNT CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS MARCH 14, 2012 Mr. Kalstabakken noted that bar owners have complained about staff being pulled over but noted that a lot of times the staff has been speeding. Mr. stated that the Police Department will still have a presence in the Downtown, particularly at bar closing time. Officers will continue to make DWI enforcement and overall public safety a top priority. 2.B. UMore AUAR Scenarios and Gravel Mining Update Community Development Director Lindquist summarized the information in the staff report and explained the changes made since August. The plan will come back to the City Council for formal approval at a later date. The approval will serve as the basis for the AUAR. The City Council was supportive of the proposed scenarios. Steve Lott stated they were comfortable with the proposed scenarios. Council Member DeBettignies questioned the densities proposed. Ms. Lindquist provided an overview of the concepts and explained that the proposed densities follow the City’s comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance. Ms. Lindquist also provided an update on the gravel mining ordinance. She stated that Ames Construction requested consistency with definitions and staff made modifications based upon the request. She added that discussion has been held regarding landscaping requirements. The ordinance is different than the permit that will be issued. The permit will address the specifics of the operation. Larry Laukka stated they share some of the same concerns as staff and plan to resolve the issues in a timely manner. 2.C. CSAH 42/Akron AUAR Update Community Development Director Lindquist summarized the minor modifications in the comprehensive plan nothing that the changes were still consistent with the AUAR. Discussion was held about development costs and building infrastructure. Ms. Lindquist stated the update will be brought forward for consideration at the March 20, 2012 meeting. 2.D. Ordinance Regulating Use of Coal Tar-Based Sealer Products Director of Public Works/City Engineer provided background and summary on the proposed ordinance. The City Council requested that staff check with Sears and Terry’s about the sealer products they sell before bring forward for consideration. Mr. Brotzler added that public education on the ordinance will be provided the City newsletter and website. 2.E. Wetland Management Plan Update Director of Public Works/City Engineer Brotzler summarized the proposal for a minor update to the plan. He also suggested that the City Council consider forming a task force of Council Members, Planning Commissioners, Utilities Commissioner and a volunteer from the WHEP group to meet two to three times during the year. Concerns were raised about the cost of the plan update. The City Council requested a breakdown on the hours spent on the project. Council Members Shoe-Corrigan and Weisensel will work with Mr. Brotzler on the update and will meet with the task force to bring people up to speed. 2.F. Discussion and consideration for the replacement of Fire Department vehicle City Administrator Johnson provided information on a vehicle replacement request submitted by the Fire Department. Fire Chief Aker explained the uses anticipated with the purchase of a new ROSEMOUNT CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS MARCH 14, 2012 pick-up truck or SUV type vehicle. The City Council supported the replacement of the Fire Department pick-up truck with a SUV type vehicle for an estimated $38,900. Mr. Johnson also provided information on vehicle request submitted by the Police Department. The City Council supported the replacement of a 1998 Ford Taurus with a 2012 Chevrolet Impala for an estimated $19,000. 2.A. Updates from City Council/Staff Community Development Director Lindquist and City Administrator Johnson provided an update on a recent meeting with Rick O’Gara of SKB. They provided information on SKB’s request related to composting noting that the proposed use is not allowed per ordinance. City Administrator Johnson suggested holding a joint meeting with the Utilities Commission during the April 11 work session to discuss the storm water management plan. He also suggested holding a joint meeting with the Parks Commission on April 23. The City Council agreed to both proposed meetings. Council Member Kearney provided his thoughts on the DWI Enforcement item. He believes there is a perception issue happening throughout the community. He suggested setting up a committee of Council Members, police officers and liquor license holders to keep the communication lines open. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the City Council and upon a motion by Droste, second by Kearney, the meeting was adjourned at 10:51 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Amy Domeier, City Clerk