Minutes-060206 (Revised)
MINUTES- (Revised)
Call to Order
Attendance/Roll Call
The meeting was called to order by Chair Peterson at 5:37 PM. Present at the meeting were Commissioners Gloria Kumagai, Marshall Tanick, Bruce Peterson; staff members Bob Hernz, Roger
Johnson, and Amanda Johnson; and City Council member Paula Pentel.
Agenda Review
There were no revisions or additions to the agenda.
Opening Comments
Chair Peterson stated it is a privilege to serve on the Commission, and the Commission is grateful for the dedicated service of the department to the community. He stated he is especially
thankful there were no serious injuries in 2005.
Approval of Minutes
Kumagai moved to approve the minutes of the December 19, 2005 meeting, seconded by Tanick. The minutes were approved as distributed.
Staffing Projections for 2006
Hernz advised the department is now fully staffed with police officers, following approximately three years of vacancies. He advised one retirement is expected in September 2006, and
additional officer retirements are expected in 2007 as well as 2008.
Hernz reported the administrative assistant in the Fire Department, Judy Smith, will be retiring the first week in March. He advised Amanda Johnson will take over responsibilities with
the Fire Department. A process is underway to hire a new administrative assistant who will be responsible for processing police reports as well as assist the Inspections Department
during staff shortages.
Hernz advised Sgt. Steve Johnson is working on a recruitment process for new reserve officers. Ryan Matthew started as a police officer with Golden Valley and another reserve accepted
a position with Roseville Police Department. Currently there are less than ten reserves.
Council Member Pentel inquired if there were any officers discharged or suspended in 2005 and Hernz advised there were not.
Director’s Report
Crime Trends
Hernz stated due to the change in records software, crime trend reports were unable to be processed and compared for the past two years. He advised there has been an increase in property
crimes such as burglaries and theft from autos, as well as robberies. The increase in property crimes may be related to new restrictions on Pseudoephedrine sales, as narcotics users
are not able to obtain ingredients to manufacture methamphetamines as easily.
Hernz advised there has also been an increase in crimes involving gang affiliations. As a result, the department will be assigning an officer to the Metro Gang Strike Force for the
calendar year 2006. A state grant will help offset the costs of the assignment.
2005 Accomplishments (Handout Distributed)
Hernz highlighted many of the goals that were achieved last year; including the start-up of the Virtual Block Club, the continued focus on traffic complaints by the Neighborhood Traffic
Committee, and increased traffic enforcement (including MNPass and speed enforcement on Hwy. 100).
Hernz stated the Kids & Cops Program is being re-evaluated to determine how best to meet the needs of at-risk students in the middle schools. Robbinsdale Area School District is exploring
ways to serve these youth at all middle schools in the district.
Hernz reported Sgt. Denny Arons participated in the FBI Academy schooling in Virginia last Fall and it was a positive experience for him.
Hernz advised the department switched to the 800MHz trunk radio system and it was the most significant change to communication technology that the department has experienced in the past
30 years. The switch over was partially funded by Homeland Security funds.
2006 Department Work Plan (Handout Distributed)
Hernz advised there will be continued focus on the recruitment and training of personnel. The department is currently in a hiring process for community service officers as well as an
administrative assistant. Detective Condon will be assigned back to patrol in the Spring and another officer will be selected for the career enhancement position in the investigative
division. An officer will also be assigned to the Metro Gang Strike Force in March.
Pentel inquired about increasing the number and participation of Neighborhood watch groups. Hernz advised Golden Valley has greater participation in Neighborhood Watch groups than surrounding
cities. He stated an increase in crime usually results in the start-up of new Neighborhood Watch groups.
Peterson asked how the Neighborhood Watch groups can be revitalized and Hernz advised the department is exploring ways to maintain interest from group members. He stated the level of
participation does fluctuate with different block captains as some are more involved and proactive.
Pentel inquired about Common Bond property kids and if there is any outreach to engage those youth in constructive activities. Hernz advised there is a social worker assigned to the
property, but not full-time. He stated the city has offered free registration for safety camps, etc. to allow those children to participate.
Hernz advised he is participating in the efforts of Fight Crime: Invest in Kids to help secure program funding for quality education for pre-K children. Research has shown that children
who participate in early childhood education are far less likely to engage in criminal behavior later in life.
Envision Discussion
Peterson inquired about the department’s progress with Envision initiatives. Pentel advised the role of the Civil Service Commission’s role is narrowly-defined and the City Council
is not ready to pursue the initiatives further at this time. Pentel advised she believes innovation is happening in the police department and the City Council is pleased with progress
that has been made.
Peterson advised the Commission understand its role and that members are involved by invitation only into the initiatives discussed. Peterson stated the Commission’s inquiries are not
derived from lack of respect for police and practices currently in place.
The Commission agreed to retain Envision topics as an agenda item.
Election of Police CSC Officers
In accordance with state law, which states the member in the last year of their term shall be Chair of the Commission, Gloria Kumagai will serve as Chair during the coming year.
Tanick moved to elect Peterson as the secretary, seconded by Peterson. Motion carried and Peterson was elected secretary.
Closing Comments
Chair Peterson stated it is a privilege to serve and he wished the department a safe and productive year in 2006.
Hernz thanked the Commission for the work done for the department and the city, and for support for the provision of police services to the community.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Marshall Tanick, Secretary