Minutes-040308
MINUTES
Call to Order
Attendance/Roll Call
The meeting was called to order by Chair Kumagai at 5:35 PM. Present at the meeting were Commissioners Gloria Kumagai, Marshall Tanick, Bruce Peterson; Council Member Mike Freiberg;
and staff members Bob Hernz, Roger Johnson, Paula Graff, and Amanda Johnson.
Approval of Agenda
Peterson moved to approve the agenda for the meeting, seconded by Tanick.
Opening Comments
Chair Kumagai welcomed the members back and thanked them for attending. Tanick welcomed City Council member Freiberg to the meeting.
Approval of Minutes
Peterson moved to approve the minutes of the March 4, 2003 meeting, seconded by Tanick. Approved.
Director’s Report
Hernz advised of the new Human Resources position created by City Manager Tom Burt, and introduced Human Resource Coordinator Paula Graff.
Graff advised her responsibilities include employee benefits, compensation, job descriptions, etc. Tanick inquired as to who handled the responsibilities prior to this position being
created. Graff advised that the job details were handled by various employees and the goal was to compile the tasks together for one person to tend to. Graff also advised that she
is overseeing the employee InVision process, similar to the community EnVision process, but dealing with the city’s vision internally. Graff reported that she has updated all job descriptions
and has sent for job analysis in order to configure compensation. The Commission will be asked to approve the revised job descriptions for positions under its purview when they are
completed.
Crime Trends
Hernz advised that residential burglaries are frequently used as an indicator of trends for serious crime. Residential burglaries dropped dramatically from 1987-1992, possibly due to
the institution of Neighborhood Watch groups. The rate increased again from 2002-2003, which Hernz stated is more attributed to the state of the economy.
Serious crimes also increased from 2002-2003, which could also have an economical correlation. Motor vehicle crash trends were also presented.
Tanick asked how crime trends compare with surrounding jurisdictions and Hernz advised crime is significantly lower than neighboring communities.
2003 Department Accomplishments
Hernz advised that a formal committee was formed to develop more consistent responses to traffic concerns. The committee meets monthly and approaches the issues through engineering,
education and enforcement. Many offenders have been found to live in the neighborhoods in which they are violating traffic laws. Regular updates will be given to the City Council
concerning these findings.
Hernz reported that Roger Johnson has taken over the Northwest Metro Drug Task Force, which remains one of the most effective in the state. Mark Smith is the current Golden Valley investigator
assigned to the force.
Another key issue addressed in 2003 were nuisance calls. The Cambridge Apartments on Douglas Drive were a main focus. Fire alarms were found to be inoperable as well as many other
violations. Sergeant Kelly Blad is currently working on the nuisance call ordinance which would fine residents a $250.00 fee after there have been three responses to an address for
nuisance problems. This will hopefully provide an incentive to ensure cooperation from residents/owners.
Mike Freiberg asked if the DWI arrests would increase if the legal limit was changed to .08 and Roger Johnson advised it would, but not too significantly.
Hernz advised that radio communications is another issue that the city is discussing. A larger dispatch center would allow for more staff and would better accommodate the needs of the
department. Hernz reported that a merge with Hennepin County would cost $62,000 initially in addition to $200,000 a year in operating costs. Golden Valley, St. Louis Park, Richfield
and Brooklyn Center remain interested in consolidating their dispatch centers and are entering into a new study phase. It is expected that recommendations can be made to City Council
by summer 2004.
Peterson asked if the interested departments wish to move to the 800 MHz radios and wish to move to a new center. Peterson also inquired about the cost of building a new center. Hernz
advised that all four agencies wish to change to 800 MHz and also that an existing center could possibly be used.
Peterson asked if the personnel and training goals for 2003 were accomplished. Hernz advised that the department conducted more in-service training and that all officers were trained
to be the officer in charge so each would know the expectations of that position.
Peterson asked if P.O.S.T. credits are obtained out service and Roger Johnson stated that most credits are.
Hernz also advised that Roger Johnson has updated the Emergency Preparedness Plan for the city.
2004 Department Goals
Hernz stated that many of the 2003 initiatives would be continued in 2004.
Hernz stated the department has not yet recovered from three officer retirements in 2002 and personnel hiring is a priority. Also, it is expected that new Cad, Mobile and records software
will be implemented this year through LOGIS.
Staffing Projections for 2004
Hernz asked that officer candidate Gary Dorr be added to the eligibility register due to recent successful completing of P.O.S.T. requirements and past successful testing. Peterson
advised that the current eligibility register is exhausted and the list therefore, becomes null and void. Peterson advised that the Commission should honor the prior commitment made
to Gary Dorr and could place him on an eligibility register as a sole candidate with a score of 83 to expire on 03/07/06 if this served the immediate staffing needs of the department.
Police administration stated such action would be preferable. Peterson made a motion to approve and Tanick seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Hernz posted the Commission on a recent Police Officer resignation as a result of the FTO process.
An officer hiring process is currently underway using the LEAP test. After initial scoring the number of candidates will be reduced to between 40 and 60. An ARI written exam is then
given along with a pass/fail oral interview. It is estimated that approximately 20 candidates will move onto final interviews. This process represents what has already been approved
by prior Commission action.
Roger Johnson reported two new reserve officers are in the Hennepin County Reserve Officer training school. Staffing seems to be at normal levels amongst the reserve unit.
Hernz advised that two CSO positions were eliminated in 2003 and the department has had a shortage of staff to respond to animal control issues.
Peterson asked if any changes should be made to the current approved recruitment/selection process to reduce the incidence of police officer resignations. Hernz and Roger Johnson stated
that this issue has been explored internally and with other suburban police departments experiencing similar patterns. Discussion followed. It is believed that the Golden Valley Police
Department police officer recruitment/selection process and its FTO program are strong and purposeful at this time.
Peterson commented on his belief that the strength of an exemplary police department relates to internal attitudes and acceptance concerning the important roles of all department personnel:
sworn, civilian and reserves.
Election of Police CSC Officers
Marshall Tanick was elected chair per state statute which states the member in their last year of their term shall be chair of the Commission.
Tanick moved to elect Peterson as the secretary, which was seconded by Chair Kumagai. Motion carried and Peterson was elected secretary.
Other Issues
Peterson indicated the Commission would like to receive notice of resignations as well as promotions, etc.
Closing Comments
Chair Kumagai thanked all present for coming and thanked the members for their active participation at the meeting. Tanick stated he appreciated the thorough presentations. Peterson
advised he appreciated the dedication of the police staff and appreciated their hard work through the year. He stated it is a privilege to serve on the Commission.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 6:54 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Marshall Tanick, Secretary