2021.03.09 City Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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NEW BRIGHTON building tomorrow today Council Worksession February 23, 2021 5:00 pm Present: Mayor Kari Niedfeldt-Thomas Councilmember Abdullahi Abdulle Councilmember Graeme Allen Councilmember Pam Axberg Councilmember Emily Dunsworth Absent: Staff in Attendance: Devin Massopust, Tony Paetznick, Dan Olson, Trevor Hamdorf Guests in Attendance: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic this meeting was held virtually. Update from New Brighton Public Safety Director Tony Paetznick Massopust discussed the mission and vision of the New Brighton Public Safety Department. He explained to make improvements the City had to confront the facts, noting there was an uptick in crime in 2020. He reported Public Safety leadership will address policing strategies, including community engagement and crime prevention, to address this trend. Paetznick reported Part One Crimes increased by 37.3% in 2020 from the previous year, from 474 to 651 total incidents. He stated this was a significant increase. He explained Part One crimes include property crimes and crimes against persons. He noted property crimes really drive the increase in 2020, stating burglaries were up 56%, and auto thefts were up 59%. He explained 2019 was a record low year for crime stats. He discussed how the theft of motor vehicle parts was on the rise, especially catalytic converters and license plates. He encouraged residents to take simple crime prevention measures to make sure overhead garage doors are closed, to remove valuables from cars, to lock car doors overnight, along with doors to the house and garage to reduce crimes of opportunity. He reviewed a crime map for thefts and thefts of vehicles for the City of New Brighton. He encouraged residents with a Toyota Prius to park their cars indoors overnight. Paetznick discussed how New Brighton police officers were responding to the increase in crime. He reported officers were being proactive while on patrol. He explained the areas of most concern were being targeted by squads and foot patrol. In addition, officers were being proactive with traffic safety enforcement. He commented additional efforts for the department were focusing on camera trailer deployment, multi -agency crime alerts and community preparedness and crime prevention messaging. He thanked his deputy directors for being proactive and monitoring the crime taking place in the community. Hamdorf reported officers were working hard to identify potential suspects. He commented during the summertime officers were good about informing residents to close their garage doors in order to reduce crime. Olson stated it was time for residents to get back to the basics when considering how to prevent crimes of opportunity on their property. He encouraged residents to get to know their neighbors. He suggested