2022.02.08 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

experienced officers. The number of calls for service and the number of officers required per incident were reviewed. He encouraged residents to always call the police with suspicious activity. He encouraged residents to stay informed and educated. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas asked if gas stations could be required to be pre-pay only. Paetznick stated City Code does not have that authority at this time. He indicated one suburban community does have an ordinance in place to address this concern. He commented this was something he could look into further. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas supported the City looking into this further. She questioned if there were more efforts neighborhood crime watch groups could be doing. Paetznick reported the increase in crime was adversely impacting those residents living in multi-family housing in the community, especially with vehicle related crimes. He commented on how property crimes were impacting those who had been most impacted by the pandemic. Further discussion ensued regarding the benefits of the City engaging with the residents residing in multi- family settings. Councilmember Allen commented on how there needs to be a balance between what is important and what is not so the residents the City was trying to protect was not being targeted. Councilmember Abdulle stated it was encouraging to see the number of violent crimes had decreased and he understood there were other crimes that were on the rise. He discussed the locations where the majority of crimes were occurring in the community noting this was mostly on the north side of the City. He encouraged the City to make sure the multi-family housing buildings were secure and suggested minimum standards be set for safety and security. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas questioned what type of Ordinances could be considered by the Council to order to assist with the safety and security being provided within multi-family housing units in the City. Paetznick indicated there would be opportunities within Chapter 13 of the Housing Code under Minimum Standards. He commented further on the efforts some properties had made to improve their security and noted funding may be available to assist property owners with these initiatives. Councilmember Allen commented on the legislative policy changes that impacted police officers and their training. He requested further information on these changes. Paetznick explained the City has been a member of the Lexipol Policy Manual system. He noted the department regularly reviews and updates its policies. He indicated the department was slightly ahead of the curve due to the forward thinking of the 21st Century Policing Task Force. He discussed the duty to intervene policy that was now in place. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas asked if the County can access residents via cell phone if a major event were to occur in New Brighton. Paetznick reported Ramsey County has an alert program that was administered through the county emergency communication center. He noted this was a voluntary opt in program and is used sparingly. He commented further on how the department can utilize these notifications. Councilmember Abdulle requested an update on the current traffic enforcement policy. Paetznick stated the philosophy behind traffic enforcement is about roadway safety. He indicated the state-wide roadways were challenging at this time. He discussed the number of complaints he receives regarding traffic concerns. He explained the department’s strategy was all about education, engineering, and enforcement. Councilmember Abdulle questioned if automated enforcement had been considered to reduce staffing costs and eliminate biases. Paetznick stated red light cameras and speed cameras were not allowed per State Statute at