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<br /> <br /> <br />Director Paetznick commented on the matters that would be discussed in 2022 which <br />included traffic stop data, crash maps, and a presentation from DEI Coordinator Mark Suggs. <br /> <br />Commissioner Kuiper asked how the Public Safety Department was addressing the rise in <br />thefts in the community. Director Paetznick reviewed the crime rates for the past three years <br />and noted there was an upward trend in the theft statistics. He commented theft of motor <br />vehicle parts, license plates and gas drive offs were most concerning. He explained the <br />department was holding catalytic convertor marking events to address this concern. He stated <br />staff has also spoken to representatives from Holiday Gas Stations to encourage them to <br />require pre-paying at the pump. He indicated an officer has been reassigned to VCET to <br />address the violent crimes that were occurring in the County. He noted his patrol officers <br />were continuing to be proactive in the community while being short staffed. He then <br />reviewed the number of overall calls for service for the past 10 years. He reported there has <br />been an increase in the number of severe calls in the community that require more resources <br />from officers. <br /> <br />Commissioner Kuipers questioned how the department was addressing the number of <br />parking violations occurring in the City. Director Paetznick reported his officers were <br />working to educate residents. He noted the majority of parking violations were occurring in <br />neighborhoods around multi-family housing. He stated the departments approach has not <br />changed and his officers will continue to educate the owners and managers to educate them <br />on the City’s parking regulations, especially during the winter months. He noted enforcement <br />occurs based on complaints from residents. <br /> <br />C. City Council Update – Graeme Allen, Councilmember <br /> <br />Councilmember Allen provided the Commission with an update from the City Council. He <br />thanked the Commission members for their dedicated service to the community. He reported <br />the Council recently discussed accessory dwelling units (ADU’s) in residential <br />neighborhoods and would continue to discuss this topic over the coming year. He explained <br />the City recently accepted a grant to train two public safety officers that could now perform <br />blood draws. He stated the City applied for a grant to replace a bridge along Old Highway 8. <br />He commented the City would be entering into a 10 year contract with a company that would <br />be placing electric vehicle charging stations at City parks and facilities. He reported this <br />would be a low risk contract for New Brighton and would assist the City with moving <br />towards electric vehicles. <br /> <br />Councilmember Allen discussed the changes that were being made to the personnel policy <br />and compensation packages for paternity leave and sick pay out. He noted these changes <br />were being made to assist in recruiting and retaining valued employees. He stated Ramsey <br />County Attorney John Choi would be sitting down the Council at an upcoming worksession <br />meeting. <br /> <br />Councilmember Allen indicated the Council would be learning more about its inspections <br />process and rental inspections. He discussed the number of single-family homes that were <br />being rented in the community and noted the City was receiving complaints. He explained <br />the Council would be holding a larger conversation on housing and future restrictions may be <br />put in place when it comes to single-family rentals. <br />