02-21-2023 CCM - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes Page 2 February 21, 2023 Motion carried 5-0. S. Open Forum No one appeared for Open Forum. 6.1 Prosecuting Attorney Annual Update Sherburne County Attorney Kathleen Heaney expressed her appreciation for the police department and Mr. Baumgartner. She noted juvenile case referrals have increased and there is continued backlog of cases due to the pandemic. Attorney Scott Baumgartner reiterated Ms. Heaney's comments about the police department, further stating they have a great training program and are very thorough at report writing. He stated there has been an increase in Driving Under the Influence (DUI) cases with the blood alcohol content being at much higher levels than seen in the past. The Council asked about: ■ Recently adopted THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) laws and city regulations. ■ Why DUI cases may have increased. ■ Update on the investigation of a recent accident involving a Spectrum student on Twin Lakes Road. Attorney Baumgartner discussed the current THC bill in the legislature. He believes the State will pass legalization of marijuana. He stated the DUI issues are unknown but could be related to a series of factors such as the pandemic and economy. Mr. Baumgartner expressed sympathy for the situation and the families involved in the Twin Lakes Road incident. He reviewed all the reports to determine whether charges should be brought forward. He discussed the number of factors he considers, such as elements of a crime, pedestrian safety, and criminal vehicular operations. At this time there is not any data to pursue charges against the driver and he can't find anything that would prove beyond a reasonable doubt a crime has been committed. He stated charges are not warranted based on the material he has received on the incident. 6.2 City of Elk River Volunteer of the Month — Mayor Dietz Mayor Dietz presented the January Volunteer of the Month award posthumously to Jim Nystrom. He highlighted the following and presented the award to Gail and Eric Nystrom (wife and son): ■ Member of the Elk River Fire Department for 32 years. ■ Served on the Sherburne County Fair Board for 25 years. ■ Worked on Sherburne County park program. ■ Elk River Parks and Recreation Commissioner for 15 years. Work on the city's trail system. • Active member of United Methodist Church as a trustee and member of several committees. * Supported Sherburne County Wildlife Refuge and Historical Society. ■ Longtime manager of Orono Cemetery. P 0 1 E A E I 1 1 NATURE