08-12-2002 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes August 12, 2002 Page 7 Police Liaison Program The Chief of Police reviewed the issue of the possibility of the School District dropping the City's police liaison program and contracting the services through the Sherbume County Sheriff at no charge. The Police Chief stated that the Elk River Police Department wants to keep the program with the City as the City and the students receive many benefits from the program. The Chief indicated that the School is requesting that the City provide the program free of charge or they will contract with the County for the service. The Chief indicated that he would be willing to give up the drug enforcement officer to keep the liaison program. Assistant Chief Beahen distributed a survey of police/school district liaison contracts. The survey showed that there were very few school districts that did not pay some amount for this service. Councilmember Dietz noted that when the five-year contract was signed in 1999, it was the intent of the city and school district to renegotiate the contract if the crime levy increased beyond $2.00 per capita. He indicated it was not the intent that the program be dropped. Councilmember Dietz further noted that the city has provided liaison services for the students from other cities in the County for free in the past. Cindy Lovelette, president of the parent liaison program at Vandenberge indicated that having the Elk River officers in the schools makes a noticeable difference with the students in the schools. Mayor Klinzing indicated that the City places a high priority on the program. Councilmember Kuester talked about partnership and the value it creates. Councilmember Motin stated that there is fiscal irresponsibility by the County and the School District by considering having the program provided by the County, as it would cost the County more money to provide the program than if it were provided by the City. The Council expressed its disappointment that the School District did not honor the existing contract for police liaison services. COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN MOVED UNDER FULL PROTEST, BELIEVING THE SCHOOL DISTRICT SHOULD PAY FOR PART OF THE PROGRAM, BUT HAS PROBABALY DECIDED NOT TO, THAT THE CITY OF ELK RIVER SHALL FUND THE POLICE LIAISON PROGRAM IN ITS ENTIRETY EXCLUDING THE SECURITY DETAILS FOR EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES. MAYOR KLINZING SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Mayor Klinzing indicated that the City faces many budget constraints and could potentially face budget shortfalls, but that because the Council Members believe this is a great program for the citizens they are will/ng to provide the program to the School at no charge. General Fund Budget City Administrator Pat Klaers and Finance Director Loft Johnson reviewed with the City Council a preliminary levy sample. This levy sample showed the city going to the maximum levy limit as allowed by the state. The general fund, street replacement, library, and surface water management levies are included within this levy limit amount. Also, noted in the