01-13-2003 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes Page 5 January 13, 2003 COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE MOVED TO AWARD THE BID FOR A RADIO SYSTEM FOR THE PUBLIC SAFETY FACILITY TO ANCOM AT $46,035.41 WITH THE OPTION TO DECREASE THE COST IF A NON-PLENUM RATED CABLE CAN BE USED. COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. City Administrator Pat Kdaers discussed the possibility of completing the gun range now instead of at a later date. He noted that if this were done, the money would come from the building contingency fund. Pat noted that the cost to complete the gun range is $205,000. He suggested installing the equipment now and waiting to complete the mechanical system until a more f'mal status of the contingency fund is known. Assistant Chief Beahen reviewed his report on the police operating budget savings the City would realize with the gun range. He also discussed the logistics involved in building the gun range now as opposed to after the building project is completed. Council discussion pursued regarding the use of the contingency fund this early in the project. Councilmember Tveite indicated that he does not want to allocate any money at this time due to the state budget problem and the effect it could have on the City. It was the consensus of the Council to not pursue the completion of the gun range at this time, but to bring the issue back to the Council near the end of the project. 6.8. Letter of Resignation from Chief of Police COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE MOVED WITH MUCH REGRET TO ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF CHIEF OF POLICE TOM ZERWAS EFFECTIVE APRIL 30, 2003. COUNCILMEMBER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Council discussion pursued regarding fRling the position of Police Chief upon Tom Zerwas' resignation. The Council indicated that it would be best to fill the position from within the department if possible. It was the consensus of the Council that the Assistant Chief Jeff Beahen has proven that he is capable of filling the position. Councilmember Kuester indicated that she would Eke a plan for filling the Assistant Chief position when Jeff is appointed Chief. The City Administrator suggested reviewing the organization structure f~rst. Councilmember Dietz indicated he would prefer to appoint Jeff as Chief of Police and then receive his input prior to making any decisions on the future Assistant Chief position. It was the consensus of the Council to have the City Administrator work with Jeff Beahen on terms of employment for the Chief of Police position and to present this promotion letter to the Council in the near future. 7. Other Business Councilmember Kuester presented a petition from residents who are requesting an opportunity to discuss with the Council the City's policy in regard to removal of trees along boulevard areas. She indicated that the people who signed the petition want to be involved in setting standards for removal of the trees. It was noted by the City Administrator that this item would be placed on a future council agenda for discussion. Councilmember Dietz requested that Councilmembers conclude their meetings with Department Heads by the end of January, in regard to the City Administrator performance review. He suggested that, if needed, the Council meet in an executive session to discuss information received by the Council/Department Head meetings.