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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 13, 2022 2 John Choi, Ramsey County Attorney, spoke to the Council regarding referral and charging data from the County and how the County was working to address these concerns. He encouraged the public to engage him in order to have further conversations. He reported there has been a decline in youth cases and the charging rate has been much tighter. The uptick in violent crime in St. Paul was reviewed. He believed solutions to this concern would be found when groups begin working together and was pleased to report that numbers were trending down in 2022 when compared to 2021. He commented on how national crime trends, the pandemic, civil unrest, the proliferation of guns, and policing challenges were impacting crime in the community. The Rule 20 "Gap" cases were discussed along with how the Minnesota Freedom Fund and cash bail system in the State was impacting crime. He reviewed the members of the community that have joined the Violence Reduction Leadership Group and discussed the great work being done by this group. His view on non-public safety traffic stops was discussed, along with how his office prioritizes violent crime. He thanked the Council for their continued support and asked for comments or questions. Councilmember Scott requested further comment on the cycles of crime. Ramsey County Attorney Choi discussed how crime increased after three day weekends, but noted he was not seeing cycles or patterns throughout the year. He commented on how many cases were not heard in court but rather handled through a plea bargain because there were not enough judges and attorneys to try all of the cases. Mayor Grant commented on the crime rates over the past decade and requested further comment on how the County Attorney chooses which cases will be tried. Ramsey County Attorney Choi explained which cases were and were not tried by his office. Councilmember Holden asked if the County was prosecuting the theft of packages from doorways. Ramsey County Attorney Choi indicated this would depend on the value of the item that was stolen, but noted the County was prosecuting these cases. He stated any item stolen that was valued over$1,000 was a felony. Councilmember Holmes discussed the case gap situation and how some police departments now have social workers working alongside police officers. Ramsey County Attorney Choi stated there was really good work being done and noted the Board of Commissioners has allocated money to have co-responders that would work or support police with regard to mental health cases. He commented on how Ramsey County was working to adjust its dispatch system noting the police may not always be sent to every 911 call. Mayor Grant thanked Ramsey County Attorney Choi for his presentation and for all of his work on behalf of the community. 5. STAFF COMMENTS A. Transportation Update