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I I ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - OCTOBER 15. 1996 6 t' Affairs Officer; Joel Block, Arden Hills resident and Community Affairs Officer; and Mark Petit who is working hand-in-hand with Larry McDonald to head up the Volunteers Involved in Public I Safety (V.I.P.S.) program. Sheriff Fletcher then updated the Council regarding strategic plans of the Ramsey County I Sheriffs Office based on goals and guidelines established by hundreds of Ramsey County citizens to improve public safety. He advised regarding the V.I.P.S., its vision, fundamentals of volunteerism, and goals established in this progral11. Sheriff Fletcher informed the Council I regarding funding mechanisms, including Federal and State grants. He stated his intention to bring volunteerism to a higher level and advised of training programs for Community Affairs Officers. I Sheriff Fletcher explained information managel11ent aspects of the Ramsey County Sheriff's I Department and how a grant will be used to purchase a number of computers which will provide a l11ethod of dispensing information to the Council and residents and also provide teleconferencing and fax broadcasting. Sheriff Fletcher stated the first user group to be I approached will be block clubs ofthe cities that contract with the Sheriff's Departl11ent. Sheriff Fletcher distributed and reviewed the quarterly report, noting that Arden Hills is one of Ie the most crime-free communities in the country. He explained how mapping technology will be beneficial to residents and Councilmembers. I In response to Councilmember Malone's question, Sheriff Fletcher explained that to comply with the Data Practices Act, the specific address will not be identified. I Sheriff Fletcher explained these programs will provide tools for both the Sheriff's Department and policy makers (Councilmel11bers) and also prol11ote crime prevention education. He I requested input on how the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office can better serve Arden Hills. Councilmember Malone commented on the importance of having two-way communication and I improved communication with the City's residents. He expressed concern with the turn-over of deputies and added the residents do question why the City does not have its own police department. He noted the Council does obtain competitive bids to assure the cost is justified. I Sheriff Fletcher agreed that cOl11l11unication between the street officer and resident is a key issue and with the need to establish this vital link. He brought up the option of having a teen night or I activity where officers can becol11e 1110re familiar with youth. Councilmember Aplikowski commented on her concern of speeding traffic and damage to I mailboxes. She concurred things are moving in the right direction but there is a need to improve communication with residents. .. I