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