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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION-June 18,2007 2 Ramsey County Undersheriff George Altendorfer provided the City Council with an overview of the current law enforcement contract. At this time, the Ramsey County Sheriffs Department has a monthly meeting with City Managers/Administrators that is part of the contract cities law enforcement services. The 2008 proposed budget is a 6.2% to 6.8% increase from 2007. One element of the proposed increase is the addition of a relief deputy position. The goal of this new position is to improve staffing and visibility for the Sheriff s Department within the contract cities. Councilmember Brenda Holden asked how the Ramsey County Sheriffs Department (RCSD) workman's compensation program works. Undersheriff Altendorfer stated that all deputies are required to utilize their sick leave bank until before they are eligible for worker's compensation benefits. Undersheriff George Altendorfer stated that there are thirty-four deputies that provide service to the contract cities on a 24 hour/seven day a week basis. Overall, RCSD have seen a drop in the number of violent crimes, but an increase in the number of routine calls such as traffic accidents and disorderly juveniles. Mayor Stan Harpstead asked the RCSD if they respond to traffic accidents that occur on 694, 1- 35W, and US Highway 10. Undersheriff Altendorfer stated that the RCSD typically is the first emergency responder on the scene of an automobile accident that occurs on the freeway system. Councilmember Holden asked about the number of false alarms that occur in Arden Hills. Undersheriff Altendorfer said that ninety to ninety-five percent of the alarm calls the RCSD responds to are deemed false. The RCSD responds to a number of false alarm calls in residential neighborhoods. Councilmember David McClung requested more information from the RCSD regarding the number and times of false alarms is needed. He noted that the City may have to be more pro- active on minimizing the number of false alarms in the City. Undersheriff George Altendorfer stated that the Ramsey County 800 MHZ radio system has been implemented and new data terminals have been installed in the squad cars. Undersheriff Altendorfer said that the most common complaints that the deputies receive from the public are excessive speeding and reckless driving. RCSD believes that the addition of the new traffic deputy will help in minimizing the excessive speed and reckless driving problems. Sheriff Bob Fletcher noted that the City is receiving a quality product from the RCSD at a reasonable cost. The seven contract cities are able to share the costs for RCSD supervisors, deputies, crime prevention officers, crime lab officers, and reserves. The Ramsey County