2022 02-15 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Report on Ramsey County Virtual Call February 15 with John Choi on Crime Trends – Jim Lindner and Gretchen Artig-Swomley Ramsey County Attorney John Choi gave a presentation to Ramsey County leaders on Public Safety. Ramsey County has formed a violence reduction leadership group which began formal meetings in April 2021 and law enforcement holds monthly meetings with suburban police chiefs. A lot of the carjacking that has been happening in Ramsey County is by juveniles, and it is often the same group of individuals. The amount of theft or violence that is happening is far more than people are actually being charged for. The violence reduction leadership group is coming up with solutions such as creating a Carjacking & Auto Theft Team (CAT Team), using focused deterrence, mental health supports and placements, and strengthening supports and appropriate secure placements for youth. Mayor Artig-Swomley invited Ramsey County Attorney John Choi to attend the April City Council meeting to discuss this more in depth. Crisis Communication Class Report – Jim Lindner Councilmember Lindner attended a League of Minnesota Cities sponsored class. While there, he learned that it is recommended that the City have a communication plan in place in case a crisis happens. Once a plan is in place it will need to be decided how the information will be presented and who will be involved. Gem Lake Infrastructure Issues Water Study from SEH – Further Discussion – Justin Gese Mr. Gese informed the Council that in May the draft water study should be formally accepted as the final version. Councilmember Lindner move approval of that and the next phase of the study, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo. Voice vote taken, all voted yes, motion passes, study is approved to move on to the next phase. Villas of Gem Lake Update No progress or news to report. Stormwater Discharge and Pipeline License Following emergency repairs that the City of Gem Lake made to a stormwater discharge pipe that emptied into the railroad area, a licensing agreement was received by the railroad asking for a large licensing fee and an insurance policy. The city was not aware in advance that such demands would be made, especially since the city’s engineer was in communication with the railroad throughout the repair project. The city repaired and existing pipe that had been put in so long ago that no one could find pipe work regarding its origin. Mayor Artig-Swomley suggested to the Council that City Attorney Patrick Kelly work with the railroad to find out what is going on with the additional paperwork. Councilmember Lindner made a motion to allow City Attorney Patrick Kelly to address the additional paperwork with the Railroad Company, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo. Voice vote taken, all voted yes, motion passes, City Attorney Patrick Kelly will reach out to the Railroad Company. Heritage Hall – Jim Lindner Councilmember Lindner shared with the Council that his spreadsheet he created for the Xcel bills shows that because costs have gone up since last year the bill is more than last year even though Heritage Hall has used the same amount of energy. Councilmember Lindner is also creating a document showing all the chemicals that are stored at Heritage Hall as well as creating a brief training assignment for the City Clerk. Planning Commission Chair Don Cummings asked Councilmember Lindner if it was possible to turn up the air exchange during meetings and voting events. Councilmember Lindner said that he would look into this.