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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, September 24, 2012 Page 6 ing throughout the county. With the Ramsey County Sheriff's Foundation serving as an umbrella organization allowing for various funding mechanisms, Sheriff Bostrom noted that this would replace the other previously unstructured and multi- plicity-hindered funding beyond the General Fund. As an example, Sheriff Bostrom noted the upcoming "Fright Farm" located at Frost and White Bear Ave- nues in Maplewood being held every weekend during October, with funds from that event to support literacy programs throughout Ramsey County as well as other vol- unteer efforts. Sheriff Bostrom stated that he had underestimated how great this job would be, and attributed it to the great personnel and great government within Ramsey County. Mayor Roe thanked Sheriff Bostrom for his comments. Councilmember Johnson concurred, and sought additional information on the Sher- iff's Department participation in park patrol for Ramsey County Parks. Sheriff Bostrom responded that the department worked closely with the County Park staff; and for its contract cities the Sheriff's Department provided more direct patrol services. On a larger scale, Sheriff Bostrom noted that Community Service Officers (CSO's) and volunteers logging time served the overall Ramsey County Park system as a supplement to the Sheriff's Department, working jointly and stra- tegically, depending specific problem areas. Councilmember McGehee sought additional information on youth initiatives of the Department. Sheriff Bostrom advised that the department provided D.A.R.E. for White Bear Township, all school safety patrols other than the St. Paul District, and was in- volved in literacy initiatives, particularly on the east side. Sheriff Bostrom advised that it was the larger vision of the department to be involved in youth activities be- yond athletics, including exposing youth to visual arts and music. Councilmember McGehee expressed her personal appreciation with the initiatives taken on to-date. Councilmember Willmus sought additional information on the department's in- volvement with non-English speaking groups in the county. Sheriff Bostrom advised that his department held quarterly meetings with members of the Mexican Consulate on issues of education, business and crime issues affect- ing that community, with the group serving as a problem-solving and advocacy group. Sheriff Bostrom further advised that the department met regularly with Council 18 of eighteen (18) families associated with Southeastern Asian popula- tions. Sheriff Bostrom noted that the Karen families haven't contacted his depart-