CC_Minutes_2008_0714 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Regular City Council Meeting Monday, July 14, 2008 Page 8 tore success. Mayor Klausing opined that this seemed to be an appropriate role for government; and while unusual, it appeared to be worthwhile. Councilmember Ihlan clarified that she was not opposed to it in principle, espe- cially the diversion piece, and its availability to anyone receiving a bad check; she opined that she was uncomfortable with the government's role in the process; and further sought clarification and resolution of the bonding and insurance questions before taking formal action. Further discussion included references to checks being posted daily (lines 8 and 9, page 4 of 8 of the staff report) and access of merchants to their specific collection status for checks; availability of printed materials for agencies to distribute to merchants; training materials for merchants and their initial contact with those passing bad checks and their good faith efforts to make that contact; and FCS's last resort status for collecting the checks. Mr. McCullough advised that he would provide additional insurance information, ensuring that the City was shown as an additional insured, as requested. Mr. McCullough noted FCS's work with agencies across the state, to share caseloads and work with investigators for notorious criminals and repeat or organized groups and their aggregate offenses. Councilmember Willmus questioned if a shorter-term agreement was possible: one year with optional renewal. Mr. McCullough advised that the City had a 30-day out (page 5, line 5 of the agreement); and assured Councilmembers that this program had proven very valuable to other municipalities and agencies, and to merchants. Klausing moved, Roe seconded, approval of a three year agreement between the City of Roseville and Financial Crime Services (FCS) to provide the Roseville Police Department assistance in obtaining records to assist in the investigation and prosecution of individuals issuing worthless checks, ensuring full restitution for business victims accepting dishonored checks, and providing financial educa- tion for first-time offenders; and further authorizing the Mayor, City Manager and Police Chief to execute the document. Councilmember Ihlan expressed the need for further information before approval, specific to insurance and bonding and whether they were adequate; review of the non-compete clause; a fiscal analysis and documentation of the time needed by staff and the City Attorney to initially launch the program; and opined that she could not support the motion, if acted upon tonight. Mayor Klausing spoke in support of the motion, recognizing Councilmember Ih- lan's concerns.