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Regular City Council Meeting 8s Executive Sessioa Monday, March 23, 2009 Page 6 At the request of Mayor Klausing, City Manager Bill Malinen briefly reviewed this item as detailed in the Request for Council Action dated March 23, 2009. Councilmember Roe sought clarification as to whether a plan was in place to fund the positions after the three year grant period. Police Chief Carol Sletner and Police Services Manager Karen Rubey were present to respond. Chief Sletner advised that the department currently had one unfilled position at this time, and with additional potential budget cuts possible, it was her intent to use the grant funds, if awarded, to fill that position, in addition to make application for fill one commercial patrol and one additional traffic officer. Chief Sletner advised that there was no City match required during the three year grant period, with the caveat that the City retain the positions awarded through the grant for an additional, full 12-month period; and that past applications had proven successful by the City. Chief Sletner advised that, while she couldn't dictate the future manpower and budget of the department, the needs were not fewer. Chief Sletner spoke to the amount of activity at Rosedale Shopping Center as experienced when increasing patrols during the recent school spring break; and appreciation of the businesses there for the police presence. Mayor Klausing sought clarification, and Chief Sletner confirmed, that this request was to apply for the grant, and that any final action to add positions would return to the City Council for approval. Councilmember Pust spoke in support of requesting funds; and opined that while the City would be committed to retain those three positions; she anticipated that the entire staff could be flexible in absorbing the positions through attrition or other means. Councilmember Ihlan expressed similar concerns as those of Councilmember Roe in long-term funding of the positions; and opined that the City should commit to obtaining funding from the commerciaUretail sector through a specialized taxing district to fund additional patrols at Rosedale Shopping Center rather than adding that burden to the residential taxpayers. Councilmember Ihlan suggested that the department work hard over the next three years to get that funding in place; and offered support of the motion with that caveat. Chief Sletner advised that individual retailers at Rosedale Center were generating interest; and were discussing initiation of a petition drive for one full-time commercial officer. Councilmember Ihlan strongly supported such an endeavor, and suggested that other communities with similar retail ventures be consulted for their input.