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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, March O1, 2010 Page 13 At the request of Mayor Klausing, Acting Chief Mathwig addressed other impacts to the department due to recent budget reductions, including loss of the 50~' officer position as a traffic officer, with one of the most repeti- tive public concerns that of speeding; and replacement of equipment that is recycled from squad to squad over the years and their deterioration after continued use with their replacement currently funded through grants, awards and gifts for those approximately 90% equipment replacements. Further discussion included previous service provided to Falcon Heights and Lauderdale, now being provided by St. Anthony; and cooperative effi- ciencies through shared services for emergency communication; SWAT services; shared narcotics officer with Ramsey County; and partnering with the City of New Brighton for the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers; mutual aid in staffing community events; and other cooperative ventures. Additional discussion included geographical aspects in patrolling the community and lack of bamers in patrol due to cooperation among de- partments. Councilmember Roe questioned some of those items identified as discon- tinued due to insufficient funds and whether they needed to be included on the list anymore. Acting Chief Mathwig advised that this exercise was a brainstorming ef- fort, and if it was a necessary function, the department would provide that function; however, he noted that things, such as the liaison officer, was a very expensive option, and should be put on hold or discontinued, as it was not an option at this time. Councilmember Johnson expressed appreciation for the monthly report; but opined he would like to see it publicized more. Discussion ensued regarding previous discussions in 2008 related to a re- tail or fraud officer at Rosedale, with 90% of the calls to Rosedale related to theft (from vehicle, person or shoplifting); with comparison information with other malls unknown at this time. Lt. Rosand provided his perspective of the disheartening youth issues ex- perienced at the mall, and the need for a police presence to detract them. Lt. Rosand clarified that most of the problems were not with local youth, but from outside the community arriving by public transportation, with a transit hub located adjacent to the AMC Theater at Rosedale Mall; with youth coming to the mall to hang out, getting bored, resulting in disorderly conduct and/or theft and unresponsive to mall security.