10-03-1988 Study SessionCITY OF RICHFIELD, MINNESOTA
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
October 3, 1988
MEMBERS PRESENT: Steven Quam, Mayor; Ivan Ludeman; Michael
Sandahl; Martin Kirsch; and Edwina Garcia.
STAFF PRESENT: James Prosser, City Manager; Steven Devich,
Administrative Services Director; Thomas P.
Ferber, City Clerk; Byron .Wallace, Community
Development Director; John Erskine, Public
Safety Director; Vaughn Lambert and Jim Malm,
Public Safety.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Quam at 7:01 p.m.
Item #I PRESENTATION BY PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT RELATING TO
ACCREDITATION PROGRAM.
Public Safety Director Erskine reviewed the process
regarding an Accreditation Program for the Public Safety
Department. He stated the program involves developing and
meeting nationally accepted standards and policies. He stated it
would provide for community input, uniformity, accountability,
and potential advantages in litigation. A video tape was shown
reviewing the development and advantages of the program. Public
Safety Director Erskine noted that the program does not mandate
manpower levels; those levels are determined by the elected
officials. He stated that adoption of the standards and policies
would require a public hearing. '
Council Member Sandahl asked what input the city council
would have into the policies prior to the public hearing.
Public Safety Director Erskine stated that the council would
be kept informed and city council study sessions would be used
for discussion.
Council Member Garcia suggested that the Neighborhood Watch
groups and meetings such as the Planning Commission neighborhood
meeting could be used for community involvement. Public Safety
Director Erskine indicated this is being considered.
Council Member Ludeman stated he had been involved in
Accreditation Programs in the school district. He stated that
the costs involved in attaining accreditation and maintaining
.membership can become very high. He stated that the Department
can meet the standards without the costs of the Accreditation
Program and that the city should take a long look at these costs
before taking on such a program.
Study Session Minutes -2- October 3, 1988
Council Member Sandahl stated that the City has a good
Public Safety Department now and that this program would assure
this in the future.
Public Safety Director Erskine stated that the Department
could proceed without seeking Accreditation; however, it is
important for the community to know these standards are met. He
stated that he agreed that if participation in this program
becomes a financial burden, it should be dropped.
Mayor Quam asked what the program would cost.
Public Safety Director Erskine stated it is estimated that
it would cost a total of $10,000 over five years for the
evaluation and staff time.
Mayor Quam asked if this would change recruiting standards
and whether there are other competing Accreditation Programs.
Public Safety Director Erskine stated that the recruiting
standards are already in place and that there are no other
Accreditation Programs.
Council Member Ludeman left the meeting at this time
(8:05 p.m.).
Item #II REVIEW OF PROPOSED UTILITY/TRAILER PARKING ORDINANCE.
STUDY SESSION LETTER NO. 19
City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 19
regarding options in dealing with the parking of utility trailers
in the community.
Public Safety Director Erskine reviewed t~~ ~.~`.~~a1es related
to utility trailer storage in the city and enfo.~~ ~~*3e1-~t.
Discussion followed regarding community standards, legal,
enforcement, and aesthetic issues related to the different
options.
City manager Prosser stated that the staff would pursue
development of an ordinance amendment regarding utility trailers
which would treat them the same as recreational vehicles.
Council Member Sandahl left the meeting at this time
(8:30 p.m.).
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Study Session Minutes
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Item III UPDATE ON AIRPORT ADEQUACY STUDY
October 3, 1988
City Manager Prosser reviewed the contents of the
preliminary draft of the MSP Adequacy Study Decision Options
prepared by the MSP Adequacy Task Force. He stated that
recommendations for the extension of runway 4-22, construction of
a new north-south runway, and the provision of a "clear safety
zone" in the southeast corner of Richfield would have a
substantial impact on the City including the loss of many homes.
He stated that ultimately a new airport would be built.
Mayor Quam reviewed the political and strategic issues
related to the Airport study options. He stated that ultimately
a new airport would be necessary and that it is his position that
Richfield should receive the airport property after the airport
is relocated. He stated opposition to the Task Force
recommendations as outlined.
City Manager Prosser stated that a study session with the
Metropolitan Council will be scheduled for Monday, November 7,
1988 to discuss these issues related to the airport.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Date Approved: 10/24/88
Thomas P. Ferber
City Clerk
n J. Qu~C l/ Mayor
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D. Prosser
Manager