HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004/08/30 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session CTY OFFICIAL MINUTES
T. CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
RK August 30, 2004
1. Call to Order
The meeting was convened at 7:00 p.m.
Present at the meeting were Councilmembers John Basill, Phil Finkelstein, Paul Omodt, Susan
Sanger, Sue Santa, Sally Velick, and Mayor Jeff Jacobs
Staff present: City Manager(Mr. Harmening), Police Chief(Mr. Luse), Police Captain (Mr
Ortner), Fire Chief(Mr. Stemmer), and City Clerk (Ms Reichert).
Guest. Golden Valley Police Chief(Mr Herntz)
2. Police Dispatch Consolidation
Mr. Harmening gave a background on the issue, stating that talks first began during the 2004
budget discussions. Staff saw two options to reduce costs in relation to PSAP services. Those
were to discuss with Hennepin County the possibility of having them provide PSAP services or
to talk with other independent PSAP cities to consolidate. The consulting company PSC
Alliance was retained by the cities of St. Louis Park, Golden Valley, Richfield, and Brooklyn
Center to examine the specifics of consolidation between these cities. Mr. Harmening stated that
two issues have arisen during this time: 800 MHz migration and the impact of such a decision on
dispatch staff. He reported that there is a sense of uncertainty for staff and they are experiencing
a loss of dispatch staff.
Jeff Nelson, PCS Alliance, gave a PowerPoint presentation to the Council. Mr Nelson outlined
the three options: 1) Stay with the current Golden Valley/St. Louis Park model 2) Four city joint
powers agreement 3) Receive dispatch services from Hennepin County. PSC Alliance
recommended moving the dispatch center to Brooklyn Center if they move ahead with option
two. Mr. Nelson answered questions regarding software connectivity and data sharing with
LOGIS and city systems. He then explained how Hennepin County dispatch services work
Chief Luse stated that he prefers consolidation with other cities He felt it would be more service
oriented and would also continue with the community policing efforts they have undertaken
Chief Stemmer stated that he also prefers consolidation for the same reasons. Chief Herntz
agreed.
PSC Alliance recommended consolidation with Golden Valley and then trying to add other cities
in the future.
Mr Harmening pointed out that money would be saved with the Hennepin County option and
that should be considered. Mayor Jacobs felt that the County option is out if the city wants to
maintain the same type of service.
Special Meeting Minutes -2- August 30, 2004
Councilmember Sanger inquired when decisions need to be made. The consultants felt the
decision should be made soon. They added that if they chose not to be included with the County
the window for that option would close for eight years. The decision must be made by
November 30, 2004.
Councilmember Basill felt that the City of Golden Valley is a great partner He would like to
keep the current model and expand. He hoped to have the dispatch center stay in St. Louis Park
or Golden Valley. Chief Herntz was also satisfied with the cities relationship. Councilmember
Sanger agreed and would like to see them take on more partners in the future
Council asked for more information on the costs of a three or four city consolidation.
Councilmember Santa did not feel there should be any partnership where the level of service
suffers and she would like to set a standard for best practices. Sh6 added that she did not feel the
location of the dispatch center was as important as the training of the dispatchers. Mr.
Harmening emphasized that the center does not need to be in St. Louis Park.
Councilmember Velick felt they should go with the consolidation, not with Hennepin County.
Councilmember Finkelstein asked how soon Golden Valley's City Council would be reviewing
the results of the study and discussing the possible options. Chief Herntz stated that the Golden
Valley City Council would be meeting the following evening.
3. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 9.28 p m
ty Clerk Ma,or