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MINUTES OF ORONO COUNCIL MEETING OF JANUARY 8, 1990 <br />CANINE PROGRAM CONTINUED • <br />Councilmember Peterson indicated that she would approve this <br />because most police departments lacked positive public relations. <br />Peterson thought that this program would be helpful in that <br />regard. Peterson said that she is concerned that the 3 -year <br />commitment may not be long enough. Peterson asked Chief Kilbo <br />how the 3 -year period was determined? <br />Kilbo replied it was more or less pulled out of the air. <br />Kilbo believed that to be a reasonable period of time and <br />suggested that if Officer Fischenich commits for 3 years, he may <br />commit longer. <br />Councilmember Goetten said that she has still not seen a <br />real need demonstrated for this program. Goetten hoped that, if <br />approved, there would regular progress reports on this program. <br />Goetten also noted that she believed there were other programs <br />and concerns that take priority over the canine program that have <br />not been addressed as expeditiously. <br />Councilmember Nettles asked Chief Kilbo if there is an <br />increase in efficiency and /or safety when using a canine unit? <br />Chief Kilbo replied, "very definitely. Animals have <br />senses much more developed than humans. They are also a little • <br />bit cheaper than human life so they are a definite asset in <br />searching a building or looking for suspects ". Kilbo added that <br />a canine unit provides the ability to search for lost people. A <br />dog can cover the area equivalent of two or three officers and <br />will enhance the patrol officer's instincts. <br />It was moved by Mayor Grabek, seconded by Councilmember <br />Peterson, to accept the proposal of the canine program for Orono. <br />Motion, Ayes -4, Goetten, Nay, Motion passed. <br />Councilmember Peterson asked Kilbo when the dog received its <br />name? <br />Kilbo said that normally the officer and /or the trainer name <br />the dog. <br />Peterson suggested having a contest among the school <br />children to name the dog if it was not already named. <br />Mayor Grabek and the Council approved of that idea. <br />EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION PROGRAM /CITY LOGO <br />Bernhardson said that he wanted to see if the Council was <br />interested in developing a new City logo? <br />The Council and Mayor Grabek agreed that the City needed a • <br />new logo and suggested a competition. <br />Bernhardson suggested a City -wide competition including the <br />schools. <br />11 <br />