Laserfiche WebLink
MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETEING <br /> Monday,MAY 13,2019 <br /> 7:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> The West Metro Drug Task Force did a phenomenal job this year and performed 104 arrests,conducted <br /> 131 search warrants, seized 65 guns, filed 100 state charges and 10 federal charges, and confiscated 1.2 <br /> pounds of cocaine/crack, 70 pounds of methamphetamines, 69 grams of heroin, 96 pounds of marijuana, <br /> and 3,982 narcotic prescription pills. The estimated street value of the drugs seized in 2018 was $2.6 <br /> million. <br /> In 2019 this area is seeing an increase in burglaries. One of the tactics used by the burglars is taking a <br /> rock and throwing it through a sliding glass window. If no alarm goes off,they then enter the home. <br /> Farniok encouraged the residents to contact the police department if they see a strange vehicle in their <br /> neighborhood. <br /> Walsh stated people overall are pretty safe in Orono,but there has been an increase in people going to <br /> different garages, finding that the side doors are open, and then gaining access to the keys in cars. Walsh <br /> encouraged people to lock their homes and garages as well as take their keys inside the house. <br /> Farniok noted Orono is 20 minutes from downtown Minneapolis and that the homes in this area are not <br /> always close to another residence. Farniok recommended people take the keys out of their cars, lock <br /> vehicles,take any valuables out of their car, and then call the police department if they have any questions <br /> or concerns. The police department will again be starting their bike patrol this year in some of the higher <br /> density areas,which is another way to engage the community. <br /> Printup asked when Orono has last had a bike patrol. <br /> Farniok indicated they had it for a number of years but then it was disconnected. The newer officers <br /> wanted to get this program going again and so the police department has partnered with the Crime <br /> Prevention Coalition,who has donated a bike that can be used. <br /> Farniok noted the 2018 report will be available to the public on Tuesday. <br /> Johnson asked whether there is some legislation being proposed that would eliminate some of the drug <br /> task force money that is received by the City. <br /> Farniok indicated the police department has worked with the City's lobbyist to help change some of the <br /> language in the bill. Currently the City receives back a portion of the money seized by the Drug Task <br /> Force and the proposed bill would eliminate that. The City currently receives around$120,000 from that <br /> program,which is used for equipment or overtime. Farniok stated if he sees some changes coming up <br /> from the legislature,he will notify the City Council. <br /> Walsh stated whenever cars or cash is seized,the City currently receives a portion of that. The state is <br /> now proposing to take all of those funds and put them into the state's general fund and not give it to the <br /> cities who participate in the program. Walsh encouraged the residents to call their local representative to <br /> help support the police department. <br /> Farniok noted the barrier on Highway 12 was achieved through various members of the public contacting <br /> their legislator. <br /> The City Council took no formal action on this item. <br /> Page 4 of 21 <br />