03-29-2021 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Orono City Council Work Session Minutes Monday, March 8, 2021 Council Chambers 5:00 p.m. Page 1 of 2 PRESENT: Mayor Dennis Walsh, Council Members Richard F. Crosby II, Victoria Seals, Aaron Pintup and Matt Johnson. Staff members present were Interim City Administrator/Finance Director Ron Olson, Public Works Director/City Engineer Adam Edwards, Police Chief Correy Farniok, City Attorney Soren Mattick, and City Clerk Anna Carlson. Meeting Adjourned: 5:00 p.m. 1. Police Chief Update – Use of Force Statute Discussion Police Chief Correy Farniok reviewed the various changes to the use of force statute for the City Council. His department has been training on the major changes that have went into effect since March 1st. City Attorney Soren Mattick mentioned that the statute is about as cop friendly as its going to get and noted that Minnesota is being more restrictive than Federal law. He also mentioned we have not seen any judges work on it yet and we may see more police officers being prosecuted over the changes in the future. Council Member Aaron Printup asked what local municipalities can do about the changes. Farniok responded the Council could send a letter to your legislators regarding any concerns they may have related to the recent changes that have gone into effect. Council Member Matt Johnson agreed that the City may need to draft up a letter to be sent addressing concerns. Mattick stated that is about the only thing you can do, because it is the law and we need to uphold it. There was discussion about the changes and the effects of it on safety, recruitment of officers, etc. Council members agree that a letter expressing their concerns about the changes to our legislators. 2. Fire Update – Discussion Interim City Administrator Ron Olson gave a brief update. Walsh mentioned that since everyone is on the same page, the first thing the City needs to do would be to sort it all out as far as assets, funding, and all other aspects that need to be taken into account. There was discussion about being proactive and developing a plan to sort it all out. The Council is focused on continuing the process as nice and kindly as they can. Council Member Richard F. Crosby II noted that Long Lake Fire has been around for 100 years and their fighters have put in time there and the City should also be taken into account.