12-14-2015 Councill Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, November 23, 2015 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 3 of 41 Stanek noted violent crime in Hennepin County experienced approximately a 34 percent decrease since 2006, but that over the last nine months the Sheriff’s Office have seen a nine to ten percent increase in those types of crimes. Stanek stated they have not seen an increase like that before and that he would encourage the Orono City Council to continue to support their local police department as much as possible. Council Member Printup asked how residents can feel safe with what is going on in the world, particularly the events in Paris over the past week. Stanek stated whether it is Paris, Germany, or in the United States, terrorism is about striking fear in the hearts of people and that people cannot let that happen. Stanek stated at the end of the day, American is a very safe place and that the different law enforcement agencies have a good handle on things. Steps are being taken to build resilient communities and to increase relationships with different ethnic groups. Stanek stated the Orono Police Department is very good at what they do and that the people can trust them. Printup asked what citizens can do to express support of the Sheriff’s Office or the local police department. Stanek stated he knows the Orono City Council supports their local law enforcement agency, but that if a resident sees a police officer out in public, they should say hello and thank them. Stanek stated he knows overall Orono is supportive of their police department but that they should not take it for granted. Council Member Levang asked what the City should tell residents about the boat traffic and drinking on Lake Minnetonka. Deputy Storms stated he has spent 10 years as a deputy in Orono and that he is well acquainted with what happens out on the lake. In response to the increased level of activity on Lake Minnetonka, Hennepin County has increased its water patrol staffing quite a bit and that they now have a police presence out there year-round, especially around Big Island. Storms stated the Water Patrol spends a lot of energy trying to keep the lake safe, along with local law enforcement, and that they have a strong volunteer staff. Storms stated the goal is to keep the fatalities at zero but that the biggest job is education and making sure people understand what is safe and what is not safe. Storms stated they have a very robust media group and hold a number of safe events throughout the year in an effort to educate people. McMillan stated she appreciates all the work the Sheriff’s Office and Water Patrol do on Lake Minnetonka. Council Member Walsh stated it is a testament to Sheriff Stanek’ s character that he has great people around him and that he appreciates all the work the Sheriff’s Office does for the residents of Orono. PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS – REPRESENTATIVE DENISE LESKINEN Planning Commissioner Leskinen stated she had nothing to report but would be available for questions. PUBLIC COMMENTS None