04-25-2016 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, April 25, 2016 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 9 of 22 9. 2015 ORONO POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT (continued) The Meritorious Arrest Award was presented to Officer Tim Sonnek for his initiative in the criminal investigations of two cases that both resulted in felony level arrests, and to Sergeant Tony Wittke for his response and command of a domestic assault, terroristic threats incident in which the suspect refused to comply. Through Sergeant Wittke’s tactics, control of the scene was maintained, proper use of force was utilized, and the suspect was apprehended with no injuries. The Distinguished Service Award was presented to Officer Steve Sturm for his response to a welfare check of a war veteran. The investigation turned up a marijuana grow and unhealthy living conditions. Officer Steve Sturm was also awarded the DSA for his response to a juvenile runaway incident where the juvenile was safely removed from a dangerous situation of potential prostitution trafficking. Officer Amy Swanson was awarded the DSA for her investigations into a string of mail theft, fraud, and a massive chain of burglaries. The Orono Police Department also recognized Officer Larry Tomcheck for his 39 years of dedicated service. Officer Tomcheck retired on June 30, 2015. McMillan thanked Police Chief Farniok for his update and his service to the community. Cornick asked if Orono Police Officers are allowed to carry Narcan. Farniok stated they do not at this point since the product has a limited shelf life and that the Orono Police Department is currently working with North Memorial on proper protocols. Farniok stated the Long Lake Fire Department and the Hennepin County Water Patrol carry it. Farniok noted there are also training costs involved in addition to the product cost and that they are analyzing whether the police officers should carry it. McMillan asked if the online raid site is still available. Farniok indicated it is and that subscribers receive a daily update. Farniok stated interested residents can sign up for it on the Orono Police Department website. McMillan asked if the Code Red Program is something Orono should be looking at. Farniok indicated they have looked at it in the past but that it is based on users of the system and the initial startup was not cost effective. Farniok stated with West Hennepin initiating it, he is looking into the costs of the program again to see whether it would be feasible for Orono. Printup asked how the prescription drug drop-off works. Farniok stated it is a partnership with the DEA and that the DEA is in charge of collecting the drugs and inventorying it. Farniok stated he did talk with several agencies that have started their own program but that there are costs for the box, inventorying it, and then driving up to Alexandria so the product can be incinerated.