City Council Workshop

10801 Town Square Dr. City of Blaine Blaine MN 55449 Anoka County, Minnesota Minutes - Final City Council Workshop *While this is a public meeting where interested persons are welcome to attend, it is a work session for Council and staff to discuss issues before them. It is not for the purpose of receiving public input. Thursday, February 6, 2014 6:30 PM Cloverleaf Farm Room A Meeting Number 14-07 NOTICE OF WORKSHOP MEETING The meeting was called to order by Mayor Ryan at 6:30 p.m. Quorum Present. ALSO PRESENT: Clark Arneson, City Manager; Patrick Sweeney, City Attorney; Bryan Schafer, Planning Director; Bob Therres, Public Services Manager; Joe Huss, Finance Director; Chris Olson, Police Chief/Safety Services Manager; Dan Szykulski, Police Captain; Roark Haver, Communications Technician; Al Thorp, Senior Engineering Technician; Jane Cross, City Clerk; and Recording Secretary Linda Dahlquist. Present: 5 - Councilmember Bourke, Councilmember Herbst, Mayor Ryan, Councilmember Hovland, and Councilmember Swanson Absent: 2 - Councilmember Clark, and Councilmember Kolb City of Blaine Page 1 City Council Workshop Minutes - Final February 6, 2014 1. WS 14-06 POLICE K-9 REPLACEMENT PROCESS Sponsors: City Council Police Captain Szykulski stated the Blaine Police Department has two canine units that have proven to be very beneficial and has enhanced officer safety. He noted that maintaining the canine program ensures continuity. He gave an overview of the canine program’s history starting with Gunner in 2008, the addition of Rex in 2012, and the canine responsibilities that are in addition to the regular police patrol district squad responsibilities. He noted that the service-life expectancy of dogs varies, but six to seven years is average. He stated that based on the canine retirement plan schedule, Gunner would retire the beginning of 2015; although, he noted that Gunner’s health may lead to an earlier retirement than planned. He commented that the dogs are two years old when they start service. He stated the yearly program cost is budged at $13,700. Council consensus that having two service dogs is appropriate for the City. Councilmember Swanson asked about the length of time for getting a dog and then trained. Captain Szykulski stated training is 3 months. Discussed OTHER BUSINESS Police Long Gun Officer Dale Bernardy showed the Council the M4 Police Long Gun and gave an overview of the gun’s features. He stated the M4 cost is $2,802 each and the department plans to purchase 12. ADJOURN The Workshop adjourned at 6:55 p.m. Adjourned City of Blaine Page 2