City Council

Mount Vernon City Council Study Session September 20, 2017 The meeting was called to order by Mayor Boudreau at 7:00 p.m. Present: Mayor Boudreau, Councilmembers Fiedler, Hudson, Hulst, Lindquist, Molenaar, Quam, and Ragan Staff Present: Fire Chief Bryce, Chief Dodd, Project Development Manager Donovan, Library Director Huffman, Development Services Director Phillips, City Attorney Rogerson Citizens Present: 6 NEW BUSINESS A. Community Comments: none B. Burlington Northern Santa Fe Agreement: Mr. Rogerson presented Council with a request for approval a resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with Burlington Northern Santa Fe for improvements and pollution control. This agreement will provide for replacing an existing culvert increasing capacity to channel potential floodwaters as well as improve crossings on Sections Street and College Way. Councilmember Lindquist moved to approve Resolution 938 authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with Burlington Northern Santa Fe for railroad right of way improvements. Motion seconded by Councilmember Fiedler. Motion carried 7-0. C. Community Court Model: Mr. Rogerson introduced the topic of implementing a Community Court model in Mount Vernon. This is a model that is intended to address the needs of homeless individuals and answer public safety concerns. The traditional criminal justice model may not be the most effective manner to address the issues of homeless individuals who are “chronic public system users” and offenders who commit low-level crimes, fail to comply with sanctions, and fail to appear in court and use jail time when they could more effectively seek rehabilitation through alternative strategies. The defendants who commit these crimes are frequently homeless individuals with multiple problems with varying levels of complexity such as drug or alcohol additions, lack of permanent housing options, and or mental illness. The Community Court is a holistic model that tries to assess the cause of the individual’s issues and tailor sustainable solutions to those causes. This process is intended to reduce recidivism and improve the quality of life for the community and the individual. The offender would be held accountable, but they must follow the program. One of the issues that is currently facing the team is the decision upon where this could be held. Mr. Rogerson introduced Jennifer Rancourt who stated that the model would create the need for a half time Community Court Prosecutor and it was suggested that this be a contract position. Mr. Rogerson then introduced the Honorable Judge Dianne Goddard who commented on the judicial perspective on this proposed model and indicated that the judges are supportive of this proposal. Chief Dodd addressed the law enforcement perspective on this and fully supports this process. There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 8:17 p.m. Mount Vernon City Council September 20, 2017 Page 2 of 2 SUBMITTED BY: ______________________________________________ Rebecca J. Wade, Recording Secretary ATTEST: ______________________________________________ Doug Volesky, Finance Director APPROVE: ______________________________________________ Jill Boudreau, Mayor