WS 2006 03 20
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
MARCH 20, 2006
Mayor Furlong called the work session to order at 8:25 p.m..
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Furlong, Councilman Peterson and
Councilwoman Tjornhom
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT:
Councilman Labatt and Councilman Lundquist
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, and Justin Miller
KEY FINANCIAL STRATEGY, POLICE CONTRACT BENCHMARKS REPORT.
Todd Gerhardt updated the City Council on the benchmarks established for the police contract
with Carver County. Sheriff Bud Olson explained the sheriff’s office new reporting format
which makes the numbers consistent with the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension’s numbers.
Todd Gerhardt noted that currently prosecution rates are not tracked. Sheriff Olson stated the
State will mandate in the near future that prosecution numbers be tracked. Todd Gerhardt
reviewed the highlights from the 2003-2005 numbers. Sergeant Jim Olson clarified how
numbers were affected in 2005 when categories were changed. Mayor Furlong asked if the
numbers reflect that deputies are being better trained. Todd Gerhardt stated how the tracking
numbers will assist the City in determining the need for additional deputies and/or patrol hours in
the future. Councilman Peterson asked about turnover of deputies in the city of Chanhassen and
country wide. Sergeant Olson explained how the traffic control education safety car is used to
target certain areas in the city. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked for an explanation of how the
sheriff’s department determines where in the city to place the unmarked vehicle. Todd Gerhardt
explained the increase in prosecution revenues. Sheriff Olson explained trends in white collar
crimes and the need for additional investigative services county wide, but also in the City of
Chanhassen. He reviewed the case statistics for Chanhassen in 2005 which shows a need for
these additional investigative services. He noted that the sheriff’s office was looking to partner
with the City of Chanhassen, along with asking for additional services from the Carver County
Board. Councilman Peterson asked the Sheriff to speak to the request for a community youth
center. Sheriff Olson stated he would like to be an active participant on the board for the youth
center. David Jansen with the Chanhassen Villager asked if Sheriff Olson had a fear of a youth
center becoming a crime haven. Sheriff Olson stated how a youth center can be very beneficial
when deputies interact with teens. Justin Miller addressed how city staff is working on initiating
a customer service feedback survey for public service.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session meeting at 9:25 p.m..
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim