Posted: 11/20/07
Police Department issues are
discussed at council meeting
By Charlie Warner
Argus News Editor
Caledonia Police Chief Randy Shefelbineís task of getting his department up to a full team was recently doubled when Officer Charles Rolbiecki accepted a position with Winona county. Rolbieckiís last day on the job in Caledonia will be Nov. 27, according to Shefelbine. The interviewing process was discussed during the Nov. 13 Caledonia City Council meeting.
The local police department has been minus one officer since early October, when Officer James Logan accepted a position in Olmsted County.
A search committee, made up of Shefelbine, Mayor Mike Morey, City Administrator Bob Nelson, and Officer James Stemper, have been going through the process to replace Logan for about a month. According to Shefelbine, the city received 33 applications for Loganís spot. The committee whittled that group down to five persons and are currently conducting the second phase of interviews.
The timing of Rolbieckiís resignation is actually good, according to Nelson. "Not that we want to see Charles leaving, but because we currently have a pool of applicants because Officer Logan resigned, the city wonít have to advertise and put together another pool of candidates."
According to Shefelbine, the search committee hopes to complete the final interviews, conduct the proper background checks and have new personnel on board by December.
"Itís been kind of a struggle having enough staff to offer the proper protection, especially during the weekends," Shefelbine said. "But theyíve been doing a great job rotating their hours. It will be good, however, getting back to a full staff."
Police department sergeant
Shefelbine also discussed the possibility of creating a sergeantís position for the police department. The chief explained when he is out of town on business, or vacation, he feels there should be someone on staff who can make command decisions. Currently, the department does not have anyone serving in that capacity.
The added responsibility would mean an increase in pay. The council members felt they needed more information, as far as cost to the city, and what impact the new position would have with the current police union. Shefelbine did not think promoting an officer to a sergeantís rank would have an impact with the police union. The council felt it would be prudent to check with the cityís attorney and also the League of Minnesota Cities before making any decision on the request.
New car or SUV?
The council went on record as being in favor of the city getting price quotes for a new squad car and not a sport utility vehicle (SUV). During the Oct. 8 meeting Shefelbine had brought the purchase of a new vehicle up to the council. He felt the city should look at the options of purchasing an SUV or a sedan. The SUV would have better traction, would have more power to haul items, and SUVís have a better resale value.
The city rotates squad cars every two years, and 2008 is the next time a new squad should be purchased to replace the oldest car.
After discussing the pros and cons, the council instructed Shefelbine to get more accurate quotes, with the various options needed, for a sedan.
In other action
CUP approved
A conditional use permit applied for by Heather Hammell, 424 South Marshall Street, was unanimously approved. Hammell explained that she plans to conduct a therapeutic message business in a portion of her home. Letters were sent out to neighboring property owners, with no letters of opposition or anyone speaking out against Hammellís proposal at the council meeting.
Freedom to Breathe Act discussed
The council discussed the Freedom to Breathe Act, which went into effect October 1 of this year, and if any of the businesses in Caledonia were having issues with the new law.
Council members Randi Vick and Gary Klug reported that some of the bar owners have requested a better understanding of just what is permitted, as far as their patrons smoking outside. Can bar owners construct outside smoking areas where patrons can consume alcoholic beverages? If so, how would these areas be policed as far as minors consuming alcohol? And would waitresses be required to serve beverages or food to persons smoking in an outside smoking area?
"It appears as if we havenít had any problems as far as smokers adhering to the new law, but there are some questions we need to get answers for," Nelson noted. City staff will be contacting the state to get more information on outside smoking areas.
Caledonia Argus
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