3-30-00 specialMarch 30, 2000
On the above date New Scandia Town Board held a Special Meeting
to discuss the proposal of the Cop Grants for New Scandia
Township. The following Board Members were present: Chairman,
Dennis Seefeldt, Vice Chairman, Paul Rasmussen, Michael Hinz,
John Martineau and Kevin Nickelson.
Sheriff James Frank
Sheriff Frank reviewed the proposal for a Cops Grant in the
amount of $75,000.000 and payable over a three year period for
police protection. The cost for a police officer and equipment
for one year would be approximately $62,000.00 to $65,000.00. He
stated the presence of a police officer in the township would be
asset to the township. The officer assigned to the township
would report to Washington County Sheriffs Department.
Larry Engstrom, Chairman of Elim Cemetery questioned if the City
of Marine would be interested in sharing the police protection
with New Scandia and how would this be funded. He was informed
that Marine is not interested at this time and it would be funded
with the $75,000.00 grant and the reminder would be funded with
New Scandia Township tax dollars.
Carol Ryland, Old Marine Trail questioned if there is money in
the budget for the coverage and was concerned about the tax
increase and if the police are not at the site when the vandalism
has been commented it is unlikely they will find the persons
responsible.
Peter Schwartz, Quardrant stated that the township needs
enforcement and if we have no one to enforce the ordinances there
is no use to have ordinances.
Norman Ostrand, Scandia Trail stated he was on the committee to
review the necessity of police protection after Ms. Simonson left
her position and the committee contacted persons in the community
and that they were satisfied without protection. Mr. Rasmussen
stated that he also was on the committee and that it was
consensus of the committee that the residents felt the township
should hire a deputy from Washington County.
Dennis Seefeldt stated he was in favor of the proposal, because
the township does have a problem with vandalism. Last summer
Elim Lutheran Church, Elim Cemetery, and the Scandia/Marine Lions
Park were vandalized and the Lions have agreed not to maintain
the Park, because of the vandalism. Mr. Seefeldt has received
three phone calls and a couple of comments of basically in favor
of the police protection.
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Kevin Nickelson expressed the following pros and cons for the
police protection: For the protection, 1)Vandalism has
increased;2)Protection;3(Ordinance enforcement;4_)Presence of a
police in the area. Against the protection; 1)The committee
agreed we did not need protection;2")Crime is decreasing; 3)
Increase in the township budget;4)The township is funding
Washington County for protection.
Skip Stromberg, Oxboro Lane questioned what type of plan would
the township have for the protection. Mr. Seefeldt stated a
committee would have to be formed consisting of citizens of
different age groups, fire chief and supervisors to submit a type
of plan for patrolling.
Mr. Seefeldt asked for a vote for or against the proposal of
applying for a Cops Grant for police protection for the township
and the majority ruled. This item will be a addition to the
agenda on April 4, 2000.
John Martineau made a motion to adjourn.
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