2012-10-22 Reg - Laserfiche WebLink

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2. Resolution 2012 – 11 A resolution to approve first quarter budget amendments of Fiscal Year 2013. Mr. Price moved for approval, was seconded by Mr. Sharpe and the motion carried unanimously. 3. Resolution 2012 – 12 A resolution to add four additional police officers to staff Mr. Price moved for approval and was seconded by Mr. Sharpe. Rory Ellinger, 6925 Cornell Mr. Ellinger urged the Council to vote in favor of hiring the additional four police officers for more neighborhood safety in the City of University City. Mr. Glickert questioned the Council especially Mr. Price and Ms. Carr for clarification regarding the hiring of four police officers in relation to the 2013 budget. That budget has already approved the hiring of three additional police officers already and had not yet been filled. Ms. Carr did not have an answer to Mr. Glickert’s questions, but referenced a report in Governing magazine. This magazine USA Today article titled, “Report Violent Rises Sharply Reversing the Trend” which discussed the violent crimes that went up 17% last year from a previous twenty year decline according to a new Federal survey of crime victims and the rate of property crimes including household, burglary, and car theft. She said those were the kind of things University City has been dealing with. She said the trend Mr. Kraft discussed was a 20-year trend that may be out of date. Mr. Price asked the City Manager to clarify the three additional officers in 2013 budget. Mr. Walker noted that Council increased the Police Department budget for an additional three officers. Mr. Price said his request is for an additional four police officers would be in addition to the three police officers in the 2013 budget so as to bring the police department back to full staff. Mr. Price said if we allow the police department to have full staff level so they can be more than just reacting to situations, it would also help them to be more proactive in situations. Mr. Kraft said more police officers sounded fine. He noted, for the record, that when he spoke last time regarding crime, it was to protect and support the reputation of University City. Mayor Welsch stated that she wanted this resolution to be referred to staff for their input on the request. She believed the first priority of an elected official is to ensure the health and safety of their citizens. She stated she is in full support of the police and would not send any message to Chief Adams or his staff that she is not. Mayor Welsch stated she would vote for this resolution even if the majority of Council did not agree to get input from the City’s uniformed staff. However, Mayor Welsch also feels that the City Manager should be charge of administering the operations of the City. She also believed that the Police Chief, who has served the City so well for many years, was capable of running the Police Department without Council’s help. 10