The meeting began with public comments where Katherine Kaine, a resident near the pond, addressed the council regarding the disruptions caused by increased foot traffic from children and teenagers fishing in the area. The issues she highlighted included trespassing on private property, public urination, littering, and overall disturbances, which have made residents feel unsafe and stressed. Kaine emphasized the vulnerable demographics of the neighborhood, stating that many homeowners are elderly or disabled, making the situation particularly distressing. She recounted instances where individuals came uncomfortably close to their homes, even taking pictures through windows, which has led to residents feeling like “prisoners in our own homes.” Kaine requested the city consider installing “no fishing” signs along the pond to help address these concerns.

Thomas Kane, Katherine’s husband, reinforced his wife’s concerns by explaining the proximity of their homes to the pond, noting they are “literally only 20 ft from the edge.” He stressed how the situation violates their privacy and echoed the need for city action to restore peace to their neighborhood.

Following the public comments, the council moved to presentations, including a proclamation for the “Together in Peace” initiative, which aims to foster community unity. The proclamation received positive feedback from initiative representatives, who announced an event scheduled for May 17th at Casperson Park. The event will feature performances and activities for children, designed to enhance community bonds.

Another proclamation recognized May as Mental Health Awareness Month. The proclamation highlighted that mental health conditions are treatable and recovery is possible with appropriate support.

The police department’s quarterly report was a portion of the meeting, presented by Chief Brad Pollson. The report detailed various developments, including the hiring of new officers and the promotion of Tom Danielson to sergeant. Notably, the retirement of Kilo, a police K9, was announced. Kilo served the department for nine years and will continue living with Sergeant Danielson in retirement.

The Chief also updated the council on training programs, emphasizing the importance of ongoing development for new recruits and existing officers. These programs include SWAT training and field training officer school. Additionally, the department is refining defensive tactics and in-service training to ensure officer readiness. The Chief mentioned that certified armors oversee the annual maintenance of firearms, maintaining operational efficiency.

In one case, a DWI arrest was streamlined by a phlebotomist officer who performed an on-site blood draw, reducing reliance on local medical services. Another case involved a theft that escalated into an identity theft investigation, resulting in the discovery of multiple fraudulent activities. In the third case, officers used snow tracks and drone technology to track and arrest suspects involved in a first-degree burglary.

Statistical data for the first quarter of 2025 revealed a decrease in overall incident reports compared to the previous year, while DWI arrests increased due to proactive enforcement. Mental health-related calls were largely managed by the crisis response unit, minimizing police involvement. Although traffic stops decreased slightly, there was an uptick in property damage and personal injury crashes, likely influenced by winter conditions.

The council reviewed and approved the consent agenda, which included a memorandum of understanding with the Teamsters for standby arrangements for parks maintenance staff during summer and a resolution to accept a $4,000 grant from the Lakeville Public Safety Foundation for a police department wellness initiative.