The council’s deliberations on the transition of police services to the Saint Anthony Police Department emerged as a focal point. Starting at 12:01 AM on Saturday, the department will assume responsibility as the primary agency for police services in Falcon Heights. The council underscored the importance of a seamless transition, with strategies in place to ensure that the department responds to all service calls around the clock. Emphasis was placed on fostering community relationships, with dedicated patrol time in neighborhoods. A recent “Coffee with a Cop” event highlighted positive initial engagement. Preparations for the police substation office were also in progress, pending final IT arrangements before presentation to the council.

To facilitate collaboration, the council stressed building connections between the police and local stakeholders such as property managers and the city prosecutor. Ongoing discussions with the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office aim to manage the transition smoothly and ensure that existing cases continue without interruption. The council received updates on staffing levels within the Saint Anthony Police Department, which have exceeded expectations by filling retirements and surpassing authorized officer numbers. The department’s successful recruitment efforts were cited as an advantage, positioning it as a desirable employment destination.

In financial matters, the council approved Resolution 2515 to call the outstanding general obligation improvement bond series 2023A. The decision allows for the early payoff of a $520,000 bond using remaining funds from the 2017 road fund and the 2023 capital fund. City Administrator Linehan provided context, highlighting potential savings of approximately $44,000 in interest payments for the city over the coming years. This decision aligns with the council’s strategic debt management approach, focusing on reducing financial liabilities.

The council also addressed the approval of plans and specifications for the 2025 pavement management program under Resolution 2516. The procedural item included plans for stormwater improvements in Falcon Woods, with a competitive bidding process anticipated. The bid opening is scheduled for March 20, 2025, and expectations are high for favorable outcomes to enhance city infrastructure.

Another infrastructure initiative involved the approval of Resolution 2517, authorizing the city administrator to apply for a stormwater management permit with the Rice Creek Watershed District. This permit is necessary for the community park renovation, with an urgent application deadline set forty days before the April Rice Creek Watershed Board of Trustees meeting. Linehan clarified the necessity of council authorization to reinforce the application, given the project’s association with the Rice Creek watershed. The council resolved any confusion regarding watershed affiliations, confirming the correct permitting process with Rice Creek.

Community development updates included discussions on the Community Park project. A 50% plan meeting reviewed various project components, with some aspects at different completion stages. The city intends to bid for a prefab shelter installation, as recommended by the city attorney due to cost implications. An order for the shelter is planned for March, with a manufacturing timeline of approximately seventy weeks. The council emphasized adherence to protocol to ensure procedural compliance.

In traffic management, a speed trailer operating on Arona near Idaho collected data indicating a median speed under 20 miles per hour. This data collection is part of a broader strategy to monitor traffic patterns and address community concerns about speeding. Plans are in place to relocate the speed trailer based on community feedback, with administrators encouraging residents to identify additional areas of concern.

Public Works received commendations for their efficiency during the snow season, particularly for clearing streets before sunrise amid recent snowfall. The council expressed appreciation for their efforts, noting their effectiveness compared to other cities still in planning stages for similar weather responses.