The meeting opened with Chief Jeff Spies of the Saint Anthony Police Department, who provided an overview of the department’s initiatives and community engagement efforts. With an emphasis on the partnership between the police and the Falcon Heights community, Chief Spies highlighted various programs aimed at fostering positive relationships with residents. The department’s officers have participated in community events, such as the spring together event and weekly “coffee with a cop” sessions. These initiatives have been instrumental in gathering feedback on community concerns, particularly regarding speeding on major avenues.

Chief Spies reported that officers conducted 245 “cop talks,” a program designed to enhance community relations by engaging residents in conversation. Traffic enforcement remains a priority, with 820 vehicles stopped for speeding violations since March, especially around local elementary schools during peak times. Officers issued approximately 400 parking tickets.

In a notable incident, Officer Trent Suter’s vigilance led to the recovery of a stolen laptop and firearms, culminating in the execution of a search warrant on a condemned property.

Chief Spies also discussed the strategic plan’s revision, reducing goals from nine to six while incorporating community feedback. The plan emphasizes community engagement, transparency, and accountability, underscored by the department’s body-worn camera program. This initiative has achieved a 99% compliance rate.

The council addressed the challenges of recruiting qualified police officers, a concern echoed nationwide. The department received a state grant to attract candidates with diverse educational backgrounds, such as a former professor and a division one baseball coach, who are currently undergoing training. This approach aims to integrate individuals with varied life experiences into law enforcement roles.

The council’s attention then turned to the approval of a conditional use permit for a child daycare center at Falcon Heights Town Square. The daycare will occupy two retail spaces, operating from 7 AM to 9 PM, Monday through Friday, and accommodate up to 95 children across different age groups. The proposal was met with optimism, as extended hours are not commonly provided and are expected to generate significant interest.

The daycare application underwent a public hearing, during which a resident raised concerns about existing traffic issues unrelated to the proposal. The Planning Commission recommended approval, contingent upon the daycare obtaining state licensing and a city business license. The council deliberated on parking allocations, ultimately approving ten designated spaces in the shared parking lot.

Council members expressed optimism about the daycare’s potential to meet community needs, with one member commenting on the likely high demand. The approval of Resolution 25.01 for the daycare center was unanimous.

Additionally, the council addressed amendments to the Falcon Heights administrative manual regarding commissioner stipends. The revisions sought to align the manual with city code by stipulating that commissioners would only be paid for meetings they attended. Discussions included clarifying what constitutes an excused absence and defining a time frame for measuring attendance. The council approved the changes unanimously.

The meeting concluded with updates from the Community Engagement Commission and the Environment Commission, highlighting upcoming events and initiatives. Council members also recognized community efforts, such as a successful game night and plans for Human Rights Day, focusing on food insecurity. The council congratulated newly elected officials and acknowledged the high voter turnout in the recent election.