The police chief provided a report on the department’s activities from July to September, highlighting the notable decrease in overall calls for service, which dropped from approximately 14,200 in the previous year to around 12,400. This reduction was primarily due to the transition to a full-time fire department, which reduced the number of medical calls requiring police response. Welfare checks and crisis mental health calls also saw a reduction, credited to the department’s efforts in providing aftercare resources to those in need. However, challenges remain, particularly with an increase in aggravated assaults, even as simple assaults have declined.

Personnel changes were a focus of the meeting, with notable retirements within the police department. Officer Chad Laughler, with over 28 years of service and extensive work with police canines, records technician Jenny Davis with 25 years of service, and community service officer Randy Smith, who served for eight years, all retired recently. New personnel filling these roles include Kristen B., a records technician with a background in public health data analysis, and Bill Nelson, a community service officer with experience as a reserve officer and former air traffic controller. Several new police officers are in various stages of training and onboarding, including Bennett Wrand, Joe Baron, Megan Karp, and Josh Enavald.

The chief also detailed the progress on a new first center, with most exterior walls completed and plans to lay the first layer of asphalt before winter. The goal is to enclose the building before snow arrives to facilitate interior work during the colder months. Collaborations with four area law enforcement agencies are ongoing, with efforts to finalize capital member agreements and discussions with local colleges about a potential skills program. These partnerships are crucial as the department addresses changes in Minnesota’s POST Board education requirements.

Community engagement remains a priority for the department, with initiatives such as a drone demonstration at a senior care facility and outreach events at local parks. The annual police and fire ball and a police and fire softball game, despite weather interruptions, were highlighted as significant events. The department’s participation in National Night Out was also noted, with officers attending approximately 100 neighborhood parties, allowing residents and children to interact with police personnel and explore police vehicles and equipment.

The police chief’s report also addressed concerns about impaired driving, noting an increase in incidents involving substances other than alcohol, such as cannabis and prescription drugs. The department is training drug recognition experts to tackle this trend, although the lack of roadside testing tools for these substances presents challenges. Alcohol remains the primary substance involved in impaired driving incidents. Traffic stop numbers have decreased, partly due to staffing shortages. The chief assured the council that they are monitoring the impact of recent road striping at a local roundabout on fender bender incidents, with data to be provided in the next quarterly report.

The council meeting then moved to the consent agenda, covering various items including a donation to the fire department for fitness equipment and an amended joint powers agreement with ISD 194 Lakeville schools regarding facility use policies. A resolution supporting the Dakota County Capital Improvement Program for 2026 through 2030 was introduced.

A public hearing regarding a service charge for special district number one for taxes payable in 2026 was held. The finance director pointed out that the special service district was established in 1998, and the public hearing was a statutory requirement. The advisory board recommended a zero service charge for the upcoming tax year, and the budget proposal was available for review.