Cloquet police study OK'd

Cloquet city councilors and administration agree: it’s time for another police study.

While not referring directly to police and council actions that contributed to a rising tide of citizen mistrust and frustration over the previous two years, city administrator Aaron Reeves pointed out that the Cloquet police department was one of the issues that drove last year’s election.

Councilors voted unanimously Tuesday to pay the Novak Consulting Group $48,800 to conduct a police department operations study after Mayor Roger Maki suggested they get things rolling.

Such a study will evaluate the efficiency, effectiveness and organizational structure of the police department. Consultants will review current operations in the police department, survey police employees confidentially, and conduct confidential interviews with command staff and key line staff along with walk-throughs and ride-alongs. Staffing, workload and coverage will be assessed, along with other operational issues including overtime, current scheduling, patrol beats and more.

“Do [you] feel that by doing this study, not only are we going to become more efficient, are we finally going to [get a] grip on all the overtime and … finally reign things in where we’re staying within budget, and continuing efficiency and public safety?” Ward 2 Councilor Sheila Lamb asked during the work session discussion.

Reeves said the city can’t control injuries and people taking unexpected leave, but the study will examine if the department is operating the most efficient way.

“If we have actual structural issues with how we do things, when we address those, that should assist with all those areas,” he said.

Lamb also asked about ensuring confidentiality for citizens who speak up, noting that is a concern.

The city conducted a study of the police department in 2014, which suggested a number of operational changes in the department.

Councilor Lara Wilkinson asked if the consultants would do a follow-up to the study this time, and Reeves said yes.

“I think that’s important because in the last study we did, we got some recommendations and then we also had new chief, then we had new chief and the hiring process and I think the council lost track of the recommendations, and were they being implemented and were we giving the new chief enough direction,” she said.

Reeves said he hoped the city would have results by the end of the year.

In other matters Tuesday, the council:

•Voted unanimously on the final quotes and moving costs for the new combined City Hall and police station. The entire project, including the purchase of the former Members Cooperative Credit Union building, totals approximately $3.9 million, Reeves said, noting that the city budgeted $4 million for the project.

•Approved switching from Flaherty & Hood P.A. to Campbell Knutson Professional Association to provide the city’s employment law services.

•Appointed Ann Michaud to the position of Utility Billing Clerk effective July 1, as long-time “beloved” billing clerk Anne Kolodge is retiring. Michaud has worked as backup billing clerk and as part-time accounting clerk for the city.