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Harris requests extra patrolsBy Danielle Strenke The Harris City Council met with Chief Deputy Todd Rivard of the Chisago County Sheriffís Department at its regular meeting Monday, discussing several concerns within the city. The council had requested that a representative from the sheriffís department be at the meeting. ìIf you could be here and just make a presence it makes a huge difference.î Rivard said it is helpful for the deputies to know what concerns the city has, and meeting with the council on a regular basis will keep lines of communication open. Mayor Richard Hanson also asked Rivard if the deputies could patrol more residential streets, instead of concentrating on CR 30 and CR 9. ìAlso, get your radar sign here, thereís a couple of trucks that come through town really fast,î Walton said. Rivard also gave the council several crime figures for the city, comparing last year to this yearís totals through June. Burglaries in 2001 were 5, while 5 have been reported this year. Thefts in 2001 were 31, so far this year, 18. DUI arrests were 10 last year, and 5 so far this year. Speeding violations were 55 last year and 27 this year. Vandalisms have nearly tripled with half of 2002 remainingñ there were 4 reports in 2001 and already 11 this year. Suspicious activity reports have also increased, from 10 last year to 34 this year. Rivard said that was a good statistic to see increase. ìThatís a good sign, it means your citizens are watching out for it and calling in,î he said. The council also expressed concern over drug problems, particularly meth labs. ìItís not as big of a problem here, but it is all over,î Rivard said. Meth labs are extremely costly to clean up, he said, ranging up to $50,000 for disposing of toxic chemicals and supplies from one lab. ìIt also costs the city, because fire departments are responding too,î fire chief John Pelant said. Rivard said the sheriffís department could put something together for them. Mayor Hanson said one thing Councilor Dave Christianson always wanted to find out was where the revenue goes from fines collected by the department within the city limits. ìThat would be a question for the city administrator, but you certainly should be getting a percentage,î Rivard said. The council will include a report from the sheriffís department on the agenda for its second meeting every other month. With a deadline of July 8, the council has received one application to fill out Christiansonís term until the Nov. election. The council also approved plans for a Harvest Festival Oct. 12, including a street dance, craft vendors and food booths, bingo and beer tent. ©ECM Post Review |