By Clark Natalie

Deputy Shane Carrol attended the Harris City Council meeting to give the report on the police protection provided by Chisago County Sheriffís Department. As part of the report, the discussion of meth labs arose. Carrol indicated that not only is there a prevalence in Harris but in the eastern area of Minnesota, running from the Twin Cities to Duluth. That is why the Chisago County Sheriffís Department has become proactive in fighting this trend, he said. They have an investigator specifically for drugs, and will add another. Before the end of the year, the department will also bring on two dogs specifically to locate drugs.

The Council members pointed out that they are in the process of updating the city ordinances to make it easier for the sheriffís departmentís enforcement in Harris. Carrol said anything they could do to help would be appreciated.

Citizens' calls important
Discussion came up about specific residences in Harris, and the number of calls they have received about them. Carrol indicated that any calls they get should be directed to Investigator Todd Frank. The department is limited in what they can do, unless they have probable cause, he said. With a call from a citizen, law enforcement can develop trends which will aide them. The calls can be anonymous if they chose, but giving their name will help in developing a case. Carrol said Minnesota is one of few states where a suspect can not give up his or her right to let police search without probable cause. An example Carrol used was if they stopped a vehicle on a traffic stop and were suspicious, they were not able to ask the suspect for permission to search the vehicle. The officer would have to see drug paraphernalia in the car to have probable cause.

Nuisance houses
In other issues, Carrol and the Council discussed the nuisance houses. Carrol said he had tried to contact the occupants with no luck. He then sent letters that said if the problems are not corrected in 30 days, the owner would be subject to a misdemeanor. The letter listed the violations and what it would take to remedy the situation.
The billing issue is also resolved, with any citation issued in Harris, whether a contract officer or not, will go to Harris.

Subdivision requests
There were two subdivision preliminary requests on the table. The first by Allan Jarchow and Carolyn Holmstrom to split 5 acres from their property. This was approved.

The second was for the Deerwood Estates Subdivision. This plat was forwarded on from the Planning Commission with recommendation to approve subject to the County approving the driveway access, having outbuildings removed and a requirement to upgrade 475th street. The Council was set to approve subject to these conditions, when the owner/developer, Vince Charles, asked what improvements had to be made to 475th Street. Two memos had been provided by the city planner and city engineer. The memo from the engineer said the city should adopt the revised Engineering Design Standards, which they proceeded to do. The Council asked maintenance supervisor Mike Kirz for an estimate of what it would cost to upgrade the street. Kirz estimated $16,000, using local contractors.

Charles said that the only memo he received from the city engineer said that 475th street should be blacktopped. Kirz said his estimate did not include blacktop. Charlesí application was on file in March of this year and he said the standards just adopted where not in place at that time. Charles said he would contribute to the upgrade of 475th Street, but would not bear the full cost of blacktopping. It was decided, with Charlesí approval, to extend the platting process for 30 days to further discuss this with the city engineer.

In other action,
ï Mayor Rick Smisson reported on the status of the city computer. It is still being repaired, and could take another week. He also ordered two hard drives for the computer. The cost was $300.

ï The Council will again contact Heartbreakers concerning the trash that is being left in not only their parking lot, but other neighbors. The Council also had heard from residents that Big Daddy's is having the same problem with broken beer bottles and oil containers. They will be given a verbal warnings followed by a letter from the city attorney.

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