Pine River Police forming volunteer police reserve

By Kelly Virden
kelly.virden@pineriverjournal.com

With additional people in town this summer the city's police are looking for volunteers to help keep Pine River safe.

Pine River Police Chief Josh Ebert hopes to have a roster of volunteers that he can rely on to help out around town - especially during special events that draw additional visitors to town.

Events like the duck races, Market Square farmers' and crafters' market, Summerfest and the Cass County Fair all draw crowds to town.

And, with the three full-time officers, one of whom is the police chief, extra help is needed.

Police reservist duties could include things like traffic control, neighborhood watch and patrol. Police reservists are volunteers and not licensed peace officers. However, they will be working closely with the local police department.

The number of volunteer hours per event varies - depending on the event.

Basically the police reserve will serve as support to the PRPD. Chief Ebert hopes to have at least 6-12 volunteers sign up. "We'll build on it as we go," Ebert said.

The only requirements are that the individual be 18 years old or older; have a clean criminal history; and a current driver's license.

The PRPD will provide training in defensive tactics, the use of force, and city ordinances.

A uniform and radio will be provided to police reservists. They will be unarmed.

Individuals interested in volunteering for the police reserve should pick up an application at the city clerk's office.

Nearby Pequot Lakes has a police reserve unit as well - that was formed in May 2006.

PLPD reservists volunteer their time to help the police department at community events and high school sports contests. They also do business and residence checks, ride along with Pequot Lakes police officers and direct traffic when needed.

The Pequot reserve was recognized as the Minnesota Police Reserve Officer Association "Spotlight ed State Reserve Unit." Currently there are approximately 70 reserve departments across Minnesota that are members of the MPROA.

Police Report

There were more than 35 more calls this May than in May 2008 - not including traffic calls.

Calls included:

10 disorderly conduct complaints

6 thefts

2 gas drive-offs

2 motor vehicle accidents

8 property damage complaints

1 trespassing complaint

4 harassment complaints

2 drug-related incidents

2 Driving While Intoxicated

8 animal complaints

18 traffic citations

29 medical calls

Also in police business:

Ebert reported that no-seatbelt use is now a primary offense statewide; if individuals in a vehicle are not belted, an officer can pull them over and ticket them.

The council also agreed that Officer Shawn Birr can work four hours during the Summerfest Firemen's Street Dance. He will be paid by the Fire Department.

The council approved the transfer of a forfeited vehicle title from the city to Miller Auto Body.

The city also approved switching the police chief from one-week to two-week pay periods; and to allow him three extra months with which to use his unused vacation time. They also made a similar extension for Officer Brian Sewall.

Small Cities Development Program

Last year the City of Pine River was approved for grant dollars to help rehabilitate eight owner-occupied housing units and rehabilitate eight commercial buildings.

Projects through the program are a mix of owner-financed plus zero interest deferred loans with no monthly payments. Homeowners in the city limits needed to meet low- to moderate-income guidelines to be eligible for the housing rehabilitation.

Leverson reported the following:

Housing Rehabilitation Projects:

8 applications total

2 projects completed

2 under construction

2 with signed contracts

1 project out for bid

1 soon-to-be out for bid

Commercial Rehabilitation Projects:

7 applications total

1 project completed

1 under construction

2 projects seeking owner equity

3 projects out for bid

Any residents interested in the owner-occupied housing rehabilitation or the commercial rehabilitation programs should fill out an application at city hall.

City Maintenance Report

MnDOT currently has plans for mill and overlay of Highway 84 in Pine River in 2011.

Bridge replacement at the dam in Pine River is scheduled for 2014. However, MnDOT's projects are subject to change depending on funding.

The council also heard of a Kinler and Gillespe alleyway concern. Individuals are storing items in the city's alleyway and there is disagreement among residents over use of the alley. The council approved $400 to have a survey done of the alley to determine the boundaries of the alley. Residents will be asked to remove their items from the alley, and to only access the alley from Gillespie, from the north.

Fire Department news

He also reported that the PRFD may be reimbursed for up to $3,695 for training from the Board of Firefighter Training and Education - a state board with appointees by the governor.

The PRFD has applied for a grant for a dry hydrant at the Lizzie Dam area on County Road 43. Dry hydrants are not hooked up to a city water supply - rather they draw water from nearby sources, like a lake, river or pond.

Building Inspector Report

Pine River Regional Airport

The council also approved land acquisition at the airport for future construction of a city-owned maintenance building at the airport; as well as the purchase of a tractor sweeper attachment for maintenance.

The land and the equipment purchase will likely occur by Aug. 1.

The city will not be spending taxpayer money for the land acquisition of the equipment - as they received Federal Aviation Administration grants for the projects.

Original News post:
http://www.pineandlakes.com/stories/061709/news_20090617108.shtml