Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Pelican Rapids police chief asks council to allow pursuit of garage funding; council voices support but takes no formal action
Summary
Chief Todd Quaintance told the council the police department is experiencing squad issues and asked permission to explore garage space and funding with CEDA or 'Jordan.' Council members expressed support for an attached garage but did not authorize formal action at the meeting.
Police Chief Todd Quaintance presented operational concerns during the council’s discussion of the police report on Feb. 10, citing ongoing squad-vehicle difficulties and the department’s interest in finding garage space to reduce idle running and equipment wear.
Chief Quaintance said the department would like the council’s permission to explore options and funding sources with CEDA or staff member Jordan. "I'm asking that the council be okay with authorizing CEDA or Jordan to help procure that funding," he said. He described a preference for an attached garage so squads can pull in and shut off rather than running all day to stay warm.
Council members expressed support in principle. One councilor said, "I think it's a good idea, something probably we've needed for a long time," and others noted prior conversations about space. No formal motion or vote authorizing staff or CEDA to apply for funding occurred at the meeting; one councillor observed that a formal motion would be made when applications are submitted.
Because no authorization was recorded, the request remains a staff-level discussion point: if the council later chooses to pursue grants or to accept facility proposals, formal actions and budget approvals would be required.
Next steps: Chief Quaintance and staff will continue to explore options and, if they prepare applications or proposals, will return to the council with specific funding requests and motions to authorize applications or agreements.
