HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/15/1980 � �
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
URBAN AFFAIRS CON�IITTEE MEETING
MAY 15, 19�0
PRESENT: Chairman Hank P�yers; Committee ]!�embers Sharon Schwartz, Fred Tletry
Shirley �oering, Gloria Deters, Staff Member Rick Kelley and Advisory II
r�ember Lieutenant Erickson. i
ABSENT: Committee Members John McKay and Carol Hein
. Chairman Mey�rs called the meeting to order at 7:32 P.M.
?'�OTIONs- of Deters, seconded by Schwartz to approve minutes of the meeting
of May l, 1980, as written. YES - 5 - NO - 0.
Discussion of Keys in Vehicle �rdinance
The Gommittee gave an update of past discussion to Fred Metry.
Kelley informed the Committee he had talked to the City Attorney on the question
of liability and Jim Sheldon could not give a flat statement; he said it would
have to be dealt with case by case. In addition, Sheldon said the City woul�i
have to prove intention to break the law instead of intention to leave keys, in
vehicle.
Lieutenant Erickson reviewed ordinances of several cities u�ith the Committee and
discussion �aas held as to what aspects of each ordinance would best suit the
needs of �Apple Valley. Schwartz questioned St. Paul's enforcement and Erickson
said they do Garite citations and as a result it has reduced the number of auto
thefts.
Deters questioned people who leave their vehicles running while they run into
a store, etc. , and Erickson sug�;ested they leave the car with doors and windows
securely locked and take an extra set of keys.
Erickson inforr_ie� the Com�ittee of the many man-hours involved in recovering a
stolen:vehicle; he believes this ordinance would fit in e�ith the general philo:-
sophy of dealing with crime before the fact.
r�etry questioned the de�inition of a commereial vehicle and whether it would be
excluded; he believed that ttae Ciry had passed a restricted parking ordinance
at one time and the judge had ruled it unconstitutional. Erickson suggested
the City Attorney be contacted on that issue.
Deters �ecommended a public education program and the Coinmittee made suggestions
as to hoea best to handle this.
Sch�artz questioned the inclusion of other motorized vehicles such as motor cycles,
etc. , and rietry stated he believed they should not get too specific--the intention
being not to harass people. Schwartz said she is still not certain the City
should legislate this sort of thing. Erickson responded by statin� that a great
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URBAN AFFAIRS C�M?�IITTEE MINUTES
MAY 15, 1980
PAGE 2 _
deal of palice work was in the line of protecting people from themselves and
also their job 'is to make Apple Valley a sa.fer place. In his experience he
has found that most people leave their keys out of habit and that it is
generally not the professional who steals a vehicle but young people who
use it for "joy riding", which can be a danger. He stated that in the past
the City did not have many auto thefts; however, as the Gity grows there
seems to be an increase--there a�re more young people on the streets and at
a much later hour. He suggested there could be a period in which warning;
tags only were issued; however, the keys would have to be removed and the
officer would call in a report.
Metry believed the Model Ordinance was well-stated, not too specific, and
with a couple of exceptions it would probably suit the City`s needs.
MOTION: of Deters, seconded by �oering;, to recommend� the adoption of the
Model Ordinance regarding leaving keys in vehicles with the
- followin� exceptions: .
l. �xcept vehicles whose doors and windows are securely locked,
2. Exc�pt trucks which are enga�ed in loading or unloading,
and including the personal liability clause of the St. Paul '
ordinance contingent upon review and concurrence of same by the
City Attorney. V�JTE: YES -� 4 - NO - l (Schwartz) .
The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 P.�Z.