Electronic security in the Washington County jail will undergo an overhaul after commissioners approved a new $2 million computer system last week.
"There's no question the need is there," said Commissioner Gary Kriesel, chairman of the County Board.
The contract with Stanley Convergent Security Solutions Inc., will replace a 23-year-old security system that operates doors, lights, radios, water flow and electronic monitoring.
"We have hundreds and hundreds of cameras doing the recording," Jail Cmdr. Roger Heinen told commissioners.
"A lot of parts are failing, not quite working," he said later. "We have blind spots where we can't see inmates and staff if there is an altercation."
The jail has five levels, four with housing pods and a control center from which correctional officers monitor inmates' behavior.
Even when the 223-bed jail isn't full, inmates are segregated by gender, age, behavior and mental illnesses — leaving many angles and corners to watch.

KEVIN GILES

ANDOVER

Fire department has new schedule plan

The Andover Fire Department is starting a new scheduling format to ensure that there are enough paid on-call firefighters to handle an emergency at any given time.

The format known as duty crews has been adopted by other paid on-call fire departments, including Maple Grove, Mound and Eagan.

During a recent City Council meeting, Fire Chief Jerry Streich said he struggles to find enough volunteers to respond to calls during the day, when many of the paid-on-call firefighters are working at their other jobs.

"With the current process, I have no idea who is coming," Streich said.

The firefighters are being asked to sign up for four shifts per month.

The duty crews staffing model will only be used at Station 1, the busiest station, Streich said.

Karen Zamora

Arden Hills

New Goodwill store nearing completion

A controversial new store being leased to Goodwill Industries is tentatively expected to open in mid-December, city officials say.

The nearly 18,000-square foot building is located at the northwest corner of County Road E and Lexington Avenue.

The new store will include a drive-through donation center.

The City Council last year denied the proposal over traffic and other concerns. A lawsuit led to a design change and a March 2015 approval.

STAFF REPORT

Anoka County

County to fill in gaps in 14½-mile trail

Anoka County is laying the groundwork to close the gaps in a 14½-mile trail that winds along Centerville Lake through Lino Lakes and Blaine all the way to Bunker Hills Regional Park.

County park planners have drafted a master plan for the proposed Bunker-Chain of Lakes Regional Trail this fall and are sharing it with city councils and the public.

Currently, 11½ miles are built. Filling the three remaining gaps will cost $6 million and could take 15 to 20 years to complete.

The paved trail will serve a growing population and meet a rising demand for outdoor public amenities, according to the master plan.

The completed trail will create links to parks, libraries and schools.

Shannon Prather

Roseville

Free 'fix-it' help for items needing love

A workshop this week will offer citizens help in fixing broken household items rather than discarding them and buying new — part of a reduce, reuse, recycle campaign.

The Roseville Housing and Redevelopment Authority is teaming up with the Roseville Library for the Saturday, Oct. 31 event.

You're invited to bring in small household appliances, clothing, electronics, mobile devices or other items that need repair.

It's at the Roseville Library Community Room, 2180 Hamline Av., from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Experts will offer free guided assistance on disassembling, troubleshooting and fixing items.

Registration is not required. Repairs will be made on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you have questions, call 651-792-7015.

STAFF REPORT