Safety A Concern For Waite Park Staff, City Hall Looks At Security Upgrades

WAITE PARK -- Officials in Waite Park are wanting to make some upgrades at City Hall, more so in the security department.

During a work session this (Monday) evening City Administrator Shaunna Johnson addressed the idea of making some security improvements to the administration office.

The proposal would include reconstruction of the front lobby to provide more counter and work space, and have windows looking into the administrative office--similar to the reception desks at police departments.

Johnson says this would provide the staff a sense of security and better protect them in the event a threat should happened -- much like what happened during a city council meeting in New Hope this past January.

Several members of the council were on board with this idea, however some stressed a window would take away interaction with the public and may be intimidating.

Waite Park Police Chief Dave Bentrud says many cities are putting windows in the administration office at city hall and doesn't see this set up as intimidating.

After further discussion the council felt it was important to move forward with the plans.

Johnson says she will continue to work on final designs and estimated cost for the upgrades to bring back the the council for final approval.