Melrose Council Opts for County Contract Over Fifth Officer Amid Military Deployment

MELROSE — January 19, 2017 — Melrose City Council moves toward county contract policing and advances 32-unit apartment project. The council voted unanimously to direct staff to negotiate a Stearns County Sheriff's Office contract to fill patrol coverage during Officer McDonald's military deployment of more than 400 days, rejecting a full fifth-officer hire that staff estimated would cost an additional $5,000 in 2017 and $15,000 in 2018 compared to the three-officer baseline. The council also adopted Ordinance No. 2017-9 reclassifying housing code violations as public nuisances, giving the city new enforcement leverage over deteriorating owner-occupied properties. Two resolutions advancing a 32-unit market-rate apartment development on the 400 block — including land options tied to developer Daniel Turkey and a parcel owned by Joe and Melissa — passed unanimously, with a public hearing and environmental assessment still required before any development agreement is finalized. A proposed fire insurance escrow account under Minnesota Statute Section 658 died for lack of a motion after council members raised concerns about government overreach and the need for clearer guidelines.