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The North Branch Police Department is on its way to incorporating drones, or unmanned aerial devices into its operations. The city council gave Police Chief Dan Meyer the okay last week to proceed on crafting a drone policy and to collect public input and comment.

Chief Meyer said the state statutes on law enforcement drone use require some front end work in order to have a drone program.  Similar to the body worn camera use guidelines— drone programs  must comply with statutory principles: for example data privacy,  the type of evidence allowed to be collected (visual, audio), hours when the units can be flown and where and for what reasons.

Meyer said the Chisago County Sheriff has provided North Branch Police drone services in the past when in need of mutual aid for locating lost persons, fleeing suspects, and other incidents when aerial observation is most helpful.  North Branch Public Works, Economic Development Authority and other city personnel will also likely make use of the city drone capabilities, he added.

North Branch is fortunate that it has one FAA certified officer already on staff who can operate an unmanned aerial unit.

There will be an official time period announced for public comment and a date set for a public hearing in order to adopt the needed policy.

~ Contracts for the operating engineers union were accepted.

The two year agreement is effective as of 2025 January. Language included clothing allowance of $500 maximum, for full time employees. There is a $25,000 life insurance policy at city cost provided. Health insurance premium payment is shared 90-10, with the city 90 percent capped at $1,200 per month this year.

In other matters before the city council, there were two complaints during open microphone about the hazards related to city fireworks that have been displayed the last few years in the Grand Avenue-Hwy. 95 area.

Homeowners say they have observed still-burning fireworks debris falling near their houses,  and demanded the location for the launching  be moved.  The displays are sent into the air too close to their houses and the activity does not comply with distance regulations.  One man said he sits by his house with a garden hose in his hand and guards against accidental fires.

The council does not take action on open mic items and it is just an opportunity to bring matters to their attention.

~ There was a closed session at the end of the council meeting for a performance evaluation of the new city administrator.

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