Jill Schramm/MDN Minot firefighter Matt Taylor explains the cardiac rescue procedure as firefighter Brad Newman demonstrates the CPR and firefighter Alex Coleman looks on at right. They provided the demonstration during Thursday’s neighborhood meeting in Minot Public Library.

Residents heard about two large pricetag proposals to address the space needs of the Minot Police Department at a city-hosted neighborhood meeting in Minot Public Library Thursday. They also heard about strategies within the short-staffed department to recruit and retain personnel.

The Minot City Council plans to revisit the topic of what to do about the legacy city hall and the police department located there in May.

Interim Police Chief Dale Plessas said the council will need to find a solution for the police department’s space needs that is the most effective but with the least tax burden. The concern is not just the amount of space but the suitability of the design for a police department.

“The big problem that we’re running into is, obviously, the renovation is $46 million to $52 million. That’s a big chunk of money,” Plessas said. “Then for a new building, you’re looking at between $62 (million) and $70 million.”

If the council opts for renovation, the building would serve its needs for the next 25 years. However, the current location wouldn’t support additional expansion if needed after that time. On the other hand, a new location, not yet identified, could allow for future construction, but the cost might not be affordable.

“We understand these are some big price tags and maybe now is not the time to ask for that amount of money, so we’re trying to explore all alternatives,” City Manager Harold Stewart said.

An internal committee within the police department is looking into temporary remodeling that could buy some time, he said.

One resident suggested the police department focus first on its workforce, dealing with today’s issues before investing efforts into a future building.

Stewart said the city council is indeed focused on the personnel shortage and is looking at solutions.

Plessas explained the department’s proposal to use more Community Service Officers, who can fill roles that don’t require licensed law officers. The city currently has three, including the individuals who handle animal control and parking control. There is a proposal to collaborate with Minot State University to provide four part-time CSO positions to criminal justice students interested in law enforcement careers. They would handle items such as community outreach, writing reports, overseeing funeral processions, issuing tow tags and assisting in investigating accidents and incidents such as vandalism.

“Just having Community Service Officers who can actually take some of the tasks off of our officers will make a difference right now. It will make a difference today rather than a year from now or two years from now,” Plessas said. “It’s not the only thing we’re looking into but it’s something that we need to tap into. We need to have that Minot State connection.”

Plessas said the department also is looking into multiple other avenues for finding personnel, including reaching out to military members separating from the Air Force.