Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) – It appears the Rochester City Council will take a “measured approach” in dealing with issues in the downtown skyway system.

The council was briefed Monday about the growing use of the system as shelters and the increasing number of complaints about aggressive or disruptive behavior. Police Chief Jim Franklin told the council problems will likely increase unless they are addressed.

The council reached an informal consensus to proceed with a proposed ordinance to close the system during the overnight hours. It would replace the current policy concerning operational hours and give police officers enforcement authority. The proposal will come back for a formal decision at a later date. Other suggestions were also discussed but no consensus was reached.

The council also gave staff the go-ahead to seek bids for two proposed projects at the police department’s north station site.

One calls for a major overhaul of the existing building. It will be used by building and safety employees when they vacate their current space at the county campus. The other calls for a new building for the police department. A formal decision on that proposal may come after bids are reviewed.

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