TIME: 5:30 p.m.
MEMBERS
ABSENT: Frank
Studer
NON-MEMBERS
PRESENT: Sheryl
Puracchio City Administrator, Robin Theobald Director of Finance, Chief Evans,
Officer Boyle, Officer Brimer, Members of the Drug Coalition – Darla Neiss and
Ann Bobel, Members of the Press – Pam Monson and Mary Baskerville
Alderman Hermes made a
motion and Alderman Gilmour seconded to open the Police & ESDA Committee
meeting at 5:30 p.m. All yes. Motion passed.
Alderman
Gilmour made a motion and Alderman Combes seconded to approve the minutes as written and placed on file. All yes.
Motion passed.
DISCUSSION:
Investigative Report and Crime
Statistics
ACTION: Chief Evans reviewed crime statistics and summarized
that criminal damage to property, criminal damage to vehicles, and residential
burglaries has decreased. Arrests for sexual
assault (random) and possession (i.e. cannabis) have increased. Drug usage is up approximately 15% from
2005-2006 due to the “undesirables” in the area.
The
committee would like crime reports broken down by quadrants so the community is
better informed of what is going on in “their area”. Chief Evans stated he would have to manually go through every
arrest to create a report such as that.
The committee recommends that the police staff better educate themselves
on the computer software already in place to see if this option is available before
Chief Evans has to manually go through the reports.
Chief
Evans stated that with over a month to go until the end of the year there have
been seven hundred ninety-two compliance citations. With the increase in traffic there have been three thousand five
hundred one traffic citations. In 2005
there were one thousand four hundred seventeen traffic citations. He commended the officers for doing an
outstanding job.
DISCUSSION: Towing Vehicles
ACTION: Officer Brimer stated that since he has taken the
responsibilities of Code Enforcement Officer over thirty vehicles have been
tagged for towing. He contacts the
owner and gives them tens days to comply.
To date only one vehicle has had to be towed.
Officer Brimer would like the ordinance tightened up
a bit. The ordinance states that a car
cover can placed over the parked car and be in compliance. This seems to defeat the purpose of keeping
a neat appearance. Sheryl Puracchio
stated that this issue will be discussed at the next Ordinance and Licensing
Meeting.
DISCUSSION: Drug Coalition Progress
ACTION: Chief Evans is very happy with the progress of the
coalition. Over 100 families are listed
as “safe homes”. The open house on October 29, 2007 was a success.
Ann Bobel (coalition member) would like to see more
participation from city officials and the community. The committee suggested they inform members of the press of
meeting times to raise awareness to the community.
Darla
Neiss (coalition member) asked the City to donate funds. The coalition has been established for over
a year and they have a mission in place.
Chief Evans stated that the Police Department would be happy to donate
$500.00 from the drug fund.
Ms.
Neiss inquired about a public building to hold DUI services. The committee suggested the Lion’s Club,
Sheryl Puracchio will contact the club about these arrangements.
Alderman
Hermes made a motion and Alderman Gilmour seconded to go into Executive Session at 5:58pm to discuss specific personnel
issues
Alderman
Hermes made a motion and Alderman Mietzner seconded to resume open session at 6:21pm.
All yes. Motion passed
Alderman
Hermes made a motion and Alderman Mietzner seconded to adjourn at 6:22pm. All yes.
Motion passed.