Minutes 03/24/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 1998 that a great number of calls answered by the Police Department come from the West Side, and that although an emphasis had recently been placed on Roundabout Road and Massey Street it had been difficult to identify violations that warranted arrests. Chief Edwards noted that there were four times as many officers being placed in the West Side areas as the rest of the City, and that he could not afford to place more emphasis there without further straining his resources and further limiting coverage elsewhere in the City. Reverend Flood then stated that the greater police presence in the neighborhood recently had been a big help and had curbed much of the bad activity. Council Member Teague stated that it is good to know that some folks recognize the efforts the Police are making, and that these efforts are getting results. Mayor Adams added that it is very important for the residents of the neighborhood to share information with the police, and Chief Edwards added that any of the residents who wanted to meet with he and other members of his Department to discuss solutions to their problems just needed to call and invite them over to the neighborhood to talk. Ms. Marguerite Wilson of 1500 Roundabout Road - Noted a problem with garbage in vacant lots in the neighborhood, and parking and traffic problems on her street. In response to questions from Council Member Dallas and Mr. Reynolds, ChiefEdwards stated that his officers do enforce traffic and parking laws, but that there were often greater law enforcement priorities in need of attention in the neighborhood under discussion. Mayor Adams asked whether there was the possibility of fines in the case of unkempt vacant lots, and Mr. Reeves replied that there were, but that second or multiple offenses were not cumulative in there severity. Mr. Reeves went on to say that behavior was difficult to change or enforce. Mrs. Haskell responded by noting that enforcement efforts to this point had had a positive effect, and City Attorney David Worthy noted that if progressively stronger penalties were not in place they could be enacted. Mayor Adams noted that such progressive fines could be effective, but that the property rights of citizens would still have to be carefully observed. Vice-Mayor Crabtree noted the importantic of diligence in reporting problems and enforcing existing laws, and Council Member Haskell emphasized the importance of setting good examples, such as Ms. Wilson's actions. Council Member Teague then asked about parking signage on Roundabout Road, and Mr. Reynolds stated that this would be checked to see if what was in place was appropriate for the