Agenda 05/11/1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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TUESDAY. MARCH 23. 1999 Chief of Police David Edwards noted that a shortage of officers currently existed due to numerous position vacancies, and stated that the level of police patrol would probably be lower than desired until about November of 1999. Other measures, such as greater citizen involvement and the new mobile precinct, were discussed as ways to improve conditions. Ms. Pinkard stated that additional improvement could be made if the car wash at Askin Street could be closed. Others from the neighborhood agreed, citing loud music from cars there as a problem. Ms. Gloria Hylton then spoke, complementing the City for the good clean up work going on and the Fire Department' s response to a problem at her mother' s house the previous Christmas. She then expressed concern about a large two-story house in her neighborhood that was up for sale, expressing her hope that it would not be turned into multi-family housing. Mr. Whitlow stated that there were much tougher restrictions on such conversions now, and that both zoning restrictions and building code restrictions would be used to ensure a better outcome. Ms. Virginia Harding then spoke, stating that she was a felon who had served her time in prison and was now seeking to reestablish herself as a member of the community, but was having a hard time finding employment. She stated that she had an eleven-year old daughter she was trying to raise, and that her father had just died. Mr. Reynolds stated that he would set up a meeting for Ms. Harding with Ms. Joyce Martin, Director of Henry-Martinsville Social Services, and her staff, and help Ms. Harding work through her problems. Council Member Dallas suggested that Ms. Harding should also call her area legislative representatives and voice her problems, stating that the State had a greater responsibility for helping released felons move back into their communities successfully. Mr. Clyde Williams, former City Council Member, then spoke to thank the City Electric Department for their prompt response to a recent problem at his home. Mayor Crabtree also noted a letter of thanks in Council's packet regarding a response by the Water Resources Department to a resident's problem. Ms. Pinkard then thanked Vice-Mayor Teague, Council Member Roop and City Manager Reynolds for their help in the past week on the grant effort for the Southside Community Development Block Grant. There were no further comments, and the Neighborhood Town Meeting was closed. 38