Minutes 06/27/1989 - Laserfiche WebLink

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TUESDAY, JUNE 27, 1989 ADDENDUM #1 (Text of City Manager Brown's Response toRecent Report and Recommendations on Drug Abuse in Martinsville) During the June 13, 1989, meeting of Council, Barry Greene, Chairman of the Ad Hoc Drug Abuse Committee, submitted a report and recommendations covering the drug abuse in Martinsville. After completion of his presentation, Council requested that this matter be placed on the June 27 Agenda of Council for further consideration with a request that I respond to this report with options and recommendations. The principle recommendation states that: "The Committee recommends that City Council appoint a permanent Blue- Ribbon Committee to continue to study the drug problem and to coordi- nate the various preventative and rehabilitation drug programs in the City. The new Committee should be given responsibility for developing programs in the area of law enforcement and courts, schools, and rehabilitation and community education that will benefit and assist those agencies in dealing with the problem. Priority should be given to implementing the actions needed to overcome deficiencies that currently exist in the community as detailed in this report." RESPONSE: First let me say that I am in agreement with the information set forth in the report and the above recommendations. I would suggest that Council go forth as soon as possible with the appointment of the permanent Blue~Ribbon Committee which would be responsible for addressing the recommendations and deficiencies as set forth in the report. The primary objective, in my opinion, should be that of informing the public about all aspects of the drug problem and to generate interest and a desire of our citizens to become involved with all aspects of the efforts that are being made or will be made to deal with the drug problem in our community. It is, therefore, very important for the public to have as much input as possible into the selection of the Blue-Ribbon Committee. I would, therefore, recommend that the selection process include a request to the general public for those who are interested and wish to serve on this committee to submit their names to the City Manager's Office for consideration by Council for appointment to the Committee. I would also suggest that letters be sent to all of the civic clubs, churches, and other recognized organizations asking these groups to submit nominees for possible appointment to the Committee. Council, of course, always has the privilege of selecting from those names submitted or any other citizen that they feel would serve well on the Committee. It seems to me in this case to be appropriate for Council to select the Chairman, recognizing that this is a position that requires great leadership and an understanding of Council's objectives in carrying out the work of the Committee.