Minutes 09/13/1988 - Laserfiche WebLink

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1988 While I realize it is very difficult to budget more closely, perhaps an effort can be made in the coming budget season so that the concerns over our financial situation are not over-dramatized or under-stated. After referring to a publication known as "Town Hall Newsletter", as to whether' all members of Council are. receiving copies thereof, and after referring to a leaf-compost project underway by the City of Burlington, Vermont (suggesting that City Manager Brown investigate its feasibility, as it might apply to Martinsville), Councilman Cole presented the following prepared self- explanatory statement, with Council unanimously concurring with Mr. Cole's request set forth therein: In light of the events of the past few days, it seems appropriate to me for Council to bring certain subjects clearly into focus through discussion. The special meeting conducted by Council last Friday (September 9, 1988) was the direct result of the work of the "Ad Hoc Committee To Study Efficiency In Our City Government". This was documented by Councilman Allan McClain in his memorandum dated August 2, 1988. The issue of what to do with the dispatchers when the E-911 system is in operation should be resolved on its own merits. Meanwhile, I agree completely with Councilman McClain's statement dated September 9, 1988. The subject of the drug problem, although definitely related to the work-load of the Police Department, was brought to our attention through an article published in our local newspaper on Sunday, September 4, 1988. As you now know, this article caused me to write my letter dated September 5, 1988. Police Chief Terry L. Roop has listed four factors which must be addressed if we are to overcome illegal drug activities. These four factors are: (1) lack of police manpower; (2) regulations limiting the power of police officers; (3) lack of consistent penalties from the Courts for convicted drug offenders; and (4) community apathy. Tonight, Mr. Mayor and members of City Council, I would like to ask that Council refer this four-point program to our City Manager and ask that he study the situation and come back to Council with his recommendations for accomplishing the goal. I recommend this as Council's first step toward combatting the local drug problem.