Thanks to all who attended!
The meeting was called to order @ 7:05pm with a "Roll Call" of the evening shift TPD Squad 205 and Major John Bennett. Maj. Bennett spoke initially, informed the group of the previous evening's arrest in Grid 10 -- right around the corner from our meeting location -- of 2 male youths for attempted auto burglary, possession of marijuana & possession of stolen property. This arrest was made due to the vigilance of the Neighborhood Watch members of Grid 10. Lt. Lee, the evening shift commander for Cycle A, spoke briefly, then introduced the shift sargeant, Sgt. Allen, who, after introducing his shift officers individually, conducted Roll Call & passed on information pertinent to their shift work.
In the absence of the Grid Coordinator, a Block Leader from Grid 18 chaired the meeting. Follow up to previous complaints made in other meetings appeared to show that the instances of speeders and loud boom boxes-on-wheels has become less frequent. Nobody approached any newly divulged "hot spots" within Grid 18 over and above the already known ones; there is still dumping going on in some areas which is not being picked up by the solid waste dept, which will be addressed in the near future. There are open-air drug deals happening up on Linebaugh, especially at the car wash and Mobil station; there are also open-air drug deals going on within Grid 18, especially on Patbur at various street corners (this latter information was not discussed during the meeting). The graffiti party which occurred in Grid 10 in April was discussed. There was a "Roll Call" held May 16, 2009 at a vacant house @ 208 W. Linebaugh which was well attended by the immediate neighborhood.
The Farm Stores break-ins were mentioned. There have been 5 incidents of break-ins since New Years of this year, items stolen are cigarettes. There have been 2 arrests made in connection with the 4th break-in.
Lisa Timmers, TPD Liaison for Neighborhood Watch, gave a quick test of observation skills, then produced the statistics of incidents in Grid 18 for the past 3 months. Most of the activity is auto burglaries; there was 1 auto theft. Most other incidents involved business on Florida Avenue.
The subject of traffic relative to the schools was again brought up. We need an active campaign to get flashing lights installed near the crosswalk on Linebaugh. Something needs to be done with regard to the school traffic on Ola in front of Forest Hills Elementary. It was requested that we start a campaign to email the mayor's office about these topics.
Information was given with regard to how to contact the city for problems such as storm sewer issues, etc.
No new issues were introduced.
The meeting officially adjourned at 8:20pm. There were further discussions held "under the street lights" until approximately 9:20.
