HomeMy WebLinkAbout021198 rm min CITIZEN'S ADVISORY BOARD
Minutes
Wednesday, February 11, 1998 7:00 PM
City Commission Conference Room
PRESENT: Linda Kuhn, Richard Huber, Joan Campbell, Tom Carpenter, Dean Ray
Police Chief Joe Dillard, Cmdr Thomas Bronson, Officer Terri Murray,
Officer Alan Smith and Gracy Posley
This meeting was called to order by Vice - Chairperson Mrs Kuhn. Mrs. Kuhn requested the
minutes of January 14, 1998 be tabled until the upcoming meeting since there was not a
quorum.
Mrs. Kuhn and Mr. Ray attended the City Commission Workshop of January 26 re CAB's
functions. Mrs. Kuhn's understanding of CAB's functions per Mayor /City Commission is for CAB
to be a liaison between the citizens and the police department. Mrs. Kuhn suggests CAB look
at recommendations in the PAS report and work with Police Chief Dillard re recommendations of
reorganizing the police department and attempt to assist the police department in implementing
things that will enhance the police department's image in the community. Mr. Carpenter's
impression is the Mayor basically left things open for CAB to be aggressive in finding productive
CAB business. Police Chief Dillard mentions CAB's ordinance to be implemented and for
members to bring new and innovative programs to CAB.
Mrs. Kuhn introduces the two community policing officers, Officer T. Murray and Officer A. Smith
presently assigned to the westside area (3rd St. - 25th St. west of 17 -92). Ofr Smith describes
community policing duties. State officers will be doing foot patrol, talking to citizens and business
owners re problems; community policing officers will be assisting primary officers on -call in the
area. Following -up and resolving problems in the community will also assist the Investigations
Division. Ofr Smith state right now citizens aren't comfortable with talking to police. This is an
area CPT will strive to restore. Ofr Murray state community policing will get citizens to help
themselves as well. Ms. Hardy -Blake of Crooms suggested to Ofr Murray; have a community
meeting (scheduled for 03/27/98 at Crooms) rather than a meeting about problems.
Mrs. Campbell and Mrs. Kuhn suggested Ofr Murray contact Michael Mobley or Vernon McQueen
with Seminole Hope re the westside community. Ofr Murray want police officers to have a
positive effect on children and for the children to be involved with community programs. Police
Chief Dillard advises four to five deputies to join the Sanford community policing team. Also
plans are being arranged for a sub - station set up in the Goldsboro area via the Sheriff's
Office /police department through a CDBG grant. Police Chief Dillard state the primary goal of
CPT is to regain confidence of the citizens and seek positive results in all areas of the City of
Sanford.
Mrs. Kuhn mentioned the City's Nuisance Abatement Board which handles repeated drug and
prostitution problems. The Supreme Court made a decision if Nuisance Abatement Boards closed
any business, the municipality has to pay for any losses incurred by the business due to closure.
Mrs. Kuhn found a case where the nuisances could be declared as a private nuisance.
Mrs. Kuhn and neighborhood watch in the Historic District have met with citizens re pursuing the
nuisances as private. No definite answers have been received as of yet. Property owners of
318 Palmetto Ave. and Cameron's Place hotels were saying they could not evict tenants who
were part of the drug /prostitute nuisances; owners have had many of the unsatisfactory tenants
removed. Apparently the word is being passed re the private nuisance law. Mr. Carpenter
CAB Minutes
February 11, 1998
Page 2 of 2
mentions the case in California where a $218,000. settlement was awarded to 75 private citizens
re nuisance related crime reports from a 44 unit apartment complex. This is the same case
Mrs. Kuhn is referring to re case law for private nuisances. Mr. Carpenter state this is an item
all neighborhood watches should be aware of. Police Chief Dillard mentions an anti - slumlord
ordinance in Chicago that is being forwarded to his office that could possibly be of use in
Sanford.
Mrs. Campbell thanked Cmdr Bronson for setting up the SMART trailer on Airport Blvd., Academy
Manor area. Comments the Academy Manor wall has been painted; it was covered with graffiti.
Cmdr Bronson advises the clean up of graffiti is done by the Juvenile Justice Center
Consequence Unit (adjudicated juveniles convicted of crimes). Mrs. Campbell does not
understand why there is barbed /razor wire on the 10 feet Academy Manor residential wall.
Community police officers to inquire.
Mrs. Kuhn mentions the Mayor /City Commission made the suggestion for CAB to possibly meet
quarterly. Members present seemed to favor meeting monthly. Can be discussed further when
there is a quorum.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:45 PM.