03-04-1998 _
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LINCOLN PARK TASK FORCE
Meeting
March 4, 1998
Minutes
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Willie Montgomery. The Pledge
of Allegiance was recited and a prayer was given by Dec. Edward Wright. Chairman
Montgomery started the meeting by first apologizing for not getting announcements
into the churches regarding this meeting and the agenda. He then thanked the
Clermont Police Department for all of their hard work The minutes from the March 4th
meeting were read and approved. In the future, Wayne Saunders will mail each task
force member a copy of the agenda for the upcoming meeting.
Park Update
On February 11, the Parks and Recreation Committee approved all
recommendations made by the task force including the name of the park. Council
Speedy Wolfe presented a plan for the park which Includes most of the items
requested by the community. It will now be presented to the Lake County School
Board. Councilman Wolfe reassured everyone that the plan could be changed, but it
was necessary to go forward with making the presentation to the school board. He
also informed the group that grants have been applied for and with the expertise of the
members of the Parks & Recreation Committee, this park could be completed this year
There are lots of volunteers ready to work toward the completion of the park.
Chairman Montgomery presented a copy of the preliminary drawing of the park
which includes a covered pavilion with bathrooms and an amphitheater, resurfacing
existing basketball courts, volleyball court (sand), new playground equipment, picnic
tables & grills, a multipurpose field, walking trail and parking. A fence will surround the
entire park Street lights will be installed every 150 feet. Member Alexander
Montgomery suggested that a sketch of the park be put in the newspaper so people in
the community could see it Chairman Montgomery said that he would talk to Wayne
Saunders. Councilman Wolfe encouraged the community to attend the Parks &
Recreation Committee meeting to give input The committee meets every 2nd
Wednesday Each church will receive a newsletter indicating what happened in this
meeting and the agenda for the upcoming meeting It will also include the date for the
Parks & Recreation Committee meeting
s
Drug Related Issues
Several members discussed some of the drug activity they have personally
observed and had been shocked at how open some of the people involved were.
Detective Cheatam stated that he was aware of these activities, but had to abide by the
law. The police can not stop and search a person without probable cause. If they
receive a call from a citizen who states that they have observed someone selling drugs
or a group they believe have drugs, they can come out, stop and search them. The
police department is also notifying homeowners of what's happening on their property
This has helped. The department has also considered renting an apartment in the
area and turning it into a Substation. Detective Cheatam stated that it is very frustrating
because they have made arrests, only to have the cases negotiated with little or no
punishment. Many arrests have been made on selling drugs within 1000 ft of a public
school, but then probation is the only punishment.
Member Alexander Montgomery stated that more police visibility, along with
community involvement will make a big impact on the drug problem. Sargent
Simmons said that his officers should be patrolling the neighborhood regularly and
parking and walking the neighborhood. If this is not being done, please notify him. Mr.
Montgomery also feels that a curfew and making parents responsible for their children
who break the law would be effective.
Member Craig Hill stated that additional lighting in needed in the entire
neighborhood. Along with Patricia Hobensack, Mr. Hill will survey the neighborhood
and make recommendations to the City Manager as to where additional lighting is
needed.
Other topics discussed were loitering, isolated areas, and lack of security.
Sargent Simmons stated that no loitering signs can be posted, but in most cases those
who are loitering will simply move on to another spot. Several isolated area were
mentioned The field at the corner of Bloxam and East Desoto needs to be cleared and
abandoned vehicles removed
Chairman Montgomery requested that the agenda for the next meeting cover
the neighborhood watch program, abandoned vehicles and a park update The next
meeting will be April 1.
The meeting was adjourned
Task Force Members Present Willie Montgomery Wilbert Montgomery
Craig Hill Linda Jensen
Rena Clark Doreathe M Cole
Patricia Hobensack Aurelia M. Cole
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Councilman Speedy Wolfe, Liaison