Several hardy souls braved the cold to come out to the North Ramada last night--what dedication!
Meeting started by updating Officers Radford and Durbin and Lieutenant Roberts about the city Bushmaster development forums. Some time was spent discussing roller derby and why that was a popular suggestion. A few residents expressed excitement about the developments and the roller rink possibilities. Citizens were encouraged to write to City Council members with their support of the park development. Michele reported that she, Mary Walter, and I appeared briefly on the NAU news channel talking about the park development Monday night. Again, draft concept plan is online on the city's website.
Officer Durbin gave a quick rundown of park crime statistics. Not too many reports this month (statistician was gone, so no "official" numbers). Some drinking violations, the urinating in public violation that appeared in the daily sun, the report of the transient who said he was attacked in the park (also in the Daily Sun) but the hospital thought it looked more like he fell, and finally, a young man (18-19) was reported trying to sell a gun in the park with the serial numbers scratched off. With this last report, the police department was originally given a bad description of the guy. He (the alleged seller) apparently went to CVS. He asked the clerk if the police were gone, went out and retrieved something from the trash, and took off. Keep your eyes out for this activity.
Michele asked if the police could provide some comparison statistics with other parks. Officer Durbin said yes, but Officer Radford said that other parks really don't see the same activity. Homeless at Thorpe, but because of the lack of alcohol availability, not really an issue.
Citizens were reminded to keep car doors locked as there has been a rash of burglaries from unlocked vehicles all around the city.
I asked if the officers could provide some kind of "cheat sheet" or key for when folks should call. My rationale was that many people don't feel comfortable calling or feel they don't want to get involved. If I had something to hand to folks from the police department saying, "here are some guidelines for when to call us" then they might feel more comfortable. Officer Durbin said he would be worried about liability. If something happened and a citizen said, "oh well I was just following this sheet" then that might be bad for the police department. Officer Radford just reiterated that it is better to call on something innocuous then not to call on something that could lead to more serious issues. Sometimes calling in is because we as citizens feel unsafe, but sometimes it is because we are concerned about the safety of the individual we are calling on. So if someone looks like they are passed out--they can easily be a target for theft or attack. I may make something up and put it on the blog--coming from me and not the police department. I think it can be worded such that it doesn't incur liability.
A reminder was given about the park clean up day sponsored by the Flagstaff Leadership Program. Lots of different tasks, lots of people expected, food, etc.
At this point some separate discussions broke out and the group largely disbanded.
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