02-22-06 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL rEBRUARY 22, 2006 Montreal Courts was informed of the severity of the issue and the frustration thaC the City and Sheriff's Department share in the limited attention thaC the ownership has given to this matter. The Administrator reported that Montreal Courts was informed that the City has been considering enacting a licensing ordinance for multi-family housing to try to address the issue, but would rather work cooperatively with the ownership in resolving the problem. The Administrator felt that the new president of Goldmark Corporation was dancing around the issues. Blesener indicated that the problem comes down to the need for an on-site presence of the Sheriff's Department at Montreal Courts. Goldmark Corporation made no commitments on the issue of security. The Administrator pointed out that some of the other multi-family properties in the City have good on-site management resulting in fewer problems. There has been no stability in the management at Montreal Courts. LaValle expressed concern with generating apart-time job for a Sheriff's Deputy. LaValle felt that the Sheriff's Department should be patrolling the complex more and be more visible. The City Administrator pointed out the high call volume at Montreal Courts, and felt that on-site security was needed. Whether that security is a Sheriff's Deputy or a private security guard was another issue. The Administrator noted the private security guard that does a great job at the Grand Pre' complex. Blesener suggested that the greatest need for security at Montreal Courts was on Friday and Saturday evenings for 6 to 8 hours. The Administrator suggested that if Montreal Courts refuses to address the issue, it might be worth it for the City to offer some financial assistance, hire security, and then demonstrate the reduction in the number of calls as a result of on-site security. Blesener pointed out that another meeting will be held next month, at which Montreal Courts is to come back with a proposal. Montour pointed out that Montreal Courts has been dragging their feet on this issue for a long time, and felt it was time to hold them accountable. He also noted that summer is coming, Chus the number of police calls at Montreal Courts will likely increase. The City Administrator indicated that since a security system was installed for access, the number of calls has dropped. He also noted that the Sheriff's Department indicated that the problems are not necessarily from the residents of Montreal Courts, but from acquaintances of people living at the complex.