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11/21/1989 - Town Meeting TOWN MEETING November 21, 1989 The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Center with the following members present: Rita Garvey Mayor/Commissioner Don Winner Vice-Mayor/Commissioner Richard Fitzgerald Commissioner Absent: Lee Regulski Commissioner William Nunamaker Commissioner Also present: Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk Lois Martin, Vice President of the North Greenwood Association questioned what plans the city has that affects the North Greenwood area. It was stated that a plan has been put together for the North Greenwood commercial district and the commission has just received a report regarding housing in the area. Talmadge Rutledge of the North Greenwood Association expressed concerns that condemning houses puts some individuals in a bad position as they are not economically able to replace the house or rehabilitate it. Frank Kozdras complained that speeding and parking codes were not being enforced in this area. He reported that police officers have told him that the upper echelon in the police department have told them they do not have to do any more than they are. He also reported regarding a burglary incident in which they were told by the police department to "hold the bandit." Johnny Long, owner of the New Fountain complained that a building across the street which he had been promised would be demolished has not been. He also questioned why the city is not making housing available in the area when there are many vacant buildings there. He stated he has filed formal charges against the dispatcher in an incident last week in which they reported an individual with a machine gun and another individual with a nine millimeter gun and the call was sent to Largo. Officer, Frank Pirolio stated this is being investigated by internal affairs. Mr. Long also expressed concern that the planning department was unaware of the sidewalks and parking lots included in the Penny for Pinellas referendum which passed and stated there is a dire need for these in the Greenwood area and asked that they be expedited. Muhammad Abdur-Rahim, president of the North Greenwood Association presented a list of questions to the commission and requested that responses be sent to the North Greenwood Association. The list of questions is attached to these minutes as Exhibit A. Several people spoke emphasizing the need for additional police officers and higher visibility of police in the area, and the need for 24 hour manning of the Greenwood substation. They stated the drug problem needs to be addressed. Concerns were expressed regarding the number of police officers on the beach and it was recommended that some of them be brought over to the Greenwood area to provide additional protection. A request was made that the noise meter be used in the area for "boom boom" cars. And a recommendation was made that individuals arrested for incidents such as bottle throwing be required to clean up broken glass in the area. Talmadge Rutledge requested that the Utilities Department be investigated as they are mistreating people, particularly in the accounts division. The way in which people are billed was questioned. He also requested an investigation of from where the idea to sell the gas division came. Officer Frank Pirolio spoke regarding the efforts of the police department in the area and requested that people be patient and work with the police department. Yacub Balil, of the North Greenwood Association stated that members of the North Greenwood Association are trying to get telephone numbers in the area unlisted as they are being used by the drug dealers. He requested assistance from the city commission in this matter. Ms. Keith, of the Greenwood Panthers stated that they need a concession stand at the Greenwood Panther's field. She stated the city is saying that they have to pay $10,000 dollars for a pumping station before this concession stand can be constructed. She requested that these costs be waived. Mr. Rahim indicated that the request for a waiver is because they feel the cost is "way out of line." Mrs. Martin reported that she will be seeking cooperation from the city regarding a project for children at risk. The children are taught and given experience in work situations. Joyce and Vinn Greco questioned the status of the Stevenson's Creek Project and expressed concerns that opposition that has been raised will cause delays in the project. Mayor Garvey and Commissioner Winner responded saying that storm water has to be addressed and that we are addressing environmental concerns. Mrs. Martin questioned whether or not the project would include the entire creek or stop at Betty Lane. Charles Rutledge raised a question regarding the status of Missouri Avenue extension and Alternate 19. The commission members present indicated a time frame for this is uncertain at this time. Johnny Long questioned demolitions taking place on either side of the Pinellas Trails route and expressed concerns that buildings need to be built back. Dennis Cooper thanked Officer Pirolio for helping to clear out a situation 2regarding drug activity on Sundays on Palmetto Street. He suggested that the Greenwood Panther's be allowed to participate in the spring training parking program at Jack Russell Stadium in order to obtain additional revenues. Mr. Balil raised a question regarding what can be done when drug dealers or drug people no longer take notice of task force actions. The mayor recommended that there be a joint meeting between the North Greenwood Association, the NAACP, and the police department to talk about what can be done. Johnny Long questioned whether or not palm trees would be placed back on North Greenwood Avenue and it was indicated that this is part of the renovation plan of the North Greenwood commercial district. The meeting adjourned at 9:00 P.M.