City Council Neighborhoods Sub Committee

NEIGHBORHOODS SC MEETING MINUTES 1/23/2017 - Minutes 1. Roll Call Roll Call showed 3 present (C. Rourke; C. Leahy; C. Samaras). Other present were Manager Murphy; Supt. Taylor (LPD); Nick Navin (Parking Dir.); C. Leary; C. Mercier; Dave Ouellette (Insp. Services); Mary Ann Ballotta ((LPD); Lt. Don Crawford (LPD); and Michael Demaras (Neighborhood Services). 1.I. Neighborhoods SC January 23, 2017. 2. Meeting Called To Order C. Rourke called meeting after the neighborhood group had opened their meeting. 3. Order Of Business 3.I. Discussion: Downtown Neighborhood Issues. Introduction of all in attendance were made. Lt. Crawford provided group with handout entitled "Lowell Police Department Downtown Compstat Crimes 12/23/16 - 1/22/17 and issued crime report to the group. Lt. Crawford noted uptick due to holiday and increased police presence in the area. C. Leahy questioned time frame of car breaks in the area and Lt. Crawford noted that the crimes were spread throughout the day. Mr. Navin noted that gates behind the Roy Garage were operating and would be attended to. Supt. Taylor noted that the 2016 crime data will indicate a drop in crime city wide including downtown and further noted drop in shooting crimes as well. Supt. Taylor noted that City Council has provided needed resources for this to happen. Ms. Ballotta commented on pursuit of grant to assist the downtown and noted the various matters that could be addressed by use of the grant. Ms. Ballotta noted the process for the grant and time frame for implementation if the City were awarded the same. C. Samaras commented on transitional center in downtown and Ms. Ballotta noted that this grant could enhance day programs for clients so they would not gather on streets. Supt. Taylor noted that the grant would not increase the capacity of the center only the services. C. Rourke noted that Centralville had used such a grant prior. C. Mercier noted how far the downtown has come and commented that the transitional center should have day services for clients. C. Samaras questioned if clients should be mandated to be involved in day programs. Ms. Ballotta requested letter of support from group to assist with the grant application. Manager Murphy spoke to the group outlining the strides made regarding public safety; education; and economic development. Manager Murphy noted that team effort was involved and that the Council has been supportive in all of the efforts. Mr. Ouellette outlined the role of Inspectional Services in the downtown. Mr. Navin commented on work being done in  that the grant would not increase the capacity of the center only the services. C. Rourke noted that Centralville had used such a grant prior. C. Mercier noted how far the downtown has come and commented that the transitional center should have day services for clients. C. Samaras questioned if clients should be mandated to be involved in day programs. Ms. Ballotta requested letter of support from group to assist with the grant application. Manager Murphy spoke to the group outlining the strides made regarding public safety; education; and economic development. Manager Murphy noted that team effort was involved and that the Council has been supportive in all of the efforts. Mr. Ouellette outlined the role of Inspectional Services in the downtown. Mr. Navin commented on work being done in all parking garages and fielded questions regarding event parking and garage repairs. C. Rourke made closing remarks and C. Leahy thanked the neighborhood group and administration. 4. Adjournment Motion to Adjourn by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Samaras. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 8:15 PM. Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk.