Lewton-Rich Neighborhood Association
September 20, 2007
1. Welcome—meeting opened at 7:05 p.m.
2. Introductions—24 adults present, 4 children
3. Pledge
4. "Sentencing Guidelines" presentation by the Honorable Stuart J. Dunnings.
a. Example of sentencing
b. Discussion and explanation of how guidelines move penalties from State to County.
c. Indicated that state legislators would not have created these problems if they did not have term limits, which induce lack of long term thinking.
d. Suggested to create petition to remove term limits and create a part time legislation.
5. Introductions—Debra Canja, candidate for the LCC Board spoke briefly, as dis Edward Woods, and Sarah Anthony, all candidates for the LCC board. Also, a representative from the Honorable Joan Bauer's office brought greetings on her behalf.
6. Lansing Police Department's Report; Officer Jason Bock, afternoon shift officer returns to Team 9 which brought applause from the neighbors, who are very happy that Office Bock is back. South Precinct Captain Theresa Szymanski and Sgt. Frank Koenigsknecht reported on crime in the area and provided us with crime maps. They stressed the use of the non- emergency number of 483-4600 when reporting crimes of a non-emergency nature.
a. Cut-through traffic was discussed and we were asked to drive careful in all areas, especially in school areas, as we have two in our immediate neighborhood.
b. Sgt Koenigsknecht
i. speaks in support of Stuart's report and his operation in general;
ii. Describes the radio problem which has problems at the moment, and stated that the new towers are no guarantee of a solution.
iii. passes out crime maps; LRNA is has low crime. Non-random break-ins on Deerfield Street. Cooper Street occupant had a purse stolen, Rite-Aid has sign posted about purse snatchers in the area. He warned everyone to be especially careful.
iv. Don't leave sliding doors open. It's just an invitation for the bad guy to come in.
v. Call police if persons ask for help or money after hours.
vi. Parking problem at Lewton still exists and LPD is working with the school to eliminate this.
7.
Ingham County Commissioners' report:
Vic Celentino was present and talked about the budget and restoring recommend
budget cuts by control. Specifically in the Prosecutor's office; he talked about
the three officers of 13
left at Ingham County Sheriff's Department. $4.7m deficit, with reduction of
other costs.
a. 2009 will be tougher budget year as revenue sharing will be completely gone.
b. Possible letter of recommendation supporting Stuart's request.
c. Independent report about 911 "dispatch" 1% drop is really 0.2%. Enhancement of tower on Edgewood Street will help the issue.
d. Asking for citizens to participate on various County commissions, since there are some openings.
8. Minutes were read and approved.
9. Treasurer's report: Given by Richard Stuckman; Our balance is $209.60. Everyone is invited to donate. We don't spend a lot of money!
a. Councilwoman Wood said there will be a hearing. Oct 1st at 7pm at City Council, along with Hunters Ridge re-zoning and a residential plan for 121 single family dwellings on the docket, if anyone is interested in watching on T.V. or attending in person.
b. Getting with municipal league to observe other communities.
10.
City Council report: Council members
Carol Wood, Derrick Quinney,
Brian Jeffries and Bill Matt were present. (There was also a representative
from Representative Joan Bauer's office present as well)
a. question was asked about a tree limb that came down in the storm - and Councilwoman Wood said to leave it in front of your home, to be tagged and call city council to have it hauled away.
b. Budget time, call if you have suggestions or recommendations.
c.
Some council persons may have
allowed reduction of 22 officers and 15 cadets in recent years but it was not
Ms. Woods, as was mentioned at Monday nights' City Council meeting. She wanted
to address that
she and Councilman Jeffries were opposed such reductions and have always
advocated more support for LPD. Problem solution is not the same as prevention.
$50K donations to line items in LPD budget for only problem solving needs.
d. Councilman Bill Matt talked about upcoming vote and the need to be registered. Along with term limits versus experience needed for best operation, such as the case with Carol Wood. He commended her vast experience and complimented her on her knowledge.
11. Old Business:
a. Our annual picnic was very successful - several hundred in attendance, along with our Mayor, five City Council persons, several command officers and team officers from LPD and of course, lots and lots of neighbors. A great time was had by all.
b. Lewton parking: We discussed the parking issue at Lewton school. Sgt. Koenigsknecht said that he would talk to Lewton's administration again about this situation. Neighbors fear a child may be injured due the congestion, caused by parents parking all over the streets, blocking traffic, and not using the parking lot to pick up their children.
c. Cell Tower: Anne from Averill-Woods Neighbor Association; spoke about the Cell Tower to be installed at Grand Haven Maner. She is on this sub-committee with Steve Jones. This will be the first installation placed directly in a subdivision. There is no master plan for cell tower placement within Lansing. It will be the neighbor hood's responsibility to ensure safety and vegetation. Concern about water table and construction in area causing flooding. Also about the safety of our children with only a six foot fence installed around it.
12. 9. New Business:
a. All fire stations will have an House Open from Oct 3rd through Oct 6th to celebrate the 150 years. They are fantastic historicals.
13. Good and Welfare
14. Raffle.
15. Adjourned: Meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
LEWTON RICH NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
Michael P. FLAGA
Michael P. Flaga for Micki Fuhrman, Secretary