Kingfield Crime and Safety Meeting
Tuesday, January 20th, 7:00-8:30pm, MLK Park
Â
Present
13 Residents attended the meeting.
Staff: Brian Cornell, Sarah Gleason, Lt. Jack Kelly, CPS Tom Thompson, Taryn Runck (RJCA)
Â
Welcome and Introductions
Chair Beth Larson and Monica Hofe
Â
Community Initiated Grants (20 min)
KFNA staff Sarah Gleason, with input from experienced grant recipients.
Sarah talked about the purpose and process of KFNA Community Initiated Grants (CIG). Nancy and Diana shared their experiences, questions and suggestions. Participants shared experience and questions about using CIG for traffic calming measures, such as signage, speed ‘humps’ (permanent) and ‘bumps’ (removable), and alley lighting.
Â
Documents shared at the meeting are available on the Kingfield website by clicking on ‘Grant Programs’ on the right.
Â
Announcements: (20 min)
Website: “Eyes On The Street†(Sarah G)
Sarah introduced a new feature on the KFNA website, developed in response to an idea from West of King block leaders. Every Monday there will be an “Eyes On The Street†posting, inviting neighbors to ‘comment’ to share concerns, crimes and other observations. The more it is used, the more useful it will be, so all are encouraged to use it.
Â
Restorative Justice coming to Kingfield: (Taryn)
Taryn Runck, Restorative Justice coordinator for our area from Restorative Justice Community Action, introduced restorative justice as an alternative to the court system. This is a new option for eligible crimes committed in Kingfield, and offers opportunities for Kingfield residents to get involved. Several residents were interested, and a neighborhood orientation to the program will be organized in the near future.
Â
Building Blocks Award: Flyer and information were shared. Nomination deadline Feb. 6. Information available on the Kingfield website by clicking ‘community engagement’ on the left.
Â
Court Watch Program: 3rd Monday of the month 5:30 PM. January Meeting rescheduled to Monday January 26th.
King Park Night Out: Beth proposed organizing a bonfire at the park, six months after NNO. Neighbors would be invited to bring hot chocolate and marshmallows and join in. Possible dates in Feb were discussed. Beth and Brian will work on it and notify others by email. Â Working on dates for March instead.
Â
Michael noted that a block party is planned on Blaisdell for Feb. 13, 7-9 pm, and suggested possible convergence.
Â
Neighborhood Crime Reports:Â Tom Thompson
Tom reported that there will be no more SAFE program. Operation ID and McGruff House program have been dropped by the city. The position supporting it was eliminated; signs will be coming down. He cautioned that though crime is decreasing, it is an important time to focus on prevention and safety. He noted that theft is driving the numbers for crime precinct-wide. Tom noted that 70-80% of theft involves unlocked cars or houses, and that theft can be reduced by people taking away the opportunity.
Â
Input for Neighborhood Policing Plan: Â
Tom led a discussion of ideas for measurable goals for the new neighborhood policing plan. There was much discussion of current concerns about gang activity, graffiti, mobile drug dealing, loitering on Nicollet. Many of the key concerns are hard to track/quantify. The discussion settled on these indicators:
-Reduction in loitering on Nicollet
-5% increase in neighborhood walking events
Both of these rely on residents to make them happen. Sarah cautioned that an increase in walking would require work and commitment by neighborhood leaders. Several present committed to making it happen.
Â
Open Forum Issues of Concern: All
Police ride-alongs : Pick a rough time, fill out form on city website; voluntary by officers. Lt. Kelly coordinates.
Â
Discussion of February agenda/plan:
-Pick up discussion of property/rental owners issue/ideas
-More on Restorative Justice
Please e-mail suggestions to Beth Larson or
Â
Â
Next Meeting
February 17, 2009
Â
Notes submitted by Sarah Gleason