Web Extra: Council Hears PD Lock-Out Service Concerns

by Kylie Smith
February 5, 2010

Public safety was on the agenda at the Marietta City Council meeting held at Lookout Park on Thursday night.

Mayor Michael Mullen began the meeting with a warning to the public concerning the minimum 10 inches of snow expected to fall this Saturday.

“Its going to make it very treacherous out there and we hope you consider your travel plans in the city judiciously,” Mullen said.

Mullen also announced that high traffic areas, particularly around hospitals and schools, will be pretreated before the snowfall. He asked the public to be aware of the snow trucks while driving and said that crews will be out in full force.

“We’re prepared for the worst and hoping for the best.” Mullen said.

On a more positive note, Mullen touched on the recent shortfalls in income tax receipts from 2009 and their effect on the city budget.

“I am very pleased to announce that as of the end of January, the last quarter of 2009 came in right on budget,” Mullen said. “This recession is deeply seated, so we will continue to meet with council...to keep our budget on a very close watch. We’re pleased that it’s back on track.”

Mullen also announced the retirement of Captain Dan Hale, who has served over 26 years with the Marietta Fire Dept.

“We want to wish Captain Hale the very best in his future endeavors and thank him for the many years of service and dedication to our fair community,” Mullen said.

Hale was officially recognized by the council in the adoption of Resolution No. 5, which expressed appreciation for his services to the citizens of Marietta.

Ted Wigal, the new owner of Ace Lock at 122 Front St., addressed the council concerning the Marietta Police Department preparing lock-out jobs on cars for no charge, as well as the recently proposed change to charging a $40 fee. While some media reports concerning the police lock-out jobs reported that local businesses charge fees upwards of $60, Mr. Wigal stated that Ace Lock always has charged a fee of only $35 on a 24/7 availability.

“My concern here is that the police department is being taken away from their job that they’re supposed to be doing and what the taxpayers are paying them for.” Wigal stated.

Wigal also mentioned the effect these free lock outs have had on local businesses.

“With 366 lock outs performed, that’s quite a chunk of change taken out of a business, especially a new business that I’ve taken over and am struggling to make succeed,” Wigal said.

Councilman Andy Thompson, R-At Large, thanked Wigal for making a “valid point”. Councilman Michael McCauley, D-2nd Ward, a former law enforcement officer, also pointed out that Marietta is the only police department in the area that performs lock-outs on cars in non-emergency situations.

An Ordinance and Emergency Resolution unanimously adopted concerned the recent pipe damage that flooded the basement of the Marietta Wastewater Treatment Plant. The legislation will allow for the Director of Public Safety and Service to make bids for the disposal of the sewage sludge from the plant into a sanitary landfill. Councilmen McCauley said the Emergency Resolution passed will allow for “a consulting service to be used to assess the damages and allow for repair.”

Five Ordinances and two Emergency Resolutions were also unanimously passed involving:

Transfer and appropriation of funds within the Municipal Court, including a salary for a part-time IT specialist, computer expenses, alcohol abuse treatment services for indigent offenders, and anticipated professional service expenses related to the upcoming renovation.

Installation of 16 handicapped ramps around Marietta.

Resurfacing of the sidewalk between the Putnam St. Bridge and Gilman Ave.

Change order to the contract with Church Commercial Services, regarding the installment of new fence posts in Mound Cemetery, not to exceed $20,000.

Total concrete pavement replacement on State Rt.7 at the IR 77 interchange, including lighting and signal upgrades.

Entering a contract with professional architectural services to evaluate possible renovations to City Hall’s second floor – the future potential City Council meeting room.