At yesterday’s Finance and Intergovernmental Relations (FAIR) Committee meeting, City Manager Jerry Moss told members that he believes that the city is much cleaner than it was twelve months ago.
Moss admitted that there are still dilapidated houses and lots that are “not the way they should be”.
FAIR Committee Chair Lynn Harper indicated that people seem to feel safer.
Moss said that [Henderson Police Chief Keith Sidwell] believes in “getting into the community”. He noted that in next year’s budget, Sidwell has money budgeted for bicycle policing.
Moss quipped that Officer Angela Feingold, who was present at the meeting, had volunteered for the duty. Feingold responded that she is certified for it.
Moss went on to say that he believes that the [Youth Protection Ordinance] has helped. He said that there have been no complaints that he is aware of, and that no one has been “picked up” on it. He also stated that there have been no complaints from Coble Boulevard.
Coble Boulevard resident Candace Cash parented the current Youth Protection Ordinance by starting a petition campaign last year because of the problems with unruly youth she experienced in that neighborhood.
“Apparently, it is working,” Moss said.
Harper affirmed Moss’ comments by stating that “all of these things coming together is making the city more liveable.” She thanked Moss for all of the [good] things happening in the city.
Moss in turn gave credit to the City’s department heads.
Henderson City Council member Bobby Gupton gave credit to Corey Williams, Director of the Code Compliance Department, for getting landowners to cut lots through the notification process.
Council member Elissa Yount noted that the elimination of graffiti in her neighborhood “has made a tremendous difference”.
Moss told members that the [City] staff feels better when they know that some of the things that they wanted to do are finally “coming true and happening”.
“It puts a little extra [spring] in the staff’s step,” he said.
Moss predicted that the coming year would be the best in a long time.
Gupton praised the staff for being responsive about replacing damaged or non-fuctioning streetlights. Moss told Council members who were present that Sidwell had been cooperating with City Engineer Frank Frazier in identifying streetlights that are out so they can be maintained.
Moss reminded members that the electricity bill on the lights is paid whether they function or not.
Council member Lonnie Davis described a recent private clean up effort that took place recently on Water Street. He said that he would like to see a letter from the appropriate ward representative or the Council thanking the participants for their efforts.
Davis stated that it would encourage others.
Council member Mary Emma Evans put forward the opinion that this Council is more responsive to citizen concerns than previous Councils have been.