Southside group hears from councilman

The Southside Business and Resident Association Feb. 15 heard from Councilman Michael Sarginson (Ward 8) and discussed the $20 million state bond bail out proposal, medical marijuana businesses, and crime prevention.

In the wake of news that the state had turned down the bond request, Sarginson said, "I don't think this bond was the way to go. It only takes care of past debts."

Sarginson said he met Councilman Sheldon Neely (Ward 6) and representatives from the Michigan State Police who agreed to write a grant that would free up 100 spaces in the county jail and move prisoners to the Midland facility.

"Additionally, we are asking for two new state police squads," Sarginson said.

He told members that he was not in favor of the mayor's recently proposed police millage that would increase the tax of people on fixed incomes with property tax increases.

"I'm supporting an increase in the income tax for working people who can afford it," Sarginson said.

Sarginson asked the group for their thoughts about the medical marijuana measure passed in the Nov. 4 election.

"We don't want marijuana dispensaries all over the place," Sarginson said. "We don't want them near schools and churches."

A member asked how many dispensaries would be allowed in the city and what ordinances are in place to regulate them.

"I suggest the council look at the adult entertainment ordinance and fashion a similar one for the marijuana dispensaries," Dan Smith responded.

Sarginson encouraged members to take an active role in city government. "I listen to everything you say," he said. "Come down to a council meeting and let your opinions be known."

Kathryn Hoard and Melissa Schroeck, legal assistants from the Flint Southside Task Force, reported on Community Court that hears lower level misdemeanors and non-violent cases in the south side community.

"What's different about community court? Jurors can ask defendants questions and instead of going to jail, first-time offenders go to anger management classes, do community service and provide a written apology to the victim," Schroeck said. "Instead of paying courts costs defendants are paying for classes to better themselves."

"The majority of our cases are domestic," Hoard said. "We process about two defendants a month at the court.

The Southside Task Force has a $3.4 million grant that provides an additional six police officers for the area.

Mike Tobias asked if there was a report for the task forces' work to date.

"I'd like to see what's been done," Tobias said. "Has there been a reduction in breaking and entering violations or in stolen vehicles?"

Hoard said she would prepare a detailed report for the next meeting scheduled for 11:45 a.m. March 15 at Applegate Chevrolet.

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