Town faces rising crime, rising taxes
ST. IGNATIUS – Town officials and officers believe the skate park built six years ago in an effort to offer children a safe environment to play is overridden with gang-like activities.
“Parents are using the park as an unsupervised babysitting service and I am fearful that the city will be held liable if one of our kids gets seriously hurt,” Councilman Roger Lemon said. “This community should have opted for a swimming pool instead of a park centered towards one interest. I am preparing myself for a law suit if we continue to do nothing.”
He believes activity at the park has escalated to include verbal bullying, intimidation and incidents of violence, compelling council members to either erect a fence around the skate park or tear it out completely.
Board members did not agree that the city was in any imminent danger of lawsuits.
Councilwoman Annie Morigeau does not believe fencing the park would solve any problems and could trap younger kids in the park, placing them in more danger.
“This council needs to look into expanding the park to include playground equipment and picnic facilities.” Morgeau said. “Our real problem is lack of supervision.”
Morgeau believes redesigning the skate park to be a city park would motivate community members to assist council members and police.
“If we remove what little entertainment we have in place for our local kids, a bad situation will only get worse,” said Councilman Daren Incashola. Incashola recognizes a growing problem with gang-like activity but does not believe the board has found an appropriate solution.
Neighborhood watch official Bernie Lovell reported kids skateboarding down the middle of busy streets, intersections and alleyways and fears such activity is dangerous.
“Public safety is a serious concern.” Lovell said. “We have a responsibility to our kids and I am hopeful that with the assistance of our new Chief of Police, he will be able to get a handle on our local offenders.”
Mayor Charlie Gariepy is confident newly hired Police Chief Charles P. Kuczynski will handle such issues and community and council members need to give him the opportunity.
Council members will review town ordinances at an upcoming meeting in the effort to support local law enforcement and create harsher penalties for violations where appropriate.
Higher water rates
Water and sewer rates will climb by an estimated $8 a month on Jan. 1.
Incashola suggested council members implement the increase slowly and monitoring the town’s financial need.
The council will host a public hearing on water and sewer rates at 6 p.m., Nov. 4 at the council chambers.