Controversial issues were not in short supply Monday night at Lima City Council meeting.
According to Lima Police Chief Kevin Martin, an African American woman was tased at St. Gerard's Festival Saturday night, after she ran away from and resisted when Sgt. Nick Hart attempted to give her a ticket for disorderly conduct. Councilman Jamie Dixon spoke out, saying he just talked with the woman involved. He said he'd like to speak directly with Sgt. Hart first before forming a personal opinion on the matter. Still, he says he'd like to see an independent investigation into this incident.
"I do believe in the best interests of both the Police Department and of the community," said Councilman Jamie Dixon. "That an outside entity needs to come in and investigate this so that both parties are validated in what's going on."
"I ordered a fact-finding investigation to be done within the LPD and when that is done, it will be reviewed by the Law Department, actually prior to it coming to me so that the Law Department will be able to provide it as well," said Lima Police Chief Kevin Martin.
Also at Monday's meeting, controversy around the demolition of the building on 2015 East North Street. City officials said it went from being just an "eyesore" to an emergency and possible public hazard due to the collapsing wall. The funds could either come from CDBG or from the city. Some council members spoke out, saying other buildings in other wards also fall under that category, that are cheaper to take down.
On to another topic, Councilman Jamie Dixon says right now, the City of Lima is wanting to add ordinances that could limit people with a criminal background from obtaining licenses to operate a food truck or frozen desert vehicle. Dixon said it's his opinion that those ordinances limit people from getting second chances and hinders economic growth. This matter will go on to a second reading, and it was referred to the public works committee for review.
Finally, it was announced that Lima police will start performing a new type of training at establishments with liquor licenses. They'll involve periodic inspections, at first, for the educational purposes for the owners and employees. Chief Martin says the biggest complaints are of odor, marijuana, and alcoholic drinks being taken outside. He says right now, police only give warnings but they will start taking appropriate action to the state liquor board.
