EXPLORERS

The Midland Police Department’s Explorer Program is up and running again.  For the past year, the program has gained momentum and is growing in numbers and in recognition. 

The Law Enforcement Explorer Post (Post 714) is a program for young people between the ages of 14 (completed the eighth grade) and 20 who wish to pursue their interest of a career in police work.  Currently there are eight Explorers in the Post.  They learn a lot of things the officers learn in training but on a milder level. 

On Monday, June 25, 2007, from 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., the MPD Explorers will meet.  The media is invited to attend the gathering and develop a story. 

Some of the Explorers learn that police work is not for everyone.  Some choose to pursue other related fields.  The program is about more than preparing someone for a career in law enforcement, it is about building leaders.  There are currently four MPD officers that were once explorers. 

The Explorer Program has four specific goals:

1. Gain practical experience in the career interest of the post.
2. Engage in program activities centered on five emphasis areas (career opportunities, life skills, citizenship, character education, and leadership experience) to encourage the development of the whole person.
3. Experience positive leadership from adult and youth leaders and have the opportunity to take on leadership roles.
4. Have a chance to learn and grow in a supportive, caring, and fun environment.

The Post meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at the MPD.

Anyone who is interested in becoming and MPD Explorer should contact the department at 685.7964.

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ROAD CONSTRUCTION
Illinois Avenue from Andrews Highway to “L” Street

The City of Midland Transportation Division will begin a week long project beginning on June 25, 2007.  The project will include Illinois Avenue from Andrews Highway to “L” Street to level-up the street surface. 

On Monday, June 25, beginning at 7:00 a.m., the first phase of the project will involve west bound lanes on Illinois from Andrews Highway to “N” Street.  Traffic will be detoured to Louisiana and onto Andrews Highway.

On Tuesday, June 26, the second phase will begin targeting the east bound lanes of Illinois from Andrews Highway to “N” Street.  Traffic will be detoured at Andrews Highway to Texas and turn back on “L” to Illinois. 

On Wednesday, June 27, the project will move to Illinois from “L” Street to “N” Street both directions.  West bound traffic will turn onto Broadway to Louisiana to “N” and back to Illinois.  East bound traffic will detour at Andrews Highway to Texas to “L” to Illinois.

Motorists should use an alternate route if possible.  Detour signs will be in place.

The construction project will also affect pedestrian traffic on Illinois in front of Midland Memorial Hospital at the crosswalk.  Pedestrians wanting to access Midland Memorial are asked to use the crosswalk at Andrews Highway. 

The procedure helps correct minor depressions, rutting, and other surface deformities.   A level up consists of tack oil (emulsion) and cold mix.  A thin layer of tack oil is applied to the street surface followed by cold mix.  The cold mix is spread by a motor grader and worked onto the surface.  The cold mix is compacted by pneumatic and steel wheel compactors.  The tack oil not only serves as a bonding agent for the cold mix, but it helps to seal minor cracks from moisture as well.  The end result is an improved riding surface.

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JUNE 26th CITY COUNCIL MEETING

• During a 9:00 a.m. briefing session, the City Council will listen to a presentation regarding the Employee Compensation Focus Group recommendations.  The committee examined ways to improve recruiting and retention of employees through improvement of the market value of positions.  They considered cities in which to compare to Midland as well as what percent of the market Midland should target. 
• The City Council will consider authorizing the negotiation of an agreement for design and construction of the expansion of Fire Station #3 located at Golf Course and Lamesa Road.  The original architect of the station, Parkhill, Smith, & Cooper submitted a request for qualifications for the remodel project.  City staff believes they are most qualified to do the work based on their extensive experience in building fire stations in this region.  The ladder truck, and the four-person crew that staff it, will relocate from Fire Station #1, located at 1500 West Wall Street, to Fire Station #3. The relocation will offer good protection for both the downtown high-rise district as well as the high-rise buildings located in the ClayDesta business district located in the vicinity of Wadley Avenue and North Big Spring Street.  Additional sleeping quarters and restrooms to accommodate the crewmembers will be part of the expansion. The project is part of the Midland Fire Department’s Ten-Year Plan. 
• The Council will consider acceptance of a donation from Halliburton and Conoco-Phillips for the Midland Police Department.  The $25,000 donation is the result of the “Bad Boy Blast” fund raising project.  This is the fourth year the fundraiser has been held.  The funds will be used to purchase law enforcement equipment and make training facility improvements. 

 

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