August 13, 2007

AUGUST 14th CITY COUNCIL MEETING

• The City Council will consider authorizing execution of agreements for software upgrades.  The current AMS system will be upgraded to a Web based environment that is used for finance, payroll, human resources, and procurement.  As a result of the upgrades, for the first time, the system will perform as fully integrated.    The last upgrade was made in 1995.  This upgrade will be suitable for the next ten years. 
• The Council will also look at another piece of technology that could improve city services.  The Council will consider approving a professional services agreement for a consulting group to evaluate needs in the area of wireless and wireless mobile.  The consultant would meet with each department to determine how they utilize wireless as well as current and future needs.  The consultant would then develop a cost estimate.  The city currently uses point to point wireless from city building to city building, public safety uses a wide area of wireless for reporting from vehicles, and code enforcement uses wireless to communicate from the field.  An enhancement to the current system would allow for coverage throughout the city and more efficiency in the field. 
• At 11:21 a.m., the City Council will hold a public hearing to discuss the current Juvenile Curfew.  As required by law, the City Council revisits the curfew every three years and determines if any changes need to be made and if the curfew will still remain in place. In 1993, a Midland County Special Grand Jury addressed juvenile crime and gang activity.   They recommended that the City enact a juvenile curfew for youth under 17, which the Council did in December 1994.   Since the curfew was enacted, the MPD has issued approximately 2,080 citations.  Also during the 12 years the curfew has been in effect, the MPD has instituted a Gang Suppression Unit, a Juvenile First Offender Program, and an Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws Program.  The current juvenile curfew is for those under 17 from 12:00 a.m. – 6:00 a.m. seven days a week.  Law enforcement sees the curfew as a tool in helping to reduce juvenile crime and violence as well as to protect youth from becoming victims of crime. 

C.O.P.S. TRAINING CLASS
The Midland Police Department will conduct a new Citizens On Patrol training class on Tuesday, August 21 and Thursday, August 23, 2007.  The classes for both nights will be from 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.  The classes will be held at the police department, 601 N. Loraine.

The C.O.P.S. program allows citizens to patrol neighborhoods as extra eyes and ears for the police department.  Officers cannot always be everywhere at once.  The volunteers of this program assist as a deterrent to crime and help catch criminals.

Upon completion of the classroom training, the candidates must ride for eight hours with Patrol Officers.  There is no cost, however, you must complete and submit an application for the program to attend.  Applications are available at the front desk of the police department or through the Community Relations Unit, or on-line at the City of Midland website at www.midlandtexas.gov. Look under Residents, Police Department, Field Operations Bureau, and click on Citizens on Patrol.  

For more information contact 685-7582.

COMMUNITY CLEANUP
Wanting to clean out your garage?  Get rid of an old mattress, couch, or appliance?  Mark your calendar now for an upcoming City event.

The City of Midland Solid Waste Division will host a community-wide cleanup.  The event will be held on September 22, 2007, from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.  Drop off locations will include the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center, 2300 Butternut Lane and Dunagan Park (next to Travis Elementary) 600 E. Gist.

Residents are encouraged to get rid of old items.  The City will accept large items including couches, chairs, bed frames, household furniture, water heaters, washers/dryers, refrigerators, freezers, A/C units, BBQ grills, swing sets, and patio furniture.

Help keep your neighborhood looking its best.  Participate in the community-wide cleanup!

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