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3O <br /> <br />Enforcement Administration and the U. S. Attorney's Office in <br />Roanoke to create a Federal Drug Enforcement Task Force based <br />in Charlottesville, which has concentrated its efforts on <br />major drug dealers and organizations which require more <br />long-range investigations. A neighborhood policing unit is <br />in the process of being formed which will work in the <br />neighborhoods that have the greatest amount of drug-related <br />problems. Chief Bowen stated that he felt the streets are in <br />better shape this year than last year. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Ms. Slaughter about <br />whether officers can get out of their cars more often, Chief <br />Bowen stated that they would like to patrol more on foot, but <br />other things may have to be put off to do this. <br /> <br /> Mr. Toscano questioned whether strengthening the curfew~ <br />laws would help the police in their efforts and whether such <br />laws could be enforced fairly. <br /> <br /> Chief Bowen replied that he felt the laws could be <br />enforced fairly, but noted that problems will continue since <br />minors can be on the streets if accompanied by an adult. <br /> <br /> Ms. Slaughter recommended investigating what other <br />localities have done with regard to curfews. <br /> <br /> Ms. Waters noted concern about the potential of curfew <br />laws being seen as harassment of youth. <br /> <br /> Ms. Slaughter questioned whether any thought had been <br />given to reconvening the drug task force and Mr. Strand <br />replied that all members of the task force have been invited <br />to join an advisory board which will convene after Council <br />gives direction. <br /> <br /> Ms. Waters stated that she was reluctant to approve the <br />workshop since not all of what Council has approved for <br />addressing the drug problem has been put into place, <br />especially given the likelihood of a difficult budget year. <br />Ms. Waters asked what evaluation will be given to those <br />programs already in place. <br /> <br /> Mr. Strand stated that the programs in place are <br />fragmented and new and need to be put together in a tactical <br />framework such as the workshop. <br /> <br /> Rev. Edwards noted concern with persons from outside the <br />community conducting such a workshop. <br /> <br /> Mr. Strand stated that the workshop would identifY <br />strategies that have worked in similar communities and would <br />help provide the next level of coordination of activities. <br /> <br /> Ms. Waters suggested that the recommendations made by <br />Mr. Strand be discuSsed by the proposed drug advisory <br />committee and that the committee be made up of a cross <br />section of those on the task force and community members. <br /> <br /> Ms. Slaughter recommended that consideration be given to <br />a weekend workshop instead of a week-long session. <br /> <br /> Mr. Toscano stated that while he could support a weekend <br />session, he could not support the proposed workshop. Mr. <br />Toscano added that he felt a good start had been made and <br />that the existing efforts should be further evaluated. Mr. <br />Toscano suggested that the Council hold a Work session with <br />the drug advisory committee to further discuss the matter, <br />including the idea of strengthening the curfew laws. <br /> <br /> Ms. Slaughter recommended that plans for the landlord <br />forum move forward as soon as possible. <br /> <br />STAFF REPORT: TRANSPORTATION PLANNING <br /> <br /> <br />