1990-01-08 - Laserfiche WebLink

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168 affected by drugs. Chief Bowen noted that the majority of arrests will continue to be made by the narcotics unit and not with the officers on patrol. Mr. Fran Lawrence, a member of the Drug Task Force, stated that making all neighborhoods safe was a major priority of the Task Force. Ms. Waters questioned the advisability of adding counselors for out-patient treatment since the failure rate for such treatment is reportedly 80%. Mr. James Peterson, Director of Region Ten Community Services Board and a member of the Task Force, stated that the additional counselors would be a first step towards increasing the capacity to go after those people who are not now being served.. Dr. Joseph McGeehan, Superintendent of City Schools and a member of the Task Force, stated that the counselor proposed for the schools could provide training for the existing counselors as well as direct counseling services. Mr. Towe questioned the possibility of funding a position in the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission to provide community drug education. Rev. Edwards recommended establishing a film library for drug education. Mr. Drewary Brown, a member of the Task Force, stressed that he felt neighborhood clean up was an important recommendation of the Task Force. Dr. Randall Canevari, a member of the Task Force, stated that some drug treatment programs have been effective, though the objective evaluation of the such programs has been difficult. Rev. Raymond Hailes, a member of the Task Force, stated that he felt education of parents and treatment for drug addicts were most important. Ms. Priscilla Whiting, a member of the Task Force, stated that she felt that the drug problem cannot be approached in a piecemeal fashion and that coordination of all social services should be considered. Mr. Buck requested additional information on the request for an additional attorney in the Commonwealth's Attorney office and the rationale behind the Compensation Board's refusal to fund this position. Mr. Buck also requested additional information on the possibility of a federal grant to fund part of the drug recommendations. On motion by Mr. Vandever, seconded by Rev. Edwards, Council unanimously voted to meet in executive session for the purpose of considering the acquisition or use of real property for public purpose, or the disposition of publicly held property, as authorized by Section 2.1-344(a)3) and more specifically described as the acquisition, use or disposition of properties located in the central city area. Council reconvened in open session and, on motion by Rev. Edwards, seconded by Mr. Vandever, unanimously certified that, to the best of each member's knowledge, (i) only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements by Virginia law were discussed in the executive meeting to which this certification resolution applies, and (ii) only such public business mattes as were identified in the motion convening the executive meeting were heard, discussed or considered by the Council.