2003-11-17 Regular - Laserfiche WebLink

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Session 1901 November 17, 2003 problem. His concern dates back to August 27, 2003, when "a known drug dealer" at 6901 Bartmer called the University City Police Department, which then came to Mr. Dockett's house, placing him on the "suicide list." Recently, "Big Ronnie" accused Mr. Dockett of "disturbing his peace", and University City summoned Mr. Dockett to court. He asserts that the University City Police Department is attempting to "bring about his demise." He implored the Mayor and the City Council to respond to his complaint and to act upon it. Mr. Wagner asked Mr. Ollendorff if the City had the data requested by Mr. Dockett and if it can be released, and was advised that it is available and can be transmitted. Mr. Ollendorff said that he would send a report tomorrow to Mr. Dockett, which is the same one he sent to the City Council in August 2003. Mr. Dockett then expressed concern for the "complicity issue" of his being brought into the University City Court despite his participation in civic and community improvement activities. He is particularly concerned about drug problems in his neighborhood and how it affects his safety. He holds the City Council and Mayor responsible for his safety, and feels that the City Council is not responding to his requests for help. Raymond B. Reckamp, 7100 Kingsbury Boulevard, represented the U City East Politics and Citizens Actions Committee, and spoke to benefit citizens and homeowners along Sutter Avenue. They want the Council to be aware of the condition of Sutter Avenue. While they know that repairs will be undertaken, they feel that the Ordinance 6417 failed to address and correct the problems existing there, and that something needs to be done urgently. Either the Ordinance is not being enforced or it cannot be enforced. Signs placed in the area do not reflect the content of the Ordinance, and after discussion with the Public Works Department, he is not sure that even that department knows how to word the signs for accuracy. There is need for clarity to prevent the road from being used inappropriately, especially by heavy vehicles. The problem centers upon limiting vehicles of 23000 gross-weights, but the signs read 44.8 tons. The City explained to him that it wants to limit 18-wheelers with five axels and weighing 24,000 pounds from using the road, but his reading of the Ordinance is that restrictions are stated more generally in that document. He is also concerned that posted signs are not being enforced. The major problem, he suggested, is with dump trucks hauling dirt for the MetroLink expansion project, which have less than four or five axels, but gross vehicle weights of 64,000 to 82,000 pounds, with as many as 20 trucks per hour heading for the land-fill at Wagner Electric Plant on Plymouth Avenue. These vehicles do damage, especially when they hit pot holes. He wants this problem brought before the Traffic Commission next month, but also encourages the Council to act soon, because the construction from MetroLink causes severe damage to this street prior to the repair of Sutter Avenue. Page 6