Council Assembles Task Force to Tackle Community Problems

A task force to deal with community problems such as gangs and drug abuse was established by the City Council this week.

Residents who live near a so-called “gang house” told the council recently that they are concerned about gunshots, rowdiness and public intoxication in the neighborhood.

After their comments, Councilman Tom Harman said he had the impression that the city’s response has been inadequate. “Police need some help in solving problems,” Harman said this week.

The task force, made up of city employees, will coordinate code enforcement and efforts by the city’s Police and Fire departments plus the city attorney’s office to ensure that neighborhoods are safe, officials said.

Harman said the task force “could in all likelihood eliminate these types of problems in a speedy and timely manner.”

City Administrator Michael T. Uberuaga told the council that the task force is a good idea: “I think it’s an important concept that could be effective.”