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Councilman calls for more security at City Hall meetings
By THOMAS MICHALSKI
Article published on Thursday, June 19, 2008 |
PINELLAS PARK – A city councilman, concerned over the lack of security at City Council meetings, has called for a measure that would grant permission for authorities to search bags, attaché cases and other items brought into the council chambers.
Councilman Jerry Mullins called the precaution “something that should be addressed” in light of the slayings earlier this year of two council members and two police officers during a city council meeting in Kirkwood, Mo.
The shootings that included the wounding of that city’s mayor and a newspaper reporter sent shockwaves through city halls across the nation. Mullins, prior to the June 12 local council meeting, said police should have the ability to search any boxes and attaché cases that are brought into the chambers.
“This is not directed at any one person or persons,” Mullins said. “It just makes sense to be concerned for the safety of city officials and spectators who attend the meetings.”
Just recently Michael Gustafson, city manager, removed an attaché case of an individual who left the chambers.
“I’m not saying we must search all cases and boxes,” Mullins said. “I’m saying that we should have the right to search them if circumstances call for it.”
Mullins said he will introduce the topic at an upcoming council workshop meeting.
The council at its June 12 meeting approved a measure that allows for a used car dealership at 8400 U.S. 19. The applicant, AutoWay Toyota, said the new lot would be across the street from a present Toyota dealership that currently is undergoing major renovations.
The used car lot on a 1.797-acre parcel presently is used for the temporary storage of vehicles. The measure grants a waiver in land use. That permission was granted with six stipulations that include a ban on repair work, outdoor public address systems and telephone ringers.
The council also approved a $177,350 improvement project to Wastewater Lift Station No. 9. The bid was awarded to Kamminga and Roodvoets, Inc. of Tampa, one of eight final bidders. The city mailed 354 letters to prospective bidders.
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Article published on Thursday, June 19, 2008
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