by Garrick A. Moritz, Garretson Gazette
The Garretson City Council met in regular session on Dec. 2, 2019. This meeting had many facets, as the council discussed policing, nuisance reports, trees, potential load limits for city streets, and amending the contract with the Rekstads to include utilizing online registration for the Splitrock Park campground.
After the meeting was convened the council approved their agenda, minutes and claims.
Joe Bosman of the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Department gave the council the Sheriff’s Report. Bosman reported that, generally, crime is down in the Garretson Area. Arrests and case reports for assaults and drugs have decreased since 2018. Theft cases remain the same. Speeding citations have dropped from 115 to 52 and DUI citations dropped from 24 to 10.
Councilman Tom Godbey asked if officers do a regular check of doors in the city’s residential areas. Bosman responded that they only check doors when they note something suspicious. He also noted that they vary their patrols constantly so as not to form a discernible pattern potential thieves can adjust to. Councilwoman Richelle Hofer asked about the city’s noise ordinance as regards to barking dogs. Bosman said that Captain Walsh has received a copy of the city’s new ordinance draft and will review it, and will have notes for them by their next regular meeting.
Concerns were also brought up that traffic was not stopping at stop signs (specifically the 4 way stop on Dows after school dismissal), and that the posted sign that forbids dynamic engine braking within city limits is likewise being ignored by passing trucks. Bosman said that he will direct officers to be present as a deterrence during times of peak activity. Crossing double lines to park was also discussed. Bosman said that unless an officer directly witnesses this act, it is difficult to enforce.
The council then heard from their park board. Colleen Collier presented for the park board and reported that the Light the Park event had so far been a solid success. At or around 150 vehicles came through the park on opening night. Subsequent nights have also been steadily busy with a good number of visitors. She also publicly thanked Brad Farrell for his assistance as he created a secure donation box out of an old mailbox of Collier’s. Councilman Dave Bonte and Councilwoman Hofer had both taken the tour and complemented the Park Board on a job well done. Councilwoman Jodi Gloe also commended the park board on all their hard work, and thanked them and the community as a whole for making this idea a reality.
