Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety And Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Graham staff report hiring, animal‑control outcomes and a new youth diversion plan
Summary
City department heads told council the police department is hiring three certified officers, animal control reported recent call and outcome statistics, and staff are developing a youth diversion program for ages 10–16 under a new state provision effective Jan. 1.
City department heads on Thursday reported staffing and program updates including police recruiting, an animal‑control case update and a new youth diversion initiative for juveniles.
Chief Phillip told the council the police department has three certified applicants and plans to start background checks and interviews; filling one open position will make the department “full,” he said. The council did not take any formal action on hiring during the meeting; Chief Phillip said the department will complete its normal hiring procedures.
Mike, who oversees code enforcement and animal control, reviewed animal‑control statistics included in the council packet: 31 calls for service in March, 32 animals reported at large, 12 animals transported to the Humane Society, two wild animals removed and no reports of dangerous dogs or dog bites that month. Mike also updated the council on a cruelty case previously forwarded to the county attorney: a large dog was taken to a sanctuary for rehabilitation and adoption, and most of the remaining dogs in the case were adopted, with one still outstanding.
A staff member identified as Carla described a new youth diversion application the city is developing for children 10 through 16 under a state change effective Jan. 1. Carla said the program will allow eligible juveniles to defer a fine (a $50 deferral fee was cited) and avoid a juvenile conviction; it does not apply to traffic offenses and is limited to certain class C misdemeanors such as tobacco or paraphernalia offenses. Carla said the deferral can be used once every 365 days and the program will allow referrals to juvenile probation officers, mentors or other services as part of diversion.
Emergency management staff and library staff gave brief updates: emergency management warned of elevated wildfire risk and a 60 percent chance of below‑average precipitation this year; the library promoted upcoming events including an Easter egg hunt and summer reading programs. Utilities staff reported progress on new housing hookups and multiple street overlay projects scheduled in the coming weeks.
Ending: Officials said they will continue recruitment and program development and will return to council with specifics as hiring and the diversion application proceed.
