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Residents urge action on neighborhood safety after reports of loose dogs and repeated police calls near Cheryl’s Bar
Summary
Two residents told Lima City Council about ongoing safety problems: a neighborhood resident reported repeated loose-dog incidents and limited police follow-up; a neighbor near Cheryl’s Bar said 118 police calls to the bar address over a multiyear period have made the neighborhood unsafe.
Two residents used the council’s privilege of the floor to press the city for help with neighborhood safety issues, describing persistent problems they say have affected daily life and created fear.
Ralph Moore, who gave his address as 700 Loretta Place, told the council the neighborhood has suffered “menacing, intimidation and trespassing” and repeated incidents involving unleashed pit bulls. Moore said neighbors have tried to report problems but that the police did not always document complaints or provide badge numbers. “I left a detailed message for the mayor. As of this meeting, I still have not heard anything from the mayor,” Moore said. He described an episode in which a dog entered his garage and said he was threatened when he went to complain.
Nearby resident Jared Gannon, who identified himself with Cheryl’s Bar, said the bar has been a longtime source of trouble for his block. Gannon said that from July 2022 through April of the last reporting period there were 118 police calls to Cheryl’s Bar’s address, an average he calculated as 3.57 calls per month; he gave a breakdown that included five shootings, eight noise complaints, 11 harassment calls and 15 fights, and said he has had four hit-and-run incidents at his home in four years. “My little girls who are 11 and 13 are afraid to play outside anymore,” Gannon said.
Councilors responded with assurances they will pursue the concerns. Councilor Glenn thanked Moore and praised volunteers who serve the neighborhood; Councilor Nipper and others encouraged residents to report incidents and said council members will work with the police department to address problems. Councilor Thompson urged residents to leash pets and clean up after them, noting health and quality-of-life impacts.
No formal council action (motions or ordinances) was recorded in the transcript specifically directing staff to open a formal investigation; councilors repeatedly encouraged residents to call police and said they would follow up with the department and affected neighbors.
Ending
Councilors emphasized neighbor-to-neighbor engagement and reporting to authorities as the immediate next steps; several said they would follow up with police and neighborhood constituents.
