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Heath mayor condemns anti‑Semitic flags, vows action after string of burglaries
Summary
At its Aug. 26 council meeting Heath’s mayor condemned anti‑Semitic flags found at a local school and said the city will pursue those responsible; council and staff also discussed increased burglaries and pledged additional patrols, overtime and surveillance purchases as short‑term responses.
Heath’s mayor opened the Aug. 26 City Council meeting by condemning the recent display of anti‑Semitic flags at a local school and saying the city will pursue those responsible. “We denounce the hateful and anti Semitic flags that have been displayed,” an invocation speaker said during the meeting; the mayor followed by telling residents, in part, “we will find you” for anyone who seeks to bring hatred into the community.
Council members and staff linked the statement to a string of recent burglaries that have unsettled neighborhoods. The mayor thanked the DPS leadership and law enforcement for their response and said the council will consider budget adjustments to address vulnerabilities identified during the investigations.
City manager Alexander and police leadership described immediate and near‑term steps the city is taking. The city has deployed two Flock license‑plate cameras, has used a drone system in investigations, and authorized overtime assignments to increase patrol presence in hard‑hit neighborhoods. Alexander said he had authorized chief Siri “to use the resources he needs to address these issues,” and the mayor and council indicated they expect to bring budget amendments and equipment purchases forward for approval.
No formal policy vote on public‑safety staffing occurred in this meeting; council members said they would return to the council with budget amendments and equipment proposals at upcoming meetings. The council also thanked law enforcement personnel for expanded patrols and investigative work.
The council adjourned after later agenda items and an executive session; no additional formal action on the burglary investigations or the school incidents was taken at this meeting.
