Jackson council hears complaints about code enforcement, park drug use and underage driving; new officer introduced

Councilman Don Cook told the mayor and council July 7 that repeat code enforcement violations—especially overgrown grass and derelict property—are an ongoing concern and asked how the single code enforcement officer is instructed to handle such cases. Mayor Carlos Duffey said heavy rain this year contributed to overgrowth, and Chief Matt Garrison described a compassionate approach under which officers avoid issuing citations if residents make visible progress after notification.

Chief Garrison said he has not previously had code enforcement under his department but that he will direct the officer as the council instructs. Councilman Theodore Patterson noted the officer covers a lot of ground and encouraged council members to notify staff when they observe violations so they can be tracked.

During public comments, Harrilean Conner reported seeing two men smoking marijuana in Patterson Sims Park where summer school lunches are delivered and urged the council to address drug use in parks; Christy Suthard reported concerns about underage, unregistered drivers and the illegal use of golf carts. Suthard also thanked the fire department (Chief Wilson) and City Manager Holly Bailey for patrols and brush-clearing assistance.

Chief Matt Garrison introduced newly hired Officer Kelly Couch earlier in the meeting; the introduction was informational and no personnel action was recorded on the public record.

The council entered executive session later in the meeting to discuss real estate; no details of that session were disclosed on the public record.