By Nathan Prewett For The Tribune
LEEDS – The Leeds City Council approved two resolutions related to the police department during a shorter than normal meeting on Monday, Dec. 3.
The meeting began with Mayor David Miller commending first responders of Leeds for being prepared for the snowy weather that took place the night before. Afterwards the council heard reports from department heads.
Newly hired Police Chief Paul Irwin spoke about the resolutions on the agenda, which concerned making purchases of a new police vehicle and DARE training for officers, who are scheduled to begin in February.
During his report Fire Chief Chuck Parsons said that the department held a parade with Santa Claus during the Christmas holidays, covering multiple locations in Leeds. He said that they covered an estimated 80% of the city and hope to cover more next Christmas.
Developmental Services Department Director Brad Watson reminded everyone that the next council meeting will take place on Jan. 18 instead of Jan. 17 as City Hall will be closed for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Leeds Jane Culbreth Public Library Director Melonie Carden said that the library will be closed for that day as well. She also reported that she will submit an application for a grant to the state.
Afterwards the council turned its attention to the two resolutions. The first, which was passed unanimously as 2022-01-01, adjusted the budget to pay for the new vehicle and for the DARE training program.
The cost of the vehicle is not to exceed $53,000 while the training is not to exceed $4,000. Irwin said that the vehicle will be a “community” vehicle to be used for multiple purposes, including as a transport for SWAT team operations.
The costs will be covered using funds confiscated from drug raids conducted by officers alongside the K-9 officer, Miller said.
“Our police department and our police officer dog have done a great job combined catching a lot of druggies and a considerable amount of cash,” he said.
Councilman Kenneth Washington asked Irwin what his message is to drug dealers in the community. Irwin replied saying that he will hire officers trained for drug operations in which they will buy drugs from dealers before returning with warrants to search and seize any narcotics found.
“My message is that we’re going to come and purchase drugs and we’ll put you in prison because we’re going to have multiple charges for distribution” he said.
The other resolution amended the budget to allow funding for additional employees in the police department and administration. Miller said that this will fill existing positions in the department and administrative office. The cost is not to exceed $325,443,00.
During public comments, resident Ernest Mitchell spoke and asked about the status of the board for the Mouton Educational Foundation being possibly brought up at the next meeting. Miller replied that it likely be addressed then.
Mitchell then spoke of a train blocking passage in a part of Leeds, saying that it has been there since Dec. 23, forcing citizens to go a longer way around. Miller said that the city could follow up and speak with railroad officials about the issue.
Mitchell then commended Irwin for the department’s efforts in combatting drug sales in the city but urged him about no-knock warrants in response to the chief’s comments about “kicking the door in” when entering a suspect’s building. Irwin assured him that the knocking policy will be observed.
Meetings are held on the first and third Mondays of every month at City Hall on 1400 9th Street Northeast. Agenda packets can be seen online at the City of Leeds website.