Committee updates safety issues and addresses new ones, including children swimming in flooded washes

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Various public safety issues and some forthcoming ordinances topped the agenda for Maricopa’s Public Safety Advisory Committee Monday evening. Two members, Arb Campbell and Greg Morrow, are resigning from the committee, and three applications have been received for their positions.
Applicants include Christian Dinsmore, Aki Stant and Jim Gerard. Gerard, who was at Monday’s meeting, told the group, “I’m excited to be here in Maricopa and excited to do something for the community. I want to give back to the community, and this is the next step.” Gerard is already a member of the MASH Drug Coalition and the Traffic Task Force.
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Vice-Mayor Brent Murphree (left) chairs the Public Safety Committee; Greg Morrow recently resigned his committee position.
Speaking about the Traffic Task Force, Public Safety Committee Chairman and Vice-Mayor Brent Murphree reported that its first meeting resulted in a “good, pertinent discussion.” Topics included infrastructure, redundancy and additional enforcement. The task force’s focus was divided into education, as well as both short and long-term traffic solutions (see related story).
Both the parking and scooter ordinances remain in the hands of the City Attorney. The city’s Emergency Plan is in place; however, it remains a work in progress.
The MASH (Maricopa/Mobile, Ak-Chin/Gila River, Stanfield, Hidden Valley) Drug Coalition has had several organizational meetings. “Presently we are determining exactly what Maricopa’s needs are,” said Murphree, “and we are in the process of quantifying those needs.” In addition, thanks to the organizational efforts of coalition members, Maricopa now has an Alcohol Anonymous group, which meets at the Villages Clubhouse every Tuesday from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Additional Public Safety Issues:
Committee member Carl Diedrich asked about the continued absence of a painted crosswalk at Santa Rosa Elementary School. School is again in session, and crosswalk markings would provide additional safety for students.
Semi-trucks and/or trailers parked in residential areas create a hazard on the narrow streets. Also, at least a temporary stop sign is needed at the intersection of Smith-Enke and Desert Greens.
During the recent flooding several children (some with their parents) were seen wading or swimming in the floodwaters in the wash running through Rancho El Dorado. Not only is there a danger of drowning for small children in the rapid current, but also the water contains waste materials, snakes and other unhealthy substances. Signage warning against wading or swimming was discussed as a possible solution to the problem. Ken Edwards suggested that a flyer or other educational material might be distributed through the schools regarding health risks and water danger.
Dietrich updated the committee on the planned new fire station at Smith-Enke and Porter Roads, which will include a helipad (see related story).
Candidates for Chief of Police will meet with members of their selection committee prior to a final decision, expected to take place in September.
The next meeting of the Public Safety Committee will be on September 18.