July 12, 2022
Jerry Guida, the president of the IPNA, called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
Denver Police Department. Ofcr. Michelle Cooper started her talk with statistics. She told us that, over a 3-year period, our neighborhood’s crime statistics are lower in most areas, have increased in aggravated assaults and were significantly reduced for thefts from motor vehicles.
She told us that if we see something, we should call it in. The more officers who drive through Inspiration Point Park, fewer people will abuse the Park. She said that right now, DPD’s resources have pulled into the neighborhood near West Colfax and Sheridan. In response to a question about graffiti, she said that a report or complaint has to go through the 311 line and that the police will follow up. She added that the Community Advisory Group was scheduled to meet on Monday, both in the District 1 station and virtually. That Group meets the third Monday of each month. The guest speaker for July was scheduled to be from Traffic.
August 2, she said, will be National Night Out. She anticipated that many people would be attending that event. Ofcr. Cooper also told us that catalytic converter theft is still a major issue. The DPD has had a program for etching serial numbers on converters.
Bob Lorenz asked about fireworks. He said that some leftover fireworks were set off the night before our meeting, at 2:30 a.m. Ofcr. Cooper suggested calling in reports about fireworks and providing a description of where we think the fireworks are being set off. She added that if the DPD doesn’t receive a complaint, it is difficult them to do anything about it. She provided information about precious metals contained in catalytic converters and in Priuses. She said that some of the converters are shipped out of state, just like stripping copper wires out of a building.
A question was asked about the red flag law. Ofcr. Cooper said that complaints, most of which are valid, come from spouses, girlfriends and other family members. There exists a complex process for a court to issue a red flag order. She also said there is a lot of frustration right now with increasing crime rates. The City is now at its lowest level of officers. She said that a number of officers aren’t clear on what they can and can’t do without getting sued. Officers are being careful when they respond to calls. She added that many officers are leaving the DPD, some because of the COVID vaccination requirement. She feels that we’ll come to a better time.
That was followed by a discussion of scooters, some of which get stolen and some of which are used without authorization or payment.
Picnic. Melissa Dickey said that the goal is to make it more fun. There was a discussion about speakers, food and music. Matt Ryan and Dave Dickey feel that the new picnic structure in the Park would not be the best place for the picnic. Melissa asked for ideas, how to get more people to attend, what we want to do for this party. One of her daughters, Lila, presented kids’ ideas for the picnic. Dave is planning to have the picnic in the picnic area near Sheridan, with a fire truck, a potluck, a book give-away, face painting, water guns and water balloons. Bob suggested kite flying. Melissa asked for ideas on what to do and asked for volunteers. This year, she said, we have a brand new, beautiful park, which we should all enjoy.
Councilwoman Sandoval’s Office. Devon, a Community Relations Coordinator, gave a shout-out to the Fire Department for watering down the natural area in the Park. He said that DPD and Park rangers are aware of what’s going on in the Park and want to nip problems in the bud. The more inquiries that are made about a specific problem, such as graffiti in the Park, the more seriously the City will take them. He’s talked to Cmdr. Steffany and was told the DPD is aware of the problems and are patrolling in the Park. If we can get people’s license plate numbers, that would be helpful to track down the perpetrators. Matt said he, Dave and Owen Snell, along with countless other neighbors, watch what’s going on in the Park. He has learned that 90% of the problems occur in the upper parking lot. He suggested blocking some of the parking spots, while leaving handicapped spaces open. One way to physically combat the problems would be by bringing more people to the Park, such as through concerts or a photo contest. He said that what we’d like from Councilwoman Sandoval’s office is ideas on how to combat these problems. Devon responded that Park rangers might not be aware of exactly where problems are arising. He suggested activities to bring people to the Park. One resident suggested trying to get events moved to Inspiration Point Park from Sloan’s Lake or another park. Matt suggested advertising about activities in the Park. Another resident said that the word is starting to get out, without much effort, about the Park.
Another resident suggested merging with BRUN. Jerry spoke out strongly against that idea, saying that would reduce our power because we’re a much smaller neighborhood. Jerry added that he couldn’t get BRUN interested in the Martischang Building. Devon said that we’re better off as our own group, but feels that a Facebook page about the Park could include information about yoga classes or other activities in the Park.
Bob asked whether there would be a new irrigation system in the Park. Devon responded that he doesn’t know, but will check that out. Bob stated he has notes about how parks help to reduce heat-island effects. Matt and Bob said that about 25 trees have been removed. When Matt suggested planting trees, they said he could plant them himself. People in Denver, Matt explained, want more trees and more shade. Devon said he’d follow up to get answers from Parks and Rec. Bob said that our neighborhood is always eager to plant trees, and it’s something he’s done his entire life. When he hears about cutting down trees, it really affects him. Others said the Park has to be watered. Jerry noted we need new police officers.
Treasurer’s report. John DeLisa reported that we had a $3,057 bank balance. We spent $254 for printing the most recent issue of the newsletter. We had 36 members as of the date of the meeting, compared to 45 in 2019 and 39 in 2020.
Secretary’s report. It was duly moved and seconded to approve the minutes of the April 12 meeting. That motion carried unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:58 p.m.
Sincerely,
Barry Roseman
Secretary