Well, I alluded to it earlier and now it’s public.  The weekend was spent working on getting a resolution together that would get things moving.  I tore apart the next version of Manassas Next and used some of  the pieces to come up with a Neighborhood Conservation Plan. 

You can download the resolution here.  It creates an immediate “foot patrol” for the greater GTS area of 3 officers.  It re-funds some overtime pay for more enforcement details.  It also creates a renewed focus for zoning and code enforcement for the same area.  Further it directs the staff to study what they are seeing in the field and provide input to the Council for enhanced enforcement.  Finally, it directs the Land Use committee to come up with longer-term goals and strategies.  I’m aware that the last bit is a bit generic but that is what I could get together in 3 days and get passed by the Council.  It is a thorny subject.  Expect to see a serious discussion about police funding during the budget.

We will take what we learn here and apply it to the rest of the City.

The Council also passed a resolution endorsing Prince William County’s FOIA request of ICE to determine the disposition of the many cases forwarded to them by our joint 287g program.

I did spend a lot of time on all this but I want to convey that none of this is possible without my fellow Council members.  I might have done a lot of legwork but there just isn’t a substitute to having 6 brains looking at things and providing great feedback.  I would also point out that the staff provided great support and information and that the beer summit folks were great help.

It’s a start.