Greensboro City Council held its second monthly meeting Tuesday night, Feb. 25. Kimberly Evans announced plans for a citywide Easter egg hunt, hosted by the Department of Parks and Recreation, which will take place on the Saturday before Easter, April 12th, from noon until 2:00 p.m., at Lions Park. Evans said the event has drawn more people each year and this year she hopes to rent a large bouncy-house for the children to play in. Snacks will be provided, and the department is looking forward to a big turn-out.
Evans went on to invite people to participate in the Read Across America program. Adults are encouraged to come to Greensboro Elementary School and read books to children during the week of March 3rd to March 7th. Arrangements to read can be made through the Elementary School front office.
Adrian Ward told the council there was an ongoing public nuisance with unsanitary conditions taking place on his street. Ward said there are people living illegally in a house on Cobb Street. He claimed the inhabitants have hung colostomy bags from a fence on the property. “It smells like [urine]. I’m just telling the truth. This wouldn’t happen in a white folks’ area,” said Ward.
Council members asked Ward to keep his comments respectful.
Ward questioned the performance of the city’s code enforcement officer and asked why taxes funded the position if the employee wasn’t performing his duties.
Mayor J.B. Washington said he had spoken to the city’s code enforcement officer recently.
Ward continued to voice his disapproval of the code enforcement officer’s work habits. Washington asked Ward if he would like to take the job of code enforcer for Greensboro. Ward said he did not want the job and is semi-retired. Washington said action will be taken on the issue in the coming weeks.
During the councilmembers’ public comment, Councilmember Ashley Kyser said he, too, wanted enhanced code enforcement. Kyser said there had been attempted car breakins in his district and encouraged citizens to lock their cars at night. Councilmember Katerrial Lewis agreed and also asked citizens to be mindful of their property. Police Chief Willie Lewis said the department is following a lead on the attempted break-ins.
Kimberly Evans asked if the city could do anything about stray dogs in her area. The mayor told her that the position of animal control officer is a county position, and numerous complaints had led to a vacancy in that position.
Evans asked if a leash law could be passed by the city. Washington said the council would look into it. Brenda Johnson told the council her property on Centerville Street is constantly flooded with debris from a city storm drain across the street. Johnson said her yard fills with debris such as tires, cement, and asphalt every time it rains. Washington said an engineer would be by to inspect the drain.
