GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Gridley’s City Council welcomed two new officers to the local police force at the July 17 meeting. Officer Ashley Carson comes to us from the Yuba City Police Department. Officer Jennifer Weiss, Gridley’s new Animal Control officer, hails from Washington. Police Chief Rodney Harr spoke highly of both officers and of his confidence in the skills and experience they bring to the Gridley Police Department.

The addition is timely, as preparations for National Night Out ramp up. This event focuses wholly on raising crime prevention awareness in the community at large. Mayor Mike Farr read a proclamation to formally recognize the event, in appreciation of the dedicated law enforcement and crime prevention efforts continually underway in our Police Department as well as many other public service offices. Councilmember James Roberts urged participation in the festivities at Manuel Vierra Park on August 1, from 5:00-8:00 P.M., reminding Council and community members of opportunities for families to enjoy local food and entertainment and to participate in drawings to receive prizes such as bikes and school supplies.

Speaking to one active public safety and crime prevention concern for our area, and on the heels of loud and proud 4^th of July celebrations around the city and county, Vice Mayor Bruce Johnson and City Administrator Cliff Wagner facilitated a discussion about the adequacy of current city noise ordinances and enforcement of municipal codes regarding use of “safe and sane” fireworks in the Gridley area. Known detriments of unchecked noise and illegal fireworks include fire (such as occurred on July 4^th in at least one documented case near Sage St. last year), significant trauma and anxiety to citizens as well as pets, and general disturbance of working, sleeping, ill, and aged (or infant) community members.

It was noted that, in addition to fireworks, the City has become aware of instances in which Zon bird guns have been deployed illegally in residential areas, apparently to add intentionally to the noise disturbance. These guns, engineered for agricultural use deter pest birds from crops, emit powerful sonic blasts or explosions.

Council members discussed the possibility of adopting or mirroring existing policy language from Yuba City to aid enforcement efforts; potentially, this could increase penalties for fireworks or other noise disturbances and hold property owners at the scene to account. Crucial to enforcement efforts, however, will be an extensive community education and outreach program, because accurate and timely reporting of illegal incidents will be essential. Wagner proposed forming a working group to begin review of policy options. This committee will then develop plans for community education, and more effective enforcement procedures can begin to be put in place.

City Administrator Wagner and Attorney Tony Galyean also spoke to the upcoming closure of dealings with the Stapleton-Spence Packing Company, which operated at 1900 CA-99 in recent years. Following a series of costly wastewater violations and extensive cleanup, the site has been made ready for a new food manufacturing company to arrive in coming months.

Several community members and housing developers were in attendance at this Council meeting poising a variety of concerns and questions to the Council regarding zoning changes, cost transparency, and ease and consistency of communication.