Groveport Village Council will consider legislation on Aug. 27 to oppose the transfer of a liquor permit for the Groveport Lounge from Combo Enterprises to Phillip A. Riner.
Police Chief Gary York reported to council at its Aug. 20 committee of the whole meeting that he did not support the permit transfer because, "The Groveport Police Department has experienced a significant increase in activity at the Groveport Lounge (while under its current management)…over six pages of reported incidents have been compiled since January 2007 compared to only one page for the entire year of 2006."
According to police records, the incidents include fights, disorderly conduct, drunkeness, traffic offenses, suspicious persons, and assaults.
Village Law Director Kevin Shannon told council that it could make its feelings known about the potential liquor permit transfer, but that the decision on whether or not to allow it is ultimately up to the Ohio Division of Liquor Control.
"It’s not an easy thing to block," said Shannon.
Shannon noted Riner is currently operating the Groveport Lounge, located at 296 Main St., with a liquor permit under a management agreement with Combo Enterprises.
Mayor Lance Westcamp advised village administrative officials to invite Riner to council’s Aug. 27 meeting so the village can hear his side of the situation.
"He (Riner) deserves a chance to address council," said Westcamp.
Police motorcycle
Council will consider purchasing one or two police motorcycles when it begins its 2008 budget talks this fall. A police motorcycle, fully equipped, could cost an estimated $23,000.
York said the advantages of a police motorcycle are: increased visibility in the community; increased enforcement activity; ability to patrol areas not accessible by a police cruiser; more approachable to citizens; it’s great for community events; it costs less to operate than a police cruiser; and it has a longer service life verses a police cruiser.
He cited disadvantages as: it’s not an assignment suited for every officer; less protection if involved in a crash; weather/season/shift restrictive; and arrest situations require more officers because suspects cannot be transported by motorcycle.
The Groveport Police Department already has 10 marked police cruisers (including one SUV) and eight police bicycles.
York said six of the department’s officers have motorcycle endorsements.
Other Groveport news
•On Aug. 27, council will hear the final reading of an ordinance to authorize a Groveport police officer to serve as school resource officer at Groveport Madison High School for the 2007-08 school year at a cost to the school district of $46,523. This figure represents 69 percent of the cost of the officer with the village’s portion figured at $20,902. It would be the fourth year the village has supplied the officer.
•York reported the police are addressing neighborhood concerns in the Bixby Ridge subdivision regarding "numerous junk and/or inoperative motor vehicles" parked on the streets or private residential property. Parking warning stickers and citations are being issued.
