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COMMUNITY NEWS
Lender referred to a commendation recently awarded to Neighborhood Watch Area Coordinator Kenneth B. Lippincott of Country Club Heights, saying the commendation referred to a house of prostitution and two drug houses being shut down, and wanted to know why there had been no report to the community. In response, Fountain PD Public Information Officer Jess Freeman explained the Fountain PD’s efforts to stay in touch with the community. “The Fountain PD does keep the community informed of events that could create a danger to the public,” Freeman explained. “However, we do not have the resources or funding to create programs that could be used for information sharing [like the Colorado Springs Police and El Paso County Sheriff’s Office websites] at this time.” He continued, “since January of 2006 the Fountain PD has sent 36 press releases to the local media though Public Information. The press releases have been placed on our old Fountain PD website in the past. However, we However, we are installing a new website and the articles have not been downloaded onto the newest site.” “It used to be,” Lender told Council, “when we hired new officer, they were present in this room and everybody got to meet them. We don’t even know who our police officers are anymore. It’s a shame. Many people still believe John Morse is our Chief of Police.” Freeman replied, “The police Chief and all Department heads attended every city council meeting up until six or eight months ago. Around that time Mr. Lender addressed Council and questioned why Department heads were attending every Council meeting and receiving compensatory time for attending. “After a discussion with City Council, Acting City Manager Dave Smedsrud directed Department Heads only attend council meeting if they have an item on the agenda that they need to comment on.” Freeman added, “The Police Department provides monthly reports to City Council on all police matters, as well as an annual report. We began sending press releases to City Council at the beginning of this year for each release we send to the media.” Items Lender would like Council to gain information on, with responses from the Fountain PD are as follows: * A young girl living in Fountain was sexually assaulted three months ago. Why was the community not informed? Freeman explained that in matters such as this, media attention can cause a double trauma to the child, and for that reason the media is not directly notified. However, there is a sex-offender link available on the city website. In the case of the Fountain girl, the offender was arrested and convicted, receiving 30 days in jail, probation with 24 hour surveillance and he must register as a sex offender for life. * A Fountain police officer was involved in a collision, causing a civilian car to be flipped on its hood. Despite inquiries, no information was released regarding the outcome of the incident. “The Fountain Police Department did have an officer-involved traffic accident on Mesa Ridge Parkway,” Freeman explained. “The matter was investigated, and appropriate action taken. The matter was resolved, and the other involved party was content with the outcome of the case.” * The house of prostitution and drug houses shut down in Fountain. Despite inquiries, no information was released. “The Fountain Police Department has been asked about drug houses that have been closed down in the Country Club Heights Area,” Freeman responded. “In 2006 the Fountain Police investigated 184 drug related calls. In 2007 we have investigated 72 so far. The Fountain PD does not have any records of closing down a “House of Prostitution.” This does not mean that neighbors in any given area did not suspect that that type of activity was occurring and is no longer occurring because of extra patrol and concentrated efforts of neighbors and the police.” * The overall cost of investigating the Heritage Special Maintenance District. “Mr. Lender wants to have questions answered about the Heritage investigation,” Freeman replied. “The Heritage Investigation has not been closed. The Police Department does not discuss open cases. “Mr. Lender has filed an Intent-to-Sue letter to certain City Officials and past City Officials in reference to the investigation. City Officials have been advised by Attorneys not to speak to anyone in reference to the Heritage investigation.” * In a matter not related to the Fountain PD, Lender requested information regarding the dismissal of Fountain Utilities Credit and Collections worker Melinda Bierley. Lender inquired as to why Fountain Utilities Credit and Collections worker Melinda Bierley was asked to resign, expressing concern that the recent Phase I City Management may have drawn retaliation against certain employees. Human Resources Director Irma Christie’s husband, Bill Christie took the podium, saying that Lender is probably the root of most of the discord in Fountain. He discussed the anonymous postcard mass-mailed prior to the recent special City Council election in which candidates were either attacked or supported. “I’m not the only one who utilized an agency to send out mail-outs,” Christie said. He named Councilmember Gabriel Ortega as well as former candidates Sam Provenza and Louis Porsia. As to the impression the card appeared to have come from City Hall, Christie remarked that it did not give him the impression of being from the City, and the matter was subject to interpretation. Christie said the card addresses issues of what he considered to be intimidation tactics by Lender, saying an attack on Lender was needed to discourage him from speaking on radio talk shows in a negative manner about members of city staff, Council and the community. “This needs to stop,” Christie told Council. Howells responded that the problem with the card was that it was anonymous, adding if Lender has something to say, he doesn’t conceal his identity. Efforts to reach Christie for comment were unsuccessful.
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