At the April 2 meeting, Holland Village reviewed police department activity for March.
Sergeant Ed Marckel presented the report, pointing out that several items were down from the same time in 2023. Those include traffic stops which were down by 60 percent from last year, he said.
However, citations were up from 27 in 2023 to 103 this year. The sergeant also noted an increase in OVIs from one in 2023 to three this year.
On a brighter note, shoplifting declined by 60 percent from 33 to 11. He attributed the decline in part to a difference in how the data is compiled.
Instead of recording each individual one, the department now can put multiple shoplifting incidents together under offenders who commit the act on several occasions.
At the conclusion of the report, Councilman Mike Bettinger questioned the traffic stops. “Are the majority of them at McCord and Clark?”
“No, they are all around and at any time of day,” replied Sgt. Marckel. He pointed out the department has been monitoring See Orchard Centre Drive at Belle Tire and Cheers, where people have a tendency not to stop for the stop sign.
In other business, council:
•Heard from administrator Bob Bethel that the annual Picture in the Park summer film series will be held on Fridays June 7, July 12 and August 2 at Strawberry Acres Park.
Several area churches are coordinating the movie nights along with family activities, food and entertainment. The outdoor films are shown at dusk and are free and open to the public.
•Learned that final contract details for a school resource officer are being worked out with attorneys from the village and Springfield Schools.
•Paid bills totaling $79,321.
Village council’s next meeting will be at 6 p.m., Tuesday, April 16, in council chambers, 1245 Clarion Avenue, and is open to the public.
