Police enforcement heightened following Skate Park graffiti

Ortonville- A profanity spray-painted on a wooden fence that stands between the Village Skate Park and a residence was discovered Monday, prompting the neighbor to file a police report.
Brandon deputies may be soon be taking more action at the park.
Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Pete Burkett spoke at Monday night’s village council meeting, laying out plans to alleviate issues of juvenile delinquency at the problem-ridden park.
‘Hopefully, they’ll know we’re taking this seriously,? Burkett said. ‘We’ll bypass the prosecutor’s office and go through youth assistance and cite incorrigibility… I have a feeling we’ll be writing quite a few tickets.?
Burkett met with Village Manager Ed Coy earlier in the day and went over the skate park ordinance and how it could be changed to enforce rules. Currently, tickets can be given automatically at the park for offenses including possession of alcohol and drugs, under-age smoking, and breaking of curfew.
Burkett said he has a two-strikes plan for kids who are trespassing at the park after hours. The first time, their information will be taken and they will be warned. The next time, they will be ticketed and it will be handled through Brandon Groveland Youth Assistance or Probate Court.
‘It’s up to our discretion,? Burkett said. ‘Every situation is different. My plan is after the second contact to petition for youth assistance, a diversion program to avoid probate court.?
Anyone over 17 would automatically be cited for trespassing on their first and any subsequent offenses.
Deputies have an extra patrol at the Skate Park during every shift, Burkett noted, and will drive by as they have time. He said the park patrols should not detract from routine patrols elsewhere in the township.
Councilmembers asked about possible confiscation of skateboards and bikes of kids violating rules and Burkett said policy-wise, confiscated property must be taken to Sheriff’s headquarters in Pontiac, however, it may be possible to take it overnight and have parents contacted to pick up skateboards and bikes.
A Skate Park subcommittee consisting of Brandon Parks and Recreation Director Fred Waybrant and township trustees Charlene Carlson, Bob DeWitt, and Tom Stowell met with Village Councilmember Aileen Champion this week to discuss resolutions.
Their final recommendation includes seeking a grant through the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority’s Risk Avoidance Program (RAP). If approved, the grant would give the township and village $10,000, which the municipalities would be required to match with another $10,000. The funds are proposed to be used for a 12-foot chainlink, commercial-grade fence around the skate park, with black silt screening and heavy landscaping, said Waybrant, who also proposes using tube lighting in the park.
The subcommittee plans to bring the recommendation to the township board at their meeting set for 7:30 p.m., April 21, at the township offices, 395 Mill St.

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