Just a reminder,

Do not leave portable basketball hoops

protruding out over the roadway.

Questions, comments, tip suggestions;

coptalk@cityofseward.net

Question: Our neighbor’s dog continually comes into our yard and relieves itself. We live in the city limits and know there is a leash law. What can we do?
Answer: Try talking to your neighbor first. If that doesn’t work, contact the Animal Control Officer at 224-7495.
There are several city ordinances dealing with dog issues. Go to http://www.municode.com/resources/gateway.asp?pid=13526&sid=2 for a complete listing of the city codes.
As for the “Leash Law”, the city code says that dogs must be on a leash in parks and schools. Any other place, the dog must be under the owner’s control. Which means a leash is not required if the owner can control the dog with voice commands.

Questions, comments, tip suggestions;

coptalk@cityofseward.net

For Your Safety-

Make a habit of driving with your headlights on at all times.
This makes YOU more visible to other drivers.
13 AAC 04.010 Requires headlights to be used while traveling on roadways where signs are posted requiring their use, like on the Seward Highway. Violators may receive a $50.00 citation and two demerit points.

Questions, comments, tip suggestions;

coptalk@cityofseward.net

Summer time always brings an influx in property crimes, particularly along waterfront camping. People need to be sure and secure their coolers and bikes. Don’t make it easy for thieves. Report suspicious activities and crimes to the police department ASAP. Non emergency number 224-3338 or 911 for EMERGECIES ONLY.

Questions, comments, tip suggestions;

coptalk@cityofseward.net

Caution! Bears sited in the area.

State law and city ordinance requires that trash be stored in suitable containers and/or racks and in such a manner that prevents the attraction or access by wildlife or the spillage by wind, weather, animals or accident.

Violators may receive a $50.00 citation.

Bear-Resistance containers available at 224-4621.

Questions, comments, tip suggestions;

coptalk@cityofseward.net

Twenty Four, unmarked 55 gallon drums were discovered last week on City property.  Some of the barrels were tipped over and others were upright.  The location of the dumping took place at mile 3.3 of Nash Road on the west side of the road.  The contaminated materials may include used oils and/or transmission fluid.  These drums appear to have been dumped within the past year.  The City of Seward is soliciting community input to help us gather more information and offering a $5000 award for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the responsible individual(s).  If you have any information, please contact Tom Clemons, Chief of Police (907) 224-4023.

The 2008 D.A.R.E. graduation was held at the Seward Elementary School gym on Tuesday night.  Ninety 5th and 6th grade students received their D.A.R.E. diplomas.  Daren the D.A.R.E. lion made a special guest appearance.  The graduation is the culmination of 9 lessons covering such topics as ways to say no to drugs and alcohol, resisting peer pressure, healthy ways to handle stress, and making good decisions.  The Seward Police Department continues to support the D.A.R.E. program and feels it’s a good way to stay connected with the youth in our community. Cpl Patrick Messmer is the D.A.R.E. instructor.

Question: Can city police officers give tickets outside the city limits?

Answer: Yes, per statute definition: A Police Officer being a full-time employee of the state or a municipal police department with the authority to arrest and issue citations; MAY conduct investigations of violations of and enforce criminal laws, regulations, and traffic laws; and take other action when necessary to maintain the public peace. (Definition has been condensed) No restrictions on jurisdiction noted.

Questions, comments, tip suggestions;

coptalk@cityofseward.net

NOTICE:

Bikes that are on the bike rack north of city hall by the satellite dish are free for the taking. They will be available until May 31st when any remaining bikes or parts will be taken to the dump. Bikes in the enclosed fencing are NOT included.

Questions, comments, tip suggestions;

coptalk@cityofseward.net

DID YOU KNOW?

The Seward Police Department has a public service presentation available entitled “Fatal Vision; A Look at the Effects of Impairment in the Workplace”. For the presentation, we use “Fatal Vision” goggles which simulate the visual effects of alcohol impairment. If your business would like to include this presentation in an upcoming safety meeting, please contact Sgt. Valadez for scheduling at 224-3338.

Questions, comments, tip suggestions;

coptalk@cityofseward.net

Seward is in the area allowed an extension on the removal of studded tires. All studded tires must be removed by May 15th.

After May 15th, violators may receive a correctable ticket. If not corrected, the bail on the ticket is $60.00 and Zero demerit points.

Questions, comments, tip suggestions;

coptalk@cityofseward.net

Question: What dates are studded tires prohibited?

Answer: AS 28.35.155 It is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle with studded tires or tires with chains attached on a paved highway or road from May 1st through September 15th. There are latitude/longitude exceptions but for Southcentral Alaska, the above dates are correct. This is a correctable ticket with a bail of $50.00 and zero demerit points.

Questions, comments, tip suggestions;

coptalk@cityofseward.net

Question: Are vehicles required to have two license plates on them?

Answer: AS 28.10.171 Yes depending on the vehicle. If two license plates are issued for a vehicle, one must be affixed to the front and the other on the rear. The rear license plate must display the month and year tab as instructed on the registration form. Plates must be securely attached with the upper edge of the plate horizontal, at a height of not less than 12 inches from the ground, and must be maintained in a location and condition so as to be clearly legible. When only one plate is issued (trailers, motorcycles, etc), then the plate must be affixed to the rear of the vehicle. Violations of this section may result in a citation for $75.00 bail, a surcharge of $10.00, and zero demerit points.

Questions, comments, tip suggestions;

coptalk@cityofseward.net

Question: What are the restrictions for vehicle window tints?

Answer: 13 AAC 04.223 Regarding after market tinting. No mirrored tinting on any vehicle window. The windshield may have an eyebrow no wider than 5 inches. The driver and front passenger side windows must permit at least 70% light transmittance. The rear door windows, quarter glasses, and back glasses must permit at least 40% light transmittance. Refer to the Alaska Statutes to read the entire law with additional restrictions. The police department has a tint meter and will gladly inspect your tinted windows during normal business hours.

Questions, comments, tip suggestions;

coptalk@cityofseward.net

Clarification:

Regarding vehicles (including school buses) pulling over for delaying five or more vehicles, the statute says that the law does not apply in urban areas and the delaying vehicle shall pull off the roadway at the first opportunity to do so safely.

Questions, comments, tip suggestions;

coptalk@cityofseward.net

Avoiding Identity Theft

An educational program for general audiences.

Wednesday April 2, 2008 7pm

Soldotna High School Auditorium

Free Admission

Sponsored by Alaska Peace Officers Assoc. and Central Peninsula Crimestoppers

Questions, comments, tip suggestions;

coptalk@cityofseward.net

Seward Police Officer Patrick Messmer has been promoted to the rank of Corporal effective 3/10/08. He was selected over two other candidates after a competitive testing process.

Corporal Messmer has been with the Seward Police Department since February 2006. His prior law enforcement experience includes 6 years with the Bethel Police Department. He grew up in Fairbanks and attended the University of Alaska Fairbanks where he received a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.

Corporal Messmer is currently the department’s firearms instructor, urban rifle instructor, and the armorer for Glock and AR15/M16. He has been assigned as the School Resource Officer since January of this year and is currently teaching D.A.R.E. to elementary and middle school students.

The Alaska State Troopers are reporting that stretches of the Seward and Sterling highways are extremely treacherous and calling 511 does not reflect the true road conditions.

In many areas, there are stretches of standing water over ice - in these conditions, sanding is not effective and numerous accidents have been reported.

The warm windy weather has also seriously increased avalanche hazard.

Unless you absolutely need to travel to Anchorage, it is not recommended.

Please take care and have a safe week!

Glenda Landua
Citizen Corps Program Coordinator
Kenai Peninsula Borough Office of Emergency Management

Question: Aren’t school buses or any vehicle for that matter, supposed to pull over and let cars pass when there is a line of 5 or more cars behind them?

Answer: Yes, AS 28.35.140(b) applies to school buses as well as other vehicles that are delaying five or more vehicles. The bail for this offense is $100.00 plus 2 demerit points. You may report offenses to the troopers, the police, and/or in the case of school buses, the bus supervisor.

Questions, comments, tip suggestions;

coptalk@cityofseward.net

Sorry, someone jumped the gun when they requested the NOTICE REGARDING APPLICANT FINGERPRINTING information be put in COP Talk.

Before any changes can go into effect, there is an approval process within the city hierarchy that must be followed. So for now, fingerprinting is still free of charge if the applicant provides their own cards. Otherwise, the fee is $10.00 for a set of cards. Fingerprinting service is only available on Fridays between 8am and 4pm at the police department. Sorry for the confusion and any inconvenience.

Questions, comments, tip suggestions;

coptalk@cityofseward.net

NOTICE REGARDING APPLICANT FINGERPRINTING:

Effective Friday February 15th, there will be a $20.00 fee for each set of Applicant fingerprint cards. A set consists of two cards. The fee will be accessed whether the applicant provides their own cards or they are provided by the police department. Cards returned to the department by the FBI for re-printing will be done at no additional charge to the applicant. Fingerprinting service is only available on Fridays between 8am and 4pm at the police department.

Questions, comments, tip suggestions;

coptalk@cityofseward.net

American Legion Post # 5 @ 4th and Jefferson is having a “Break the Winter Blues” yard sale on Saturday February 9th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 P.M. Come by and check out the bargins. We are also looking for donations for the yard sale. Donations can be dropped off at the Legion after 4:00p.m. 7 days a week. All proceeds will go towards our chairlift for the handicapped. Please call the Legion @ 224-5440 or 224-6591 and ask for Heather.

Seward Municipal Ordinance 11.15.087(b)

states that vehicles parked on the right-of-way of a street for longer than 24 hours during those times when snow removal by the public works department is occurring, will be subject to a citation and impound.

Questions, comments, tip suggestions;

coptalk@cityofseward.net

Businesses Beware!

There is a quick change scammer in town. He was already arrested for five separate offenses just last month. Seward must be easy prey because he’s at it again. Be extra vigilant when giving change back to customers.

Questions, comments, tip suggestions;

coptalk@cityofseward.net

It’s the Holiday Season.

If you are going to cut your own Christmas tree, be sure you do so where allowed. Cutting trees on private property can result in criminal charges. For other restrictions, contact the Chugiak National Forest Ranger at

224-3374 or the National Park Service at 224-7500.

Questions, comments, tip suggestions;

coptalk@cityofseward.net