A resident spoke to Marietta City Council on Thursday night about concerns regarding the dog park inside Jackson Park.

Julie Stoffel, a Friend of Marietta Community Dog Park located inside Jackson Park, spoke to the council about the level of drug use around the park, the only off-leash dog park in Washington County.

“It’s popular with drug dealers and people who come up to buy drugs,” she said.

She explained how it was reported to Marietta Police on July 31 that a couple used the picnic pavilion and a volunteer found a bag of drugs, an empty baggie with drug residue and drug paraphernalia that had been left behind.

The volunteer cleaned up the area with their bare hands, she said.

Stoffel said she spoke with Mayor Josh Schlicher on Aug. 1 and requested to have more police presence in the area, even if it were the occasional drive through. She also asked to have more lighting to increase visibility, but as of Thursday, none of that has happened, she said.

¯ ¯ ¯

Schlicher reported to council the city maintenance department was finishing up cleaning and painting, leading into leaf season, which begins shortly.

He said if there are any tree issues, get in touch with the mayor’s office.

¯ ¯ ¯

Safety Service Director Steve Wetz said there would be a finance committee standalone meeting regarding giving Ely Chapman Education Foundation funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.

¯ ¯ ¯

Marietta Main Street West leader Jackson Patterson gave out flyers about a pop-up demonstration and workshop from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday.

Those interested in the Franklin Street corridor are meeting up at Gilman United Methodist Church to discuss creating projects that “inspire and improve the ability for people of all ages to walk, bike, and move safely throughout our community.”

¯ ¯ ¯

Finance and Taxation Committee Chair Mike Scales said the committee will meet Sept. 27 to discuss ARPA funding.

The committee will also meet at 4 p.m. Tuesday in executive session regarding the lawsuit between the City of Marietta and the Washington County Commission regarding the sewering of Devola.

***

At a glance:

¯ Pop-up demonstration and workshop will be held regarding the Franklin Street corridor.

¯ Marietta resident told council of concerns about dog park.

¯ Next regular meeting will be 7:30 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Armory building, room 10.

Source: Marietta City Council.