La Plata, MD -The upcoming National Night Out events were highlights when the Town of La Plata’s monthly meeting was held Tuesday, July 28.

Mayor Roy Hale handed out $200 “mini-grants” to help various community organizations with plans for National Night Out, which is coming up Tuesday, Aug. 4.

“This event has grown in size,” the mayor said. “This is an event where the police department, fire department and rescue squads all participate with the community. It’s held throughout the town to recognize that it takes everybody to fight crime.”

The mini-grants were presented to representative from Hawthorne Green, Hickory Ridge, Kings Grant and Clarks Run.

Hale also noted through a proclamation that August is Neighborhood Speed Awareness Month in the Town of La Plata.

“All drivers are encouraged to be aware of it and drive the posted speed limit,” Hale stated.

Sergeant Brooks of the La Plata Police Department filled in for Chief Carl Schinner. Brooks said officers responded to 840 calls for service during the month of June, arresting 39 individuals for Part I offenses and 38 people for Part II offenses.

In June, he noted officers closed 49 percent on Part I offenses and a 62 percent closure rate for Part II offenses.

During town council member reports, Keith Beck noted that the town planning commission has a major item review for its board of appeals regarding a Sonic Restaurant seeking to locate within town borders.

“That special exception has to go to the board of appeals,” Beck said. “Any fast food restaurant seeking to locate in the town has to do that.”

Councilmember Lynn Gilroy said the town has received grant money for an exercise station at Tilghman Lake.

“Shoreline restoration has also been approved,” he said. “This is a grant we applied for several times and this year we were able to get it.”

He also noted that Kings Grant trail work is underway.

“There are a few dollars left so the trail is being extended,” he pointed out. “It’s under construction at this time.”

Councilman Wayne Winkler asked what was going on with the handicapped access at Wills Park.

Town Manager Daniel J. Mears said there were several months of work left.

“We’re only 30 days into the budget,” Gilroy said. “Government works fast but not that fast.”

Contact Joseph Norris at joe.norris@thebaynet.com