MIKEEE'S Efforts aim at averting problems

The bar owners have agreed to hire security and enforce a dress code.
By SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
GIRARD -- City police hope working with the owners of a local bar will prevent problems.
For the third weekend in a row, police were called to Mikeee's Bar and Grill on North State Street because of fights. Two weeks ago, officers used pepper spray on at least four people in an attempt to try to get the crowd under control, and last weekend, officers called for backup from neighboring departments.
It's a situation police want to see rectified before there are serious problems.
"When you are short-staffed to begin with, it's hard," said Girard police Capt. Frank Bigowsky. "When you get a large crowd like that, it can get a little dangerous."
Crowds of more than 100 people have gathered inside and outside the establishment, which also serves as a restaurant throughout the week.
When officers responded to the most recent complaint of fights, police ordered the bar to be closed for the night based on the number of people. Records show it took more than 45 minutes for employees and police to clear the establishment.
Bigowsky said he and Chief Anthony Ross are talking with the business's owners -- Dave Pantelis, Tim Maderitz and Greg Dominic -- to ensure things don't get out of hand.
Complaints
Police routinely handle calls about Mikeee's patrons' parking illegally in other businesses' lots, leaving broken glass bottles in those lots, and complaints about public urination, especially during the summer months.
None of the owners was available to comment on the situation.
Ross said senior citizens who live nearby often complain about the noise levels, and officials are concerned about Mikeee's patrons who are crossing construction and traffic on North Main Street to get to the bar.
Bigowsky noted the establishment is popular because it's one of the few city bars that provides entertainment in addition to dining.
"I think they could survive well on just the restaurant part alone," he said of the owners. "But after 10 and 11 p.m., they are drawing a younger crowd, and that seems to be creating some problems."
The owners have agreed to employ security, as well as to begin enforcing a dress code, police said. That, combined with police efforts to enforce parking bans and liquor violations, could help mollify the situation, police said.
"I think it's a business that can be good for the city," Bigowsky said. "We just need to get these problems under control."
slshaulis@vindy.com