By ANDY GARDNER

MASSENA -- A local landlord says he wants the Massena Police Department to inform him whenever patrols respond to one of his rental units.

However, the village mayor says it may not be possible.

“I’ve tried on several occasions contacting the police department and they don’t seem to get back to me,” Massena landlord Tom Spinner told the village trustees at their Tuesday meeting. “They’ve been there probably 20 times in the last six months. I think they should be contacting me.

“I’ve put a notice to get the information released. I’ve had a tenant say they’ve been there 30 times in the last year.”

He says he doesn’t want tenants who are causing problems and drawing the law’s attention.

“I have a problem at my place I take care of it,” Spinner told the board. “It just seems like it’s hard to get them to work with you.”

Mayor Tim Currier said there could be a reason the department is tight-lipped. He also noted that Spinner’s request could require more staff.

“I know part of the issue is privacy, depending upon the type of incidents that are going on there. Some types of stuff can’t be shared with anyone,” the mayor said.

He said the police would likely need to hire someone if they were to start calling landlords whenever there was a problem with a tenant.

“I urge you to keep in mind the number of rentals and properties the police department is dealing with … We would need additional staff to make those contacts. It’s probably a pick and choose case,” Currier said. “I’m sure the chief can find a better way to communicate you when and where they can.”