06/13/88 Board of Public Works Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING JUNE 13, 1988 word. Mr. Gerbasich then recalled for the Board previous 4th of July festivities in the neighborhood which resulted in residents being shot at with fireworks and damage being done to residences. Mr. Gerbasich stated that he observed minors drinking and fireworks being thrown at passing vehicles, including a police car, and at nearby residents. Further, he advised that these activities continued until 3:00 a.m. Mrs. Joseph D'Angelo, 804 Sylvan Lane, South Bend, Indiana, submitted to the Board a Petition signed by residents of the area opposed to the closing of the street for a block party on the 4th of July. She also submitted photographs of damage done last year during 4th of July activities on her street as well as a letter she received from the City Attorney's office regarding these problems. Mrs. D'Angelo also recalled for the Board the problems that occurred on the 4th of July in 1987. She stated that people get drunk, illegal fireworks are used and are shot at passing cars, people urinate in the yards and music is played very loud until 3:00 a.m. in the morning. Mrs. D'Angelo further advised that a nearby resident who is a County Police Officer also participated in the 4th of July activities last year. She stated that residents do not want this to occur again this year. Mrs. D'Angelo further advised the Board that her neighbor, Mr. Randy Ritschard, was advised by the prosecutor that he would not be allowed to shoot fireworks at his residence. She informed the Board that Mr. Ritschard therefore goes down the block and shoots them off near Mr. Gerbasich's residence. Mrs. D'Angelo stated that she won the case against Mr. Ritschard for the damage done to her home by the fireworks he was using last year. Ms. Diane Bilinski, 720 Lombardy, South Bend, Indiana, Petitioner, advised the Board that she has lived with her boyfriend, Mr. Randy Ritschard, at 809 Sylvan Lane for one (1) and one-half (1/2) years. She stated that Mrs. D'Angelo did make a lot of points that were correct, however, minors are not served alcoholic beverages. She further stated that some of the residents of the neighborhood are planning a corn and sausage roast on the 4th of July and that the people who signed the Petition which she submitted are in favor of the street closing. She advised that she has not purchased fireworks and that they do not shoot rockets on purpose contrary to the negative statements made earlier. She informed the Board that some of the residents commented that they enjoyed the fireworks that occurred in the neighborhood last year. Ms. Bilinski further stated that they are not a bunch of drunks, they do not urinate in the yards and that they want to stay in their neighborhood for a 4th of July celebration. She reiterated that the people who signed the Petition are in favor of the street closing. She concluded her statements by indicating that they plan to have the corn and sausage roast regardless of whether the street closing is approved or not approved as there are several other families on the block that are interested in participating. She advised that beer would be served. In response to Mr. Leszczynski's inquiry, Ms. Bilinski stated that this block party is for neighbors only and friends and relatives are not invited to participate. She stated that as the food and beverage cost will be shared among the neighbors, only the neighborhood is invited. She also stated that there are children in the neighborhood and their safety is also a concern. In response to Ms. Humphreys' inquiry of what points made by Mrs. D'Angelo Ms. Bilinski agrees with, Ms. Bilinski stated that in the past the parties have lasted into the evenings and when the police are called they are asked that the noise be held down. Also that the County Police Officer referred to by Mrs. D'Angelo that participated in the party last year did so as he is a neighbor, is off -duty and did contribute to the cost of the party.