11/21/83 Board of Public Works Minutes

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112 REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 21, 1983 Licenses issued by the City. violation of state child labor ning on taking action with the .that matter. However, he is concerned about the laws in this matter and is plan County Prosecutor's Office on Mr. Hill inquired of Mr. Wintrode regarding what violations he was concerned about. Mr. Wintrode indicated that the youngsters employed by Junior Careers do not have employment_ certificates, are under the legal age of fourteen (14) and are working illegal hours. Mr. Wintrode indicated that in September of this year Junior Careers.was stopped, given a warning, items confiscated and they were instructed to secure a peddlers permit. Again, he reiterated that his office has no control over the issuance of a peddlers permit but is concerned about violation of state child labor statutes. Captain Edward Friend of the South Bend Police Department was. present and addressed the Board on the matter of Junior Careers soliciting in the South Bend area. Capt. Friend advised that the Police Department was notified by the Bureau of Child Labor on October 25, 1983, of possible Junior Careers activities in the South Bend area. Capt. Friend stated that he wanted to clarify that this group has no connection with the Junior Achievement Group. Capt. Friend cited Police Report No. 8369773 taken .on September 23, 1983 by Officer George Saros and Police Report No. 8382440 taken on November 11, 1983, by Officer DeCraene regarding the activities of Junior Careers in the South Bend area. Officer DeCraene's report indicated that the youngsters were carrying zeroxed copies of the Peddlers Permit issued to Mr. McLeod. Capt. Friend stated that the City Attorney's office and the County Prosecutor's office were notified of the work of this group in our City. Mr. Hill stated that it appears that this organization is attempt- ing to deceive the public. He stated that this is a profit making organization and clear disregard for labor laws is indicated which could pose a threat to the public welfare of the community. Mr. Hill stated that based on the circumstances of the matter and the language of the ordinance governing this matter, there certainly are clear grounds for revocation of the license. Mr. Wintrode explained that approximately fifteen (15) South Bend youngsters are involved in this endeavor. He stated that they are dropped off and pickedup at various locations and are being fined, in dollars, for such infractions as slamming the car door, rolling down the window or setting their materials down to rest while soliciting. He further stated that Junior Careers is taking these youngsters to at least six (6) cities outside of South Bend. Mr. Brian May again stated that the letter his client received does not stated the charges and that he was attending the meeting unprepared to defend himself. Mr. Hill stated that this is clearly not.the kind of business.the Board wants operating in the community. There being no one wishing to speak further on this matter, upon a motion made by Mr. Leszczynski, seconded by Mr. Hill and carried, the public hearing on this matter was closed. Upon a motion made by Mr. Hill, seconded by Mr. Leszczynski and carried, City License No. 14524 issued to Junior Careers on September 16, 1983 was revoked_ Mr. Leszczynski thanked Mr. Wintrode from the Bureau of Child Labor and Captain Edward Friend of the Police Department for attending the public hearing today and for their comments on this matter. 1 1 1