03/14/07 Committee Meeting Minutes

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March 14, 2007 Health and Public Safety Committee Meeting Minutes Page 3 noted earlier is a state statute. Maps have been provided to Community Corrections showing where schools and parks are located throughout St. Joseph County. Council Member Pfeifer stated that neighbors also have rights. Rules are to be fnllnwed, and persons must work together. Neighbors have concerns and that she is not willing to have °everyone placed in the 2"d District". Council Member White inquired about the notification process; how neighbors are notified and accountability. Ms. Hancock stated that Community Corrections looks at whether locations being considered are on a bus line, noting that transportation is no currently in their plan. She stated that twenty-two {22) new offenders coming to St. Joseph County in the next 7-9 months; and often then have less than one week to find housing, They are trying to "move with due diligence". The grant decision will be made on Friday at 4 p,m. Council Member White asked that she be updated on the decision and provided a number for Ms. Hancock to call. in response to questions from the Council Attorney, Ms. Hancock stated that Project Roots is governed by a Community Corrections Advisory Board which oversees the grant. The Board meets on the 4~" Thursday at noon in the conference room on the 7t~' Floor of the County-City Building. The Executive Committee meets monthly on the 3~d Tuesday of each month. Ms. Hancock stated that the GPS Pilot Project is for sex offenders on parole; and that there are currently ten {10) individuals in the program. Council Member Pfeifer suggested that neighborhood associations and partnership centers be contacted when considering locations #or housing. She also suggested working with Elizabeth Maradik of the Division of Community Development, noting that she could provide locations of such associations and partnerships. Council Member Kirsits stated that he understands that locations are visually inspected, and suggested that perhaps areas in industrial areas be considered, citing the "not in my backyard" argument. Building Commissioner Fozo stated that a special exception would be needed for manufacturing areas. In response to questions from Council Member White, Ms. Hancock stated that the majority of the offenders live in the 2~'~ District to which Council Member White stated that she agrees with Council Member Pfeifer that this is unacceptable.