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Dr. Ferlic then asked the council to listen to former ND Basketball coach Digger Phelps <br />outline his plan for addressing Youth Violence in the community. This was a follow -up <br />to an earlier presentation which resulted in a presentation by Coach Phelps to the general <br />public last week at the Kroc Center. At the Kroc Center Coach Phelps spoke to several <br />hundred concerned residents about the need to stem violence. At the Kroc and at this <br />presentation Coach Phelps emphasized the need to enlist mentors to work with youth to <br />encourage education and positive behavior, basically rejecting violence as a response. In <br />the schools children from K thru grade 4 would be directed to focus their energies on <br />alternative measures to build self - esteem and respect for others. Middle school grades <br />would reinforce this alternative prevention focus and finally high schools would devise <br />programs meant to bring out the best mental and physical development of each <br />individual. The schools working with and reinforcing volunteer mentors acting as role <br />models could support and bring the best out of each individual. <br />The second part of the plan to stop youth violence is a more immediate response using <br />city resources to include Community Policing and Neighborhood Watch programs. <br />Interim SBPD Chief Hurley briefly described raising the profile of police presence in <br />neighborhoods experiencing high crime rates. The proven to be effective Neighborhood <br />Watch program has recently been enhanced by technology to allow quicker reporting and <br />response to reported criminal activity. Coach helps reinforced the need to recruit <br />mentors. <br />It was at this point things got some what contentious. Oliver Davis felt Coach Phelps <br />was being disrespectful in his tone and pep talk deliver. Henry Davis felt the crime <br />problem was the city's to address and should not be directed by Coach Phelps. When <br />Chief Hurley asked Henry what he did today to fight crime, Henry exited the meeting. <br />Dr. Ferlic urged everyone to cooperate and "keep their eye on the ball" which was the <br />youth violence problem. Coach Phelps invited everyone to come to another presentation <br />at the Kroc Center on June 6m <br />There being no further business to come before the committee at this time, Chairperson <br />Dr. Fred Ferlic adjourned the meeting at 5:20 p.m. <br />Respectfully Submitted, <br />Dr. Fred Ferlic, Chairperson <br />Health & Public Safety Committee <br />