Laserfiche WebLink
Health and Public Safety Committee <br />February 20, 2008 <br />Page 2 <br />Mayor Luecke stated that it was his understanding that Ms. Erin's study was based on a <br />review of tickets. He noted that the Police Department has a different perspective, noting <br />that many lower income neighborhoods have higher crime rates. Chief Boykins was in <br />attendance at that meeting last Fall. The Mayor stated that there is proposed state law <br />legislation pending in the General Assembly currently. <br />Council Member White noted that there is a need for the community to come together to <br />focus on our ordinances. <br />Council Member Puzzello noted that the study by the way it was structured may not be fair <br />to our police department. <br />Council Member White noted that Chief Boykins should be contacted to see what <br />information is needed so that internal discussions can take place. <br />Council Member Puzzello suggested that lawn parking ordinance enforcement should <br />be another topic reviewed by the Committee. She noted that she has had discussions with <br />new Division Chief Walters and has asked the Ordinance Violations Clerk for information <br />on tickets in this area. <br />Council Member White suggested that scrap metal ordinance should also be another <br />quality of life ordinance needed discussion. She noted that Council Member Dieter has <br />suggested an emphasis on the noise ordinance. <br />Council Member Puzzello voiced concern that many ordinances in the City Code appear <br />not to be enforced, suggesting that if they are not needed perhaps that should be repealed <br />citing the gang loitering ordinance as an example. <br />Mr. Leone stated that there are benefits of having these ordinances on the books. Often <br />their presence helps in compliance which may not result in a citation. He noted for <br />example that the gang loitering ordinance calls for a dispersal order to be given. This may <br />be an example of it working once the police orders are given. <br />Mayor Luecke noted that perhaps discussions on the expectations of enforcement also <br />needs to be addressed. He stated that the ordinances are tools and Code Enforcement <br />and Police Officers have discretion. Like a construction worker who has many tools <br />available, he/she does not use all the tools atone time. <br />Council Member Dieter stated that enforcement of ordinances against loud stereos/noise <br />need to be enforced. He voiced concern that the "word on the street" often hampers <br />