07-09-12 Health & Public Safety - Laserfiche WebLink

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July 9, 2012 Health and Public Safety Committee Page 3 Miscellaneous Business: Council Member Oliver Davis stated that the former nursing home located across of McDonalds on Western Avenue is now housing migrant workers. He encourage the Council to drive by the location. He noted that there are many persons being housed at this location and has seen clothes drying on the bushes. Catherine Toppel stated that there may be as many as six (6) locations locally where upwards of 15- 20 people are being housed. Council Member Henry Davis, Jr. stated that if health and safety concerns are involved that there should be "zero tolerance, especially if there is a blatant disregard of regulations" The City need to manage the issues better. He voiced concern if bus loads of people are being dropped off. Catherine Toppel stated that she is unaware of any criminal acts. The civil process involves a 24- hour letter being sent giving notice. A hearing within ten (10) days of the certified notice is then set. All utilities are checked. If at the hearing it is found that there are too many occupants a "vacate and seal" order is issued. Once a "vacate and seal" order is issued a "No Trespassing" sign can then be posted. She noted that they act immediately under the Unsafe Building Law. She added that ICE is not interested. Dr. Varner suggested better coordination with the St. Joseph County Health Department. He added that when health and safety are involved that there may be a shorter time frame. Interim City Attorney DeRose noted that the City must be very careful in this area in light of recent litigation. Council Member White requested that the Council be sent the locations of the six (6) properties. Council Member Henry Davis, Jr. requested the City Administration to be "very creative when addressing City problems ". He stated that the Council gets flooded with calls asking the Council whether there is any thing that the City can do. After discussion between Council Member Oliver Davis and Dr. Ferlic it was recommended that a joint meeting of the Zoning and Annexation Committee and the Health and Public Safety Committee on this issue involving the Western Avenue property health, safety and possible zoning concerns.Council Member Oliver Davis again encourage everyone to got out to the Western Avenue location. There being no further business to come before the Health and Public Safety Committee, Dr. Fred Ferlic adjourned the meeting at 4:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Dr, Fred Ferlic, Chairperson Health and Public Safety Committee Attachments