03-10-08 Health and Public Safety Committee

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Health and Public Safety Committee The March 10, 2008 meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee of the South Bend Common Council was called to order by Chairperson Karen L. White at 4:32 p.m. in the Council's informal meeting room. Persons in attendance were Council Members White, Kirsits, Varner, Oliver Davis, Rouse, Henry Davis, Puzzello; Mrs Kopola, Martha Lewis, Don Brubaker, Mark Smith, Catherine Andres, Gary Gilot, Catherine Toppel, Bob Allen, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney, Jon Voorde, City Clerk, Janice Talboom, Deputy City Clerk. Committee Members present, Karen L. White, Chairperson, Ann Puzzello, Vice- President, Henry Davis, Jr., Member. Mrs. Toppell then gave an update and demonstration of the new communication devices that Code Enforcement have been implementing. She showed on half of the table the device and Bob Allen also had a device that he displayed to the other end of the table. Mrs. Toppell explained that with the handheld devices that her personnel could down load inspections from the field instead having to come in early and do them in the office. She said the reception and connectivity are both very good out in the field. She displayed how the device worked by putting in an address and showing the results to the council. For more detailed information she handed out a copied power point presentation. (Copy attached). She also explained how the data base needs to be updated and the financials tied in to run the system at its full potential. She said she would have more information available when that happens. She is working with the IT department on this matter. Karen White asked what happens when a complaint call comes into Code Enforcement. Mrs. Toppell explained she has 6 staff members to answer the calls. Complaints also come in by computer. Citizen Member Brubaker asked if the technology is tied into Animal Control. Mrs. Toppell replied no. Karen White asked if all this technology interfaces with the quality of life ordinances and other departments. The technology does not connect with the Ordinance Violations Bureau or the Police Dept. Ann Puzzello inquired about writing tickets for front yard parking. Mrs. Toppell said it is being done by both her people and the police department. Tim Rouse said that the City needs to respond to the complaints under privilege of the floor and maybe the appropriated departments should attend the meetings. Mrs. Toppell said she was not aware of all of the complaints. Karen mentioned all departments need to know what the others are doing.