04-02-03 Health & Public Safety - Laserfiche WebLink

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Health and Public Safety Committee April 2, 2003 Page 5 an added cost, since the chances of making money are getting "slimmer and slimmer". He noted that Heartland has been opened for ten(10) years and that they are "close to pulling the plug". He noted that things slow down in the summer. He stated that the PSA's proposed would add stress and that he does not believe that the patrons should be scared. He suggested that the Council get a bird'seye view of the operations and not work off of hearsay. He contended that the call for service numbers do not mean although since the majority of those calls were outside of the establishments. He stated that he would be in favor of a program like the CAPS program in Chicago. Chief Fautz noted that some of the calls for service were unrelated to problems, and that calls are always encouraged. Captain Shock noted that gaining knowledge through training is important for managers and owners also. He noted that the police department has reviewed some of the training at the establishments and some of it is good. Captain Shock noted however that establishments should never confiscate ID's, and that training sessions, like those being suggested would address those issues. She encourage training for management and security personnel to enhance the efforts for the betterment of all. Council Member Kelly noted that the city is not interested in requiring additional costs for businesses, especially in light of the number of calls for services which the Police Chief outlined. He suggested that we all work together, discuss and provide help to each other so that the result is a win/win. Mr. Ken Allen of the State Theater located at 214 S. Michigan Street noted that much of his personnel is part-time and migrant. He stated that Wednesdays and Saturdays are their best business days. Mr. Allen questioned the number of service calls to his establishment by the Police Chief. He stated that they have one(1)full-time person at the door,and up to sixteen(16) security guards. Saturday nights often have up to 1,200 patrons, with a 1,600 maximum occupancy limit. Mr. Allen inquired whether these same regulations would be in effect at the Morns Civic Auditorium, the Cove, and other publicly owned venues. He noted that in the past they had meetings and talked about security. Two (2) years ago an extra fee of$ 2 was charged per person which was to be earmarked for security costs. He stated that they charge a cover charge of$10 on Saturday night and have well-behaved people. They have two (2) metal detectors and wand down everyone. They also require all purses to be emptied. Mr. Allen stated that he believes that too often the news media "blows up events and too often focus on the State Theater sign in their stories". He stated that that is not good for the downtown. Mr. Allen stated that he has no problem with the proposed PSAs so long as that they would not have to be made during an ongoing concert. He stated that the City needs to find a way to pay for more police. Mr. Stephen Mitchell of Benchwarmers located at 236 S. Michigan Street noted that he has been in the downtown area for 30 years, since 1973. He said that there are several problems and has seen good and bad things happening downtown. In order to stay in business you must have a safe environment. He noted that he often has eight(8) people inside. They do not call the police, and put all of their problems outside of their establishment. They have a list which bans 45 people from entering. The interior of each of the downtown establishments he contended are "probably the safest in town". They pay their security $150 a night. Mr. Mitchell stated that the problem is between 2-4 am when upwards of 2,500 are leaving. He stated that two(2) years ago they had an arrangement where the Century Center parking lot was used. He contended that"now the city is in