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

Home Browse Search

Health and Public Safety Committee April 2, 2003 Page 6 private practice and is working against them". Mr. Mitchell stated that the City needs to have more than one(1) regular police officer downtown, noting that the City would rather pay all the costs to provide police protection for Notre Dame football weekends at taxpayer's expense. He understands that the City is now starting to pay overtime to have additional police downtown, noting again that the problem is when the closing hours. Mr. Mitchell commended the Fire Department for their regular safety inspections. He suggested that the ABC should have training classes and if they were for free, he would have no problem, He noted that when the street was blocked off that they had fewer problems. Mr. Mitchell concluded his remarks by stating that "the city is dropping the ball not the club owners". Captain Shock noted that the city is not interested in having concerts and plays interrupted by PSA's. She noted that approximately 3 1/2 years ago the Holliday Corporation voiced concern about the growing problems of public urination, vagrancy, litter and related problems. The extra charge per head was to be paid to the Holliday Corporation. The Century Center offered their parking lot by loaning it out, however when their hotel/motel funds were cut they needed the parking lot revenues. Captain Shock noted that the downtown patrols were stopped, however they have petitioned the Downtown Corridor for monies to fund downtown patrols. Division Chief Hassig noted that the money is almost entirely diminished which pays for overtime patrols in the downtown. He noted that when the establishments kick people out onto the sidewalks that this problem has to be addressed, perhaps in the monthly meetings. He encouraged managers/owners to call the police. He noted that everyone has different perspectives of the problem and that is why communication must be ongoing as proposed. Mr. Mitchell suggested that everyone has their own agenda The bar owners are willing to participate but he questioned the need for government regulations, noting that the city "generally drops the ball". Captain Shock noted that at the end of August she attended her last meeting with the business owners and suggested that they keep meeting among themselves. She noted that training is necessary in addition to the monthly meetings. Mr. Allen questioned where his taxes were going, since he has to pay for trash removal and has to pay for the outside sprinkler every time it is used. He stated that he pays all of his taxes and has never asked for a tax abatement. He added that he closes 30 minutes prior to the other establishments. Council Member Aranowski noted that only a portion of the property taxes comes back to the city. Chief Fautz stated that police officers are being hired for overtime on an add needed basis. He added that the current prosecutor appears to be more open to discussion of such problems in the downtown, as evidence of having two(2) Deputy Prosecutors being present today. Captain Shock noted that the police department could assist in the training of security, noting that there are differences between what a uniformed city police officer can do, and what a private security office may do. She stressed that training should include all management personnel. Mrs. Hamonn of The Library thanked the Council for inviting the business owners to this meeting and for sending copies of the proposed legislation to them prior to it for their review. She noted that since they have only been in business for two(2) years,that they welcome the opportunity to