03-24-03 Health & Public Safety - Laserfiche WebLink

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OCommittlC3C Uport 19010 40 loublir gbafletv Commute The March 24, 2003 meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Roland Kelly at 3:30 p.m, in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Varner, Pfeifer, Coleman, Kelly, Kirsits, Aranowski, King, Kuspa and White; Jim Frick, Marc Nelson, Alan Feldbaum, Ann Koiata, Assistant Fire Chief Randy Magdalinski, Battalion Chief for Special Operations James Lopez, Terry Bland of the *4utb *tt� ZVO itt and Kathleen Cekanski- Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member noted that the first item on the agenda was to review Substitute Bill No. 03 -25 which is a resolution which would authorize the city's participation in a Joint Anti - Terrorism Steering Committee and a Joint Anti - Terrorism Preparedness and Response Committee (copy attached). Marc Nelson of the St. Joseph County Health Department, along with Assistant Fire Chief Randy Magdalinski and Battalion Chief for Special Operations James Lopez made the presentation. Mr. Nelson noted that the Steering Committee would be composed of the Mayors of South Bend and Mishawaka, as well as the County Commissioners. St. Joseph County, the City of South Bend and the City of Mishawaka would each have four (4) appointments to the Joint Anti - Terrorism Preparedness and Response Committee. It was noted that last week four (4) notices were received by the St. Joseph County Health Department with regard to concerns with regard to water, etc. Much work has been done and with the formal creation of these two (2) committees much more work can be done for these three (3) communities. He provided a two-page handout to the Committee (copy attached). Council Member King noted that the committees will focus on "communication and coordination ". It was confirmed that any costs would be outside the existing budgets for these governmental entities. Council Member Pfeifer inquired why this area may have a potential for a higher safety concerns. Mr. Nelson stated that in light of the presence of the University of Notre Dame, there is a high profile status. Additionally in the county there is a high concentration of population when taken into conjunction with Elkhart County. A high rate of foreign travel has also been noted. Mr. Nelson noted that if a biological agent was released in Chicago or Indianapolis that this area may be affected. He noted that the illness in Hong Kong has affected several countries. In light of intelligence indicating that the "Heartland of America." may be a target, we must be prepared. Dr. Varner noted that in light of I -80, that "spent rods" could be transported across the northern part of the state. Following discussion, Council Member Kirsits made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kuspa that Substitute Bill No. 03 -25 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Council Member Kelly then called for a presentation on Bill No. 21 -03 which would authorize the issuance of bonds to evidence a loan from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management Brown - Fields Cleanup Revolving Loan Fund administered by the Indiana Development Finance Authority and pledging a portion of the City's County Option Income tax revenues to secure such bonds.