06-25-08 Health & Public Safety Committee

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HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY JUNE 25, 200$ Committee Members Present: Councilmember Karen White, Chairperson, Councilmember Henry Davis, Donald Brubaker, Citizen Member, Other Councilmember Present: Councilmember Oliver Davis Others Present: Ann-Carol Nash, Catherine Toppel, John Voorde Purpose: This was the second of a scheduled six meetings called by Councilmember Karen White, Chairperson, Health and Public Safety, to hear concerns of folks in each Councilmanic District concerning quality of life issues. The place of this meeting was the West Side Democratic and Civic Club, 617 S. Warren St. Chairperson White began the meeting by thanking Tim Hudak, President of the West Side Democratic Club for the use of the facility. As well, she thanked all for attending. (about 20.) She explained the purpose of the meeting was to hear neighborhood concerns as the Council has received many calls and e-mails, expressing concerns over graffiti, yard clean-up, mowing, loitering and crime. Chairperson White stated that citizens have a right to a decent quality of life in their neighborhoods. People should be able to enjoy a city with strong neighborhoods and good schools. People should be able to work, play and raise a family in a safe, clean environment. Chairperson White pointed out that fulfilling these desires is all the more challenging in light of the effects of HEA 1001 which will have a negative affect on resources available to achieve them. After introducing other Council Members, Ann-Carol Nash of the City's Legal Department, Catherine Toppel, Director, Code Enforcement, and John Voorde, City Clerk, Chairperson White opened the floor to questions and comments. First was Emily Lentych of 710 Grant. She said a vacant lot on Brookfield just behind her home was littered with trash and had yet to be mowed this year. Cathy Toppel said vacant lot growth must be 12 inches, 9 inches with a structure before Code Enforcement takes action. She would follow-up on this. Valentina Guittierez of 1617 W. Dunham was next. Her concerns were neighborhood eyesores, graffiti, tall grass, and garbage. She also said she reported a vacant house vandalized and partially occupied to the SBPD, but heard of no follow-up. AI Heet of 2118 S. Kemble representing the Rum Village Neighborhood Association complained of used tires discarded in alleys and on vacant lots. He suggested a disposal fee when new tires are purchased. He also mentioned overgrowth in alleys and vacant rentals that needed upkeep. Toppel said her crew works with Green Tech who provides bins for tire disposal and had picked up over 750 tires last year, over 250 so far this year. Ann Carol-Nash said fees and fines cannot be added to property tax liens so recovery of costs was expensive and difficult. The City is working with the state legislature to change this. Fran Young of 705 S. Grant spoke of problems with kids in the neighborhood. Police seemed slow to respond to loitering, curfew violations, vandalism, and break-ins. When called, according to Fran, the police just seem to drive by. She also complained about growth in alleys restricting sight lines for drivers. David Thomas of 522 S. Meade promised to work with offending property owners to cut growth back.