06-28-04 Health & Public Safety - Laserfiche WebLink

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HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE The June 28,2004 meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee was called to order by its Chairperson,Council Member Ann Puzzello,at 4:30 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Dieter,Pfeifer,Kelly,Puzzello, Varner, Kuspa,White and Coleman; City Clerk John Voorde,Mayor Stephen Luecke,Park Superintendent Phil St. Clair,Department of Community&Economic Development Executive Director Sharon Kendall, Bill Schalliol,members of the East Bank Business Association: Ron Radecki,John M. Stratigos,and Karen Murphy Schefineyer; Terry Bland of the cSoe i Bznd J jtwzi,and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand,Council Attorney. Council Member Puzzello noted that she had been contacted by members of the East Bank Business Association with regard to their concerns related to the Summer in the City Festival held in the 4th Councilmanic District which she represents. Ron Radecki of 123 South St. Peter Street noted that he and his family has lived in the city for thirty(30)years and their family business has been located in the city for forty(40)years. He noted that members of the East Bank Business Association began meeting last September with Mayor Luecke with regard to concerns addressing security. He noted that this year the event was held on one(1)day and had a"massive security force". He suggested that specific written guidelines should be in place for such events which address among other things neighborhood security. He noted that instead of paying for large security forces that he would rather have the city pay for 24-hour bike patrols so that people will feel secure. John M. Stratigos,the owner of Barnaby's noted that their family business has been in South Bend for the past eighty(80)years, with forty-three(43)of those years being in downtown South Bend. They have been at their current location in South Bend on Jefferson Boulevard since 1969. He stated that the East members are seeking solutions so that we can all live,work and play in South Bend. Last year's Summer in the City was a carnival and many adjustments were made for this year's event. This year the one-day event was generally positive,however the streets were blocked off for over an hour when no one could come to his establishment to pick-up pizzas which they had ordered. He noted that he wants South Bend to be a great place, however he voiced concern over Belmont Beverages located across the street who is leaving,and the upcoming move of St. Joseph Medical Center. Mr. Stratigos stated that they want to work together with the city so that there will be"win-win solutions",noting that DTSB needs to work on both the east and west side of the St. Joseph River. Council Member Puzzello noted that if the Council is invited to the association's meeting the Council Members would come. Karen Murphy Schefineyer a member with her husband of the East Bank Business Association noted that there primary concern is public safety. There was a meeting a week ago and they decided that the standard should be"zero tolerance"for crime in the neighborhood. The neighbors were concerned about vagrants,drinking,panhandling,lewd behavior, and homelessness. In 1998 she noted that there were people having sex in Howard Park.