10-06-97 Personnel & Finance and Residential Neighborhoods

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Commitets *sport: Joint Committee of the Personnel&Finance and Residential Neighborhoods Committees 'go tjs Common Countil of i s Cftp of South WO: The October 6, 1997, meeting of the Residential Neighborhoods Committees was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Andrew Ujdak at 4:00 P.M. in the Council informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included: Council Members Broden,Ujdak and Coleman, Varner; John Byorni, Dr. George Plain,James Voll,Terry Bland, Ann-Carol Simons,Pat Paskett, Margaret Arnold, Teria Chism and Kathleen Cekanski Farrand. The meeting began with the introduction of all individuals present. Council Member Ujdak noted that this is a continuation of information gathering which is necessary in order to properly review the licensing and zoning recommendations in the Adult Care area. Council Member Broden noted that Bill No. 69-97 received a favorable recommendation from the Area Plan Commission. He noted that if there were significant changes to the bill that it would have to be sent back to the Commission for review and recommendation. It was noted that code enforcement may be able to have some oversight duties for inspections with having at least one individual trained in this area. Dr. George Plain and Pat Paskett of the St.Joseph County Health Department then gave a brief overview. They noted that Mishawaka has three Adult Care Homes in existence. They noted that the county does not have Adult Care Homes and does not license them. Pat Paskett noted that she contacts each of the facilities in Mishawaka once per year. She noted that all residents have to be on the first floor and she checks the kitchen, menu, routines and rules regarding relatives coming to visit. She also reviews food, access and egress to the facility and call systems. She noted that two are located on Ironwood road and have no signage. She noted that one of the homes has a family living in it and has a 24 hour care giver. Both Dr. Plain and Pat Paskett stated that there should be square footage requirements and call systems in place in cases of emergency in restrooms. In response to a question raised by Council Member Broden,it was noted that spot checks are only done if a complaint is received. In response to a question raised by Council Member Ujdak it was noted that safety bars are typically installed in the restrooms. Procedures with regard to confining to bed and whether LPN's or RN's are necessary should be properly discussed. It was suggested by the Council Attorney that the County Health Department develop a summary of areas which would be governed by that particular department for the next meeting. Council Member Broden requested an update on square footage requirements for such homes. Council Member Ujdak suggested that screening and lighting also be discussed. Council Member Broden noted that the overall purpose of the licensing provision was to have quality and decent humane care for adults.