11-17-97 Personnel & Finance and Residential Neighborhoods

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S Commftttt 2tport: Joint Committee of the Personnel&Finance and Residential Neighborhoods Committees 'go the Common CoututY of tht City of £ioutfi nb: The November 17, 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 Coleman,Ujdak,Hosinski and Broden; John Byorni, Don Fozo, Ann-Carol Simons, Dr. Plain, Pat Pasket, Larry Maggliozzi, Teria Chism and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council Member Ujdak noted that the purpose of the meeting was to continue discussion on the proposed licensing and zoning regulations of adult care homes. Mr.Don Fozo then reviewed a handout entitled"Adult Care Home"which was prepared in conjunction with Bert Prawat of the South Bend Fire Department. He briefly reviewed CABO and the One and Two Family Dwelling Code. He noted that exits addressed by the codes require to separate and independent means of egress with the first being 36 inches in width and the second one being either 30 or 32 inches in width. Discussions then took place on the feasibility on such ingress and egress being accessible for wheelchairs. It was noted that ventless hoods in the kitchen would be acceptable under the code. Mr. Fozo noted that it would take a minimum of 30 to 60 days for the state to review any proposed amendments in the building area. Mr. Fozo further suggested that one person should be assigned to inspect all proposed building and fire regulations. The Council Attorney then briefly reviewed a memorandum dated November 17, 1997 regarding demographics. Dr. Plain noted that the memo provides excellent information and again brought to the committee's attention the potential for abuse of the elderly. Teria Chism questioned why qualified medical assistants were being considered instead of CNA's. It was noted that a qualified medical assistant could give medications could give medicines to any patients who were on blood pressure medicine etc. Dr. Plain noted that at Portage Manor they always have one person on each shift to pass medications. Dr. Plain noted that there are special concerns, especially in the evening hours. Council Member Ujdak noted that discussion must take place on the issue of enforcement and hope that Kathy Dempsey of the Code Enforcement Department would be available to address that concern. Mr. Byorni stated that if Adult Care Homes were prohibited from A Residential Areas that it would prohibit such uses from most of the city. Such uses could only be proposed under a special use permit. He also noted concerns over parking requirements. Council Member Coleman suggested that institutional providers should be contacted for their perspective. He noted that there may be special challenges which the committee should be aware of when considering both of these proposals.