01-22-99 Health & Public Safety and Residential Neighborhoods

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v. Morales) which involves their"anti-gang ordinance". On January 19, 1999, the City of Philadelphia's new ordinance addressing panhandling and sleeping on sidewalks took effect. It requires their police department to work closely with outreach teams of mental health or drug treatment counselors as part of their enforcement procedures. Council Member Pfeifer stated that residents in her district are continuing to voice their concerns about individuals who are"ruining their lives". Chief Gunn stated that he believes that it is unfair for the police officers to make quality of life decisions. He voiced concern about enforcement breaking down around racial lines and believes that families, schools and churches should be taking on stronger roles. He noted that for many gangs, going to jail or prison is a "badge of honor". He further noted that at a LaCasa meeting this weeks that the residents want the police to take back the streets yet are concerned about unfair treatment by police officers resulting in a Catch 22. William Hojnacki noted equal protection concerns. When he was on the Anti-Drug Coalition 4-5 years ago all school systems noted that there is a drug problem but none acknowledged that their system had one. Chief Gunn noted that the drug problem is multi-faceted and involves persons from the age of 14 years old to middle-agers. He stressed that it is run like a business. Crack cocaine use is on the decline but heroin use is rising. He noted that the University of Notre Dame had a conference similar to the one being proposed back in 1989 which he believed was helpful. Council Member Kelly raised the topic of legalizing drugs. Council Member Pfeifer then raised the issue of decriminalizing drugs. William Hojnacki noted that in Singapore death is the penalty for drug use whereas in Amsterdam it is accepted. Council Member Pfeifer noted that the problems will keep growing. The Council Attorney suggested that the conference include discussions on loitering as it relates to drug activities;the homeless;and the mentally ill. She suggested the assistance of the African-American Commission on Black Males. Council Member King stressed the need to hear "success stories" in these areas. Mr. Hojnacki stressed the need for a multi-faceted audience and speakers. Carl Littrell hoped that the conference could address the topic of seeing loiterers not as a threat; and Lew Powell saw the need for family and faith ministries noting that Penn State recently passed loitering laws. Pat Shelton of the SBCS Corporation raised under unfinished business the growing problem of the school busses being singled out by the Code Enforcement officers for tickets. He stated that busses are prohibited from being parked in driveways. When parked on residential streets they are parked for no more than an hour and no more than a total of two(2) hours per day. Three(3) drivers were issued $ 50.00 tickets. 60% of the drivers take their busses home after their am routes. Fuel costs along would be extremely high if all drivers are forced to return to the garages. He asked for assistance from the Committee. Council Member King volunteered to follow-up on this issue. The Council Attorney noted that Labor/Management meetings will begin soon involving the police contract and asked for approval of her continuing to attend such meetings. All Council Members present gave their approval. She Doted that Council Member Ujdak had given his permission earlier in the week.