10-22-01 Health & Public Safety and Residential Neighborhoods

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Joint Meeting of the Health&Public Safety Committee and the Residential Neighborhoods Committee October 22, 2001 Page 3 consequences. Council Member King concluded his remarks by stating that perhaps there should be positive and constructive amendments,not a repeal of Ordinance No. 9241-01. Council Member Kelly then made a motion, seconded by Council Member White that Bill No. 97- 01 be recommended unfavorably to Council. The motion passed. The Joint Committees then reviewed Bill No. 01-89 which would authorize the United States Attorney of the Northern District of Indiana to submit an application for Weed and Seed Official Recognition to the United States Department of Justice, on behalf of the Weed and Seed Steering Committee, the Mayor and the St. Joseph County Prosecutor. Mayor Luecke, Khadijah Muhammad of the St. Joseph County Prosecutor's Office and George Adler of the Community and Economic Development Office made the presentation. They provided a map of the proposed "Weed and Seed Target Area" (copy attached) which would be within the area outlined in black on the map. Council Member King inquired as to who takes the lead in overseeing the program and who evaluates the overall operations. Ms. Muhammad noted that their would be a shared governance involving Pam Meyer, Jon Hunt and herself. There would be a designation, however this phase addresses the site, with a coordinator being hired at a later point in time if funding is received. Council Member Ujdak inquired about the time table. Ms. Muhammad noted that the deadline for submission is October 31st, with an award being made in the Spring of 2002 and a federal fiscal year format. Council Member Kelly asked about funding. Ms. Muhammad stated that there are 232 cities designated as weed and seed sites currently,with an average of$ 170,000 being utilized. Mayor Luecke stated that regulations require the City to go through the US Attorney's Office. Mayor Luecke also noted that there are limits on the total percentage of the City which can be designated as a"weed and seed" site. In response to a question raised by Council Member King, Mayor Luecke noted that the resolution would put the Council in favor of the application process, and that the process is being fast tracked in light of the deadlines. The program has a wide range of people involved and it would be an ongoing process for a very comprehensive program. Mayor Luecke also noted that an existing not-for-profit agency could be designated to oversee the program once the site is designated. Council Member Ujdak stated that he would like the site limits to go farther west and voiced support of the resolution. Following discussion, Council Member Ujdak made a motion, seconded by Council Member White that Bill No. 01-89 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed.