01-13-03 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 13, 2003 Councilmember Roland Kelly, Third District, made the presentation for this Resolution by reading it in its entirety and presenting it to members of the Hosinski family who joined him at the podium. Councilmember Coleman made a motion to adopt this Resolution by acclamation. Councilmember Aranowski seconded the motion which carried. ORDINANCE NO. 9347-02 PRESENTATION BY THE SOUTH BEND POLICE DEPARTMENT ON THE GANG LOITERING ORDINANCE Councilmember Pfeifer introduced Police Chief Tom Fautz, Assistant Chief Gary Horvath and Captain Wanda Shock. She noted that they have been working diligently with her, other members of the Council and the community over the past four (4) years to pass this loitering ordinance. She advised that Assistant Chief Horvath is prepared to present a power point presentation at this time to bring everyone up to date on the work that they have been doing in continuing the enforcement of this ordinance. Police Chief Thomas Fautz thanked the Council for providing them with a tool to deal with narcotic, gang and disruptive behavior in the neighborhoods. He stated that the more comfortable a criminal feels in any given neighborhood the bolder and more intimidating they become. This creates a sense of hopelessness for the residents of that neighborhood and erodes the clear confidence in the Police to protect them. While not a panacea, this ordinance is a step in the right direction toward the disruption and elimination of drug, gang and illegal activity. This ordinance will require a vital relationship between the neighborhoods, the public officials who are committed to developing new methods for dealing with crime and the police who must strive to create not tougher policing but smarter policing without infringing upon the rights of the citizens. Smarter policing can emerge when the police, elected officials and the public work together in new ways to solve the problems the community faces. Chief Fautz noted that the presentation will explain the implementation of the enforcement of this ordinance, the mechanics of how they will make all this happen and the role of an overview committee as they move toward their goal of safer neighborhoods and the improvement of the quality of life issues in the community. Division Chief Gary Horvath, South Bend Police Department, presented a twenty (20) minute power point presentation at this time. Chief Horvath's presentation consisted of discussion regarding the purpose and intent of the ordinance, various sections of the ordinance, the tasks of the Loitering Overview Committee, its membership, requirements and duties. Additionally, he discussed the proposed pilot program, law enforcement training and an overview of the penalties assessed for the various activities which are prohibited. Councilmember Pfeifer thanked Chief Horvath, Chief Fautz, Captain Shock and everyone who helped to increase the quality of life in South Bend. RESOLVE INTO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE At 7:40 p.m. Councilmember Coleman made a motion to resolve into the Committee of the Whole. Councilmember Kelly seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes.