03-24-03 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING MARCH 24, 2003 Councilmember Coleman made a motion to accept the substitute version of this Resolution. Councilmember Aranowski seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. Councilmember Kelly, Chairperson, Health and Public Safety Committee, reported that this committee held a hearing on this substitute bill and sends it to the Council with a favorable recommendation. Mr. Marc Nelson, St. Joseph County Health Department, no address given, made the presentation for this bill. Mr. Nelson urged the Council to approve this Resolution. He noted that a number of individuals active in terrorism preparedness for the counties and the cities have been working together for some time to improve preparedness. He further noted that they have made quite a bit of progress but needs the support of elected officials to go as far as they need to go. Councilmember Kirsits asked if by having this task force more funding would be available for area agencies through Homeland Security grants. Mr. Nelson responded that there might be that opportunity and they will pursue that matter. A Public Hearing was held on the Resolution at this time. There was no one present wishing to speak to the Council either in favor of or in opposition to this Resolution. Councilmember Coleman made a motion to adopt this Resolution as substituted. Councilmember Pfeifer asked Mr. Nelson to investigate an incident that took place this past weekend in which a United States citizen, on the basis of the Homeland Security Act, was visited by the INS at 5:00 a.m. because they thought these individuals were not citizens. Councilmember Pfeifer inquired why someone locally was not contacted to verify the identity of these individuals, and if that is one of the things that they are going to do. She noted that there are a lot of people in the community that are upset by this action and she would appreciate it if he could look into this matter. Mr. Nelson advised that there are three (3) law enforcement representatives on the committee, which meets on Tuesday, and he will ask them to find out about this incident. Councilmember Aranowski seconded the motion which carried by a roll call vote of nine (9) ayes REAPPOINTMENT TO CENTURY CENTER BOARD OF MANAGERS Councilmember Kelly made a motion for the reappointment of Mr. Edwin Ehlers to the Century Center Board of Managers. Mr. Ehlers has served as Treasurer of the Board for many years and has served extremely well. Councilmember King seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. RESOLVE INTO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE At 7:09 p.m. Councilmember King made a motion to resolve into the Committee of the Whole.