03-25-13 Health & Public Safety - Laserfiche WebLink

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Health & Public Safety 4.36 a.m. March 25, 2013 Committee Members Present: Karen White, Dr. Ferlic, Dr. Varner, Tim Scott Other Council Present: Henry Davis, Valerie Schey, Oliver Davis, Gavin Ferlic Others Present: Becky Neese, Steve Cox, Mack Neal, Scott Ruszkowski Agenda: Bill No. 09 -13 — Chronic Property Regulations Bill No. 10 -13 — Certification of Occupancy Fire Department Training Center —Steve Cox, SBFD Chief Karen White, Chairperson of the Health and Public Safety Committee opened the meeting with three items on the agenda. The first Bill No. 09 -13, is meant to address chronic problem properties, that is, those that generate excessive calls for service, particularly police, code, and fire. The bill sets limits on nuisance calls to the same property by imposing fees to be collected from the property owner. The bill continues Karen White's efforts to improve the quality of life in South Bend's neighborhoods. Karen recognized Councilmember Tim Scott who is the "point man" on developing this bill to make the presentation. Tim reported that the bill needed more work so asked it be continued until April 8th. On his motion, seconded by Councilmember Dr. David Varner and affirmed by all the bill was continued. The second item on the agenda Bill No. 10 -13 was a technical amendment to the Code offered by the Area Plan Commission in the person of Becky Neese. More specifically the bill requires a certificate of occupancy be issued by the building department for work completed on both commercial and residential structures. In the past the state provided this certificate but stopped this year. The bill would reinstate the practice locally. On motions by Varner and Scott affirmed by all, the bill was sent to full Council favorably. The last item on the agenda was a presentation by Fire Chief Steve Cox on the long anticipated Fire Department Training Center and new Fire Station #5. With the help of a slide presentation Chief Cox addressed the training facility. He said a site at the corner of Sample and High Street was selected for the proposed facility. The site was ideal in that is was close to the Central Fire Station, but buffered from any residential properties. He added the facility would address a long standing need for training which would enhance the safety of both the public and firefighters. The new fire station #5 would replace the present inadequate station on the same site. The present single -bay station is not large enough to house today's equipment or views needed in the SW area of town. Mark Neal explained the funding mechanism for the projects. He said the City would propose a not to exceed $20 million bond to be repaid by ambulance fees held in fund #288 for Fire Department capital purposes.