05-20-13 Health & Public Safety (2nd Meeting)

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Health & Public Safety May 20, 2013 5.00 P.M. Committee Members Present: Karen White, Tim Scott, Dr. Varner Other Council Present: Henry Davis, Jr., Gavin Ferlic Others Present: Judith Robert, Dan Demler, Kyle Chamberlin, Theresa Sedlak, Susan Ewing, Jennifer Tindell, Mike Schmuhl, Becky Kaiser, Mark Conover, Patty Russworm Agenda: Bill No. 09 -13 — Chronic Problem Property Regulations This meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee was called to review Bill No. 09 -13. The bill represents the Council's collaborative effort to address chronic problem properties. It has long been recognized that repeated calls for service to "problem" properties be they for police, fire or code incur heavy drains on city services. Bill No. 09 -13 is the response to these problems. Councilmember Tim Scott worked collaboratively with the City Administration including the Mayor. City Attorney, Director of Code Enforcement, the Police Chief, the Council Attorney and fellow Councilmembers to craft the prescriptions in Bill No. 09 -13. Before Councilmember Scott made the presentation, Karen White, the Council's quality of life champion, called upon the Mayor and the Police Chief for opening remarks. Mayor Buttigieg expressed support while indicating the fact that city services come at a cost. The question is who should pay? Can the costs over and above taxes be properly charged to hose incurring them? The Mayor also thanked the Council for working with his administration to develop a four and appropriate response to these problems. Police Chief Ron Teachman echoed the Mayor's comments. He said it was the property owner's responsibility to be good neighbors and to be held accountable when they were not. Karen now called upon Tim Scott for his presentation reminding everyone in attendance they would have ample opportunity to speak for or against after the presentation. Tim passed out copies of his power point. (A copy is on file in the Office of the City Clerk) He listed the goals of 09 -13 as reducing calls for repeated service, enhancing the quality of life, enhancing the fabric of neighborhoods, improving and building proactive relationships and implementing positive remediation agreements. He said input was sought from other cities. Together with city department heads a bill was crafted that was needed and was fair and enforceable. The bill defines chronic problem properties and prescribes remedial action for the owner. Upon completion of the presentation Karen recognized Councilmembers David Varner and Henry Davis for their observations Varner expressed support; but wondered if the problem property categories were too broad. Councilmember Henry Davis also expressed support but said he would like more service call data from all over town. He is concerned about the bills fairness.