06-03-13 Residential Neighborhoods

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RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS June 3, 2013 6:30 P.M. Committee Members Present: Tim Scott, Dr. Fred Ferlic, Oliver Davis Other Council Present: Dr. David Varner, Gavin Ferlic (6:45) Others Present: Kathy Cekanski - Farrand, Pam Meyer, John Voorde, Chris Sopczynski (6:38) Agenda: Chairperson Tim Scott opened the meeting welcoming all attendees. Oliver Davis, whose district includes Southmore Mutual Housing echoed, Tim's comments. Fifth district Councilman David Varner spoke briefly to the chronic problems in and around the Miami Hills Apartments which prompted this meeting. Tim Scott then spoke of the chronic problem property bill that he and other put together in a collaborative effort with the city administration. The bill will be voted on by the Council on June 10. Tim cited the chronic problems of calls for service at the Courtyard Apartments, which the Council responded to with some success. That experience has resulted in a prescription for relief found in the nuisance property bill. Kathy Cekanski - Farrand, Council Attorney emphasized the positive aspects of the bill, education of the landlords and tenants being most important. Tim Scott opened the floor for comment giving each in turn a chance to speak. Jerry Dubin focusing on the Miami Hills Apartments said, the Section 8 residents may be screened initially, but follow -up compliance checks are nil. Tim Scott said there are approximately 3,500 Section 8 properties in the city, but only 8 inspectors to do the follow -up checking. Pat McGawan, a Southmore resident said safety and security are threatened by gunfire, sirens and noisy residents. Dave Evans, 3955 Montgolfier Place, said things are getting worse with crime and shootings threatening the quality of life. He said people there need to have hoped something is being done. Stephanie Thornburg, a Southmore resident, also cited safety concerns for the old and young in particular. James Wolman, 633 Donmoyer, said children's safety and peace of mind are being compromised by the commonplace violence and crime. He worried that people who complain about their neighbors conduct would be targeted for retaliation. Tim Scott said any threats of retaliation or intimidation would be turned over to the County Prosecutor.