06-10-13 Health & Public Safety - Laserfiche WebLink

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HEALTH & PUBLIC SAFETY JUNE 10, 2013 4:40 P.M. Committee Members Present: Karen White, Dr. David Varner, Dr. Fred Ferlic, Tim Scott Other Council Present: Henry Davis, Valerie Schey, Oliver Davis, Gavin Ferlic, Derek Dieter Others Present: Kathy Cekanski- Farrand, Mike Schmuhl, Eric Horvath, Mayor Pete Buttigieg Agenda: - Bill No. 09 -13 (Sub.) Chronic Problem Properties - Update Beck's Lake - Park Police Councilmember Karen White, Chairperson of the Health & Public Safety Committee, with all committee members present, called the meeting to order with three items on the agenda. The first was substitute bill 09 -13 dealing with chronic problem property regulations. This bill is a result of a collaborative effort among the Council, the Council Attorney, City Legal and Code enforcement. This is a good example of what can be done when the mayor and council work together. Karen White, a longtime proponent of neighborhood quality of life, opened explaining the problem with houses that generate a disproportionate number of calls for service from Code Enforcement, Police and Fire and agencies serving dysfunctional families. She then called upon Councilman Tim Scott who with the help of a slide presentation detailed the extraordinary costs these properties place upon the City. The bill Tim helped devise sets a schedule of calls and fines for repeated calls for service. Not meant merely to be punitive, it also empowers people to report any threats of intimidation or retaliation for reporting offenses. The bad owners or land lords are the targets of the bill. During the follow -up Council discussion Henry Davis said current ordinances, if enforced, could take care of the problem. He said that the cost assigned to multiple calls is specious because the responders do not incur additional costs; but are being paid to do these tasks already. Derek Dieter asked about the mechanics of how calls for service would be categorized, recorded and filed. Who would make the determination? Derek foresees some implementation problems. Oliver Davis wanted to focus on and show appreciation for the retaliation clause. He sees education of tenants as to their rights as being critical. Fred Ferlic and Valerie Schey both applauded the merits of the bill. David Varner cautioned that the bill will not change behaviors; but hopefully outcomes. Mayor Buttigieg said people have a right to expect peace and quiet in their homes. He pointed to bad property managers who out - source their problems to the City, shrugging their own responsibilities. He added that he appreciated the collaborative effort and pledged to work to have the bill implemented by October 1 if passed. Finally on motions by Tim Scott, seconded by David Varner the substitute bill was accepted. Then on a motion to send favorably, seconded by David Varner the vote was to do just that. The second agenda item was on an update on the status of Beck's Lake in light of the recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) declaration that there were high levels of toxic substances in the lake and surrounding soils.