07-09-73 Council Meeting Minutes

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Lam 1 ► U I Do 2V IAN \ 1 • • COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING (CONTINUED) Mrs. Lee Swan, 2022 Swygart, asked about the cost of six acres and the building in regard to the Peak School. Mr. Gallagher indicated that that had been donated to the city. Mrs. Swan asked about the 22 acres proposed to be purchased. Mr. Gallagher indicated that the figure would be between $38,000 and $42,000. City Attorney Roemer indicated that the purchase negotiations were delicate and he did not want to comment on the subject at this time. Mrs. Swan indicated that the present building was almost destroyed, and she questioned the total amount of money.needed to put the land and the building into suitable condition in order to be utilized. Mr. Gallagher indicate that, in the grant application, the architect's bids for renovation were submitted at around $45,000 to $50,000 for putting the building into operation. He indicated that $40,000 was availab in federal money. He also stated that if the city would put up an in -kind match, additional funds would be available. Mrs. Swan asked about the Part I offenses, and Mr. Gallagher indicated that Part I offenses account for 810 of all the calls the policemen answer during the year and take up 75% of the policemen's time. Mrs. Swan indicated that there were many calls of distress from per- sons who lock themselves out of their homes and cars. She did not understand this. Mr. Gallagher indicated that, if there was some access to that and if it did not mean that a person would be stranded on a street corner late at night, the police officers would not be taking care of the problem. He indicated that the Police Department was the only agency that was able to respond to those calls at present. Mrs. Swan indicated that, if people would have an extra key made to carry with them at all times, those type of calls could be eliminated. Miss Guthrie indicated that, whe the proposal regarding the purchase of the Peak School was made, there had been a proposal to have much of the time and material donated. She asked what had happened to that proposal. Mr. Gallagh indicated that, when he had become involved in the matter, he had heard of no claims on the part o the city to provide in -kind service for the building. Miss Guthrie indicated that the proposal ha been made prior to Mr. Gallagher becoming safety director. Mr. Paul Bognar, 805 West Washington Avenue, felt some effort should be made to look into the matter of training officers from outside the city. Mr. Gallagher again explained that no charge could be made because there was Criminal Justice money involved. He also indicated that 16 weeks of training are provided for South Bend officers and the officers from outside the city receive only the six - weeks' required training. Mr Rapheal Thompson wondered how many black men there were out of the 18 men added in the Academy. Mr. Gallagher indicated that there was one black man and one woman. He indicated that he was now processing applications for the next session and the increase in the minority groups would be greater. Councilman Taylor expressed sympathy for Mr. Gallagher because of the responsibility and important of his job. He indicated that Mr. Gallagher would be held accountable for the crime rate in South Bend, and he wanted to know if Mr. Gallagher was getting enough of what he needed and if he was satisfied with what he was asking for. He felt the crime situation had gotten out of control. Mr. Gallagher indicated that, statistically, South Bend has 1.89 policemen for every thousand people. With the addition of 24 men, the rate would be 2.09. He stated that even 2.09 was below the national average of 2.3. Mr. Gallagher felt the equipment was adequate; however, equipment and machines wear out and break down and repairs and parts are needed. He felt that, if there was any- thing needed, it would be some moral backing from the citizens in order to change the attitude of selling the success of the crime rate in the community to telling the people that crime does'not pay. He felt that, if there was anything lacking, it was the backing of the community, the collec- tive and corporate resources and the commitment of people responsible in conveying the attitudes t the media. He cited an incident where crimes had been reported consistantly and no mention or credit given when a crime is solved. He felt the citizens should be more conscious of their civic responsibility. Councilman Taylor asked Mr. Gallagher if the proposals he had presented were the best ways to spend the appropriated $92,000. Mr. Gallagher felt the proposals were, except for the figure of $25,000 for demolishment of buildings and the fact that there were still not enough poli officers on the force. Councilman Kopczynski asked Mr. Gallagher how far he wanted to see a citizer go in assisting the police. Mr. Gallagher indicated that a person should assist in any way he can to the best of his ability. He indicated that he did not like to hear people say that they do not want to get involved. Councilman Kopczynski asked if the area police agencies used the South Bend Police Academy. Mr. Gallagher indicated that some men are sent to Bloomington, including Elkhart County and St. Joseph County. Councilman Kopczynski asked why this was done, and Mr. Gallagher , indicated that it was the choice of Mr. Bolerjack, the County Sheriff. Councilman Kopczynski asked if the city's training was equal to that in Bloomington, and Mr. Gallagher felt South Bend's Acaderry was superior to Bloomington. Councilman Kopczynski asked in what area South Bend was superior. Mr. Gallagher indicated that the first six weeks of training are given at a prescribed state curri- culum. After that, under the human relations aspect, South Bend officers are trained in crime investigation, firearm training, physical fitness, etc. He indicated that most of the training done in other areas centers around Part I offenses. Councilman Kopczynski asked if that meant the city's police officers are trained socially. Mr. Gallagher indicated that, by this training, the officers are better able to handle problems in that area. Councilman Serge asked what was being done to the offenders under age committing the crimes. Mr. Gallagher indicated that the function of the Police Department was to protect, apprehend and patrol. He cited cases of prostitution being reported and no punishment given. He indicated that, if the city was to deal with that type of problem, some men would have to be taken off narcotics. He indicated that the Police Department could only operate in the role and function allowed to it. Councilman Serge wondered about the authority being taken from the Police Department regarding the juveniles, and felt the parents of the children should be held responsible. He wondered if it was the fault of the justice prescribe by judges and lawyers or the department. Mr. Gallagher talked briefly about the schools in operat' for the juvenile offenders. He also indicated that, sometimes 25 reports are made on one juvenile before any kind of action is taken to rectify the situation. Councilman Miller questioned the amount of money needed for the demolition of the houses. He asked if the mechanics' liens were returned to the city. He expressed the thought that he was convinced that more money was being spent than was budgeted. Mr. Gallagher indicated that he could only rely on the figures in Mr. Steed's report. He stated that the demolition process has been pushed through because of the number of complaints received. He indicated that he could not answer as to the exact figures of the program because Mr. Steed had submitted those figures. Councilman Miller indicated that he wanted an answer to the question he posed. Mr. Isaiah Steed, Director of the Substandard Building Department, indicated that the $25,000 being requested had not been spent and none of that amount had been encumbered. Councilman Miller asked about the $50,000 budgeted last year. Mr. Steed indicated that there had been purchase orders not paid which had been carried over from the 1971 budget to the 1972 budget and had not been included in the 1972 budget for consideration. Councilman Miller indicated that 47 structures were being designated as fire and safety hazards. He asked if additional money would be requested to be appropriated. Mr. Steed indicated that he had no control over the houses becoming substandard. He stated that sometimes, three homes a nigh are classified as substandard. Councilman Miller asked if Mr. Steed's report had included the Model Cities funds. Mr. Steed indicated that Model Cities was a project area. Councilman Miller indicated that he was aware of that and.that he still questioned the amount of money needed for