05-28-74 Council Meeting Minutes

Home Browse Search

REGULAR MEETING MAY 28, 1974 1ICOMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING (CONTINUED) program, stating that it would be very simple to take the used equipment for personal use. He ask about the mowers, and Mr. Farrand stated that the mowers were at the Wastewater Plant and were not usable. Councilman Szymkowiak wondered about the warranty on each piece of equipment, and it was stated there Serge stated was no warranty on commercial parts. Councilman Szymkowiak disagreed. Councilman that the job had not been done last year the way it should have been done. He stated were supposed to clean up the riverbanks and that had not been. done. He felt that this was because of the lack of supervision and equipment. He felt the funds needed in order to make the program work effectively. that the crews the reason for requested were I Councilman Parent made a motion that the ordinance go to the Council as favorable, seconded by Councilman Szymkowiak. The motion carried. II ORDINANCE AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $39,173.00 FROM THE FEDERAL ASSISTANCE GRANT COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS GENERAL REVENUE SHARING, FOR VARIOUS HUMAN RESOURCES PROGRAMS, TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND THROUGH ITS DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES. This being the time heretofore set for public hearing on the above ordinance, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Chairman Newburn asked that any remarks being mad pertain to the issue of funding. Councilman Serge presented to the City Clerk petitions supporting the continuation of the residential treatment center on Bartlett Street and petitions urging the relocation of the institution to a non - residential use. Mr. William Hojnacki, Director of the Department of Human Resources and Economic Development, made the presentation for the ordinance. He stated that the administration was in total support of the Northern Indiana Drug Abuse Services program, and in 1973, the Council approved that program. He indicated that the last year has shown that the crime rate has been lowered, and he felt the progra was effective and should be continued. He introduced Father Robert McGill, Chairman of the St. Joseph County Drug Abuse Council. Father McGill stated that the drug program was cause for civic pride and was the only comprehensive program operating in the state of Indiana. He stated that national recognition has been received for the program, and he mentioned Delos House, Aurora and the Lighthouse Methodone Center. He talked about the number of people being helped by the program, and he stated that the issue was not the location of the residential treatment center but the funding of the program. He urged the Council to approve the funding in order to continue the pro- gram. Dr. Rene Wilett, Executive Director of the Northern Indiana Drug Abuse Services, talked abou the success of the program. He stated that people are living successfully in the community because the Common Council took the stand last year and appropriated funds for the program. He stated that the program began at 527 West Colfax Avenue on the second floor. It started with four people and four drug addicts. He stated that now 380 individuals have been contacted and 222 have received treatment and 105 have intervened. In Delos House, 58 people have been accepted and the effective- ness rate was 51 %. Dr. Wilett hoped the Council would have the courage and fortitude to allow the program to continue. Mr. Dale King, Administrator of the Northern Indiana Drug Abuse Services, als spoke in support of the program and the appropriation. He stated that, in July or August of this year, another ordinance would be brought before.the Council appropriating the necessary funds for the balance of the year. The cost involved to support the residential treatment center (Delos House) was $101,708. Central services was listed at $36,970 and equipment which included a washer and dryer and air conditioning was listed at $4,500. Mr. King stated that 59% (personnel $85,743 -vs- total $143,178) of the cost lies with the staff and staff costs. Last year $90,801 was appro- priated for an eight -month period. On a twelve -month period, the cost would be $136,202. He state that this year it was requested that $143,178 be appropriated which would be a 6% increase. He indicated that the cost of treating a person at the Michigan. State Prison was $9.48 a day; $14.00 a day at the St. Joseph County Jail; and $24.00 a day at Beatty Hospital. Treating an individual at Delos House costed only $9.29 a day. Mr. King then talked about a reduction in the property crime rate from January of this year to April - -a 32% reduction in robberies, burglaries, larceny an auto thefts. He felt that NIDAS had a great deal to do with the reduction in the crime rate. He urged passage of the appropriation ordinance. Mr. Don Fisher, 909 Riverside Drive, spoke against the location of the treatment center in a residential neighborhood. He indicated that approximately 600 of the neighbors in the area were concerned about the safety and well -being of their families. He stated that he protested the irresponsible action of NIDAS to locate a "no security, coed, penal institution" in the neighbor- hood at 228 West Bartlett. He talked about the rules of conduct for staff members: they are "admonished" to avoid sexual activity with clients and to avoid violent acts of provocation; further, that marijuana and other drugs are not to be used on the premises. He talked about a so- called "rap" session, and he indicated that the residents in the area were afraid for their safety. He hoped that Delos House would be removed from the neighborhood, and he stated that Father McGill had indicated that the establishment of the residential treatment center should not upset the residential community. Mr. George Hickner, 835 Park Avenue, indicated that he was the father of 13 children, ranging in ages from 7 to 26. He indicated that he had tremendous respect for the staff and the help they were trying to give people on drugs. He urged that the Council approve the funds in order that persons could rehabilitate themselves. Mrs. Lee Swan, 2022 Swygart, reminded the Council of the dangers inherent to the program. She felt that methodone was an addictive dangerous drug, and this was what was being given to the drug addicts'at the residential treatment center.. She strongly opposed the appropriation of the funds for use of methodone. She wondered how many persons were enrolled in the program on a voluntary basis. She stated that most of the referrals come from the judges and the addicts are given a choice of going to the residential treat- ment center or jail. She quoted from various articles concerning the use of methodone. Dr. Wilett stated that none of the funds were being requested for the methodone. Mrs. Karen Basham, a recent graduate of Delos House, spoke very highly of the work being done for the drug addict. She indicated that, had it not been for the staff at Delos House, she might possibly be on the streets today stealing and selling dope to children. She felt that she owed her life to Delos House. Mr. Robert F. Gonderman, 1126 Irvington, stated that the issue being discussed was a very emotional sub- ject. He hoped that the homicides that had taken place at the Lighthouse would not influence the matter at hand. He stated that the problem was,the location of a residential treatment center in a neighborhood.. He stated that the proper zoning was in existence and the issue was the funding of the program - -not the location. He stated that Delos House was located on a corner in a lovely area however, South Bend's "medical core" was also in the immediate vicinity, which included Memorial Hospital, the Red Cross, doctors' offices and one health care facility after another. He felt Delo