06-10-46 Council Meeting Minutes

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434 I I REGULAR MEETING JUNE 10th, 1946 Be it remembered that the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, met in regular session in the Council Chambers, City Hall, on Monday, June 10th, 1946, at 8 P.M., with all members present except Councilman Hull. The reading of the Minutes of the previous meeting was waived. COLSMICATION: The present unremedied epidemic of brutal attacks, rape, and assaults that are flourishing on the streets of the City of South "end has now reached the appalling stage wherein it is necessary for the citizens of this community to -take this matter into their own hands if they are to be assured the safety of their wives, mothers and children. While the criminally intent roam our city streets without respect for the law, our Council interests itself in enforcing automobile speed and traffic laws which, in most instances, would penalize the innocent and already over - burdened tax payers, on whom fines are imposed for minor nuisance violations which are of no comparison to attack and rape. It is true that our police have been partially successful in apprehending the guilty of the many crimes of the past. However, this does not alter the fact that when crimes such as the recent assault on a young woman takes place, no penalty for the guilty can be great enough to right the wrong that has already been done. Laws should be passed similar to those in the War Department, where those guilty of attack and rape are punishable by death. Only with the passing and enforcing of such laws will be able to keep our crime: rate from soaring. South "end Streets are an invitation to crime due to inadequate lighting. This should be altered as soon as possible if we are to consider ourselves as citizens of a pregressive community. Of course, the presence of more frequent police patrols on the side streets of this community would help to discourage crime. Only in this manner can we hope for the ounce of prevention which is worth a pound of cure. (135 Signers) Councilman Brannan made a motion that the communication be referred to the Board of Works and Safety. Councilman Niezgodski seconded the motion. Motion carried. PETITION: To the Honorable Board of-Public Works and Safety of the City of South Bend, Ondiana. Gentlemen: We the undersigned property owners, petition your honorable body to improve the lighting system on the corner of Indiana Ave. and Pulaski Street and corner of Pulaski and Calvert Streets. (34 Signers) ` Councilman n-Mirocha made a motion that the petition be referred to the Board of Works and Safety. Councilman Ni ezgodski seconded the motion. Motion carried. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE TVHOLE TO THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF -SOUTH BEND: Your Committee of the Vole to whom was referred an Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 2331, whereby Lot "D" in Davis Plat which is 715 LaPorte Avenue, would be changed from "A" Residential and "A" Height and area to "D" Light Industrial and "E" Height and Area.. Respectfully report that they have examined the matter and that in their opinion this Ordinance should be reported to the Council favorably. Councilman Nieigodski made a motion that the report be accepted. Motion carried. REPORT FROM THE BOARD OF PUBLIC MRKS AND SAFETY Members of the Common Council, City Hall, - South Bend, Indiana. Gentlemen Councilman Bishop seconded the motion. May 8, 1946 The Board of Public Works and Safety wishes to acknowledge the receipt of a communication from your Honorable body together with a petition addressed to the Mayor and signed by thirty -seven Master Plumbers, relative to the appointment of an assistant Plumbing Inspector. No action has as yet has'been taken on this petition. Very truly yours, BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS AND SAFETY James P. Conboy, Clerk Councilman Bishop made a motion that the report be accepted. Councilman Richardson seconded the motion. Motion carried.