11-24-08 CCAC and Social Host Ordinance

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To: Council Member Henry Davis From: Council-at Large Member Al Kirsits Date: November 24, 2008 Subject: CCAC and Social Host Ordinance The Community(Campus Advisory Coalition (CCAC) was formed from the aftermath of the special event/lawn parking ordinance that was discussed in the spring of 2007. After much discussion, in the fall of 2007, it was decided to separate the ordinances and move forward with the passage of the Special Event Lawn Parking Ordinance. In lieu of passing a social host ordinance, which was based on information from the Department of Justice COPS manual and similar to ordinances from other college towns, it was not voted on and put on hold. Instead, the CCAC was put in place at the request of local universities (primarily Notre Dame) and landlords in an attempt to talk and educate students and residents living in close proximity to each other. These coalitions, with or without social host ordinances, have had success in some communities. President Rouse asked Council member Al Kirsits to chair the committee. The first CCAC meeting was held on February 20, 2008. Membership was extended to Notre Dame, Holy Cross College, St. Mary's and IUSB school body presidents and their respective administrators. Also in attendance were city council members, administration members, code enforcement, and police department. The local Alcohol Beverage Board (ABC) was represented along with area landlords and residents. City Clerk John Voorde swore in the members, and Council Attorney Kathy Cekanski-Farrand served as legal council to chairman Kirsits. A complete listing of those in attendance is on file in the CCAC minutes and with the City Clerk. Subsequent meetings were held on April 9th, October 9th, and November 20th 2008. A meeting for March 2008 was cancelled and not rescheduled. The next meeting is scheduled for February 2009. Attendance has varied, but overall representation from all segments involved has been very good. The following are several items that have occurred since the formation of the CCAC: Leadership from the Notre Dame Student Body Presidents has been outstanding. Former President Liz Brown and current President Robert Riesh have made legitimate attempts and significant progress in reaching the student body with the message to be "good neighbors" when living off campus. UND has published and distributed a booklet about off campus living and how to be a good neighbor. It has responded quickly to isolated incidents of inappropriate behavior so they would not be repeated. Saint Mary's sends e-mail alerts on upcoming weekends about behavior and student safety. SBPD is working with LTND to inform students through email of area burglaries and suspicious persons in off campus areas. Crime prevention is working to give them recommendations for property protection while on break, and ways to increase overall student safety in our community.