01-22-09 Health & Public Safety Committee

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Health and Public Safety Committee 2009 South Bend Common Council The January 22, 2009 meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee of the South Bend Common Council was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Karen L. White at 7:35 a.m. at Allie's Cafe located at 2323 Mishawaka Avenue, South Bend, Indiana. Persons in attendance included Council Members Karen L. White, Ann Puzzello, and Al "Buddy" Kirsits., Mayor Stephen J. Luecke, City Attorney Charles Leone, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Identification of Goals and Objectives for 2009: Council Member White noted that today was the first organizational meeting of the year, stressing that she believes that it is important for the Common Council to have each of their Standing Committee Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons to meet regularly and for the entire committee to meet and set priorities. Council Member White noted that the real work of the Council takes place at the Committee level. Old Business: Council Member White then passed out the following handouts (copies attached): • 1-page Agenda • 4-page 2008 Annual Report of the Health and Public Safety Committee • 1-page Quality of Life Ordinances Review • 1-page Committee Action Plan form for 2009 • 6-page Summary of Implementation & Enforcement of Quality of Life Ordinances Council Member White noted that the Health and Public Safety Committee will be as transparent as possible this year. She recommended that the District Meetings be continued and voiced disappointment in the lack of response from the Council in attending and scheduling these meetings. It was noted that the 4a' District meeting included representatives from TAP who were primarily concerned about immigration issues. Council Member White noted that TAP representatives have met with Police Chief Boykins to discuss their concerns. The 6~' District meeting focused on crime, graffiti, and drug problems. Council Member White noted that such District meetings provided an opportunity to listen first-hand to the concerns of the residents. Council Member White stated that the budget will have an impact on all standing committees. She inquired how that would affect the implementation and enforcement of the quality of life ordinances for example.