01-22-09 Health & Public Safety Committee

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Health and Public Committee January 22, 2009 Page 3 Council Member White noted that there have been over 1,000 calls for service at Beacon Heights. It was noted that Beacon Heights does have a manager on site and that the facility include Section 8 housing. The Council Attorney inquired of the City Attorney whether there could be enforcement under the South Bend Municipal Code for repeat calls for public safety services. Mr. Leone stated that he would look into and report back. Council Member White requested the Council Attorney to look into who manages the complex. Council Member Kirsits stated that he believes that Beacon Heights responds to maintenance issues fairly well, noting that the Countryside Apartments on Jefferson Street is becoming a concern. He stated that he is not sure about EMS service calls, noting that the calls for such service are tremendous throughout the city. Council Member Kirsits stated that he sees as the top priority being: "maintaining the current level of staffing at the Police Department, the Fire Department, EMS and Code Enforcement". Council Member Puzzello stated that she believes that there will be a tremendous outcry from the public if police or fire personnel are attempted to be cut. She noted that she knows that many people are angry about all the crime and murders taking place in South Bend. Council Member Puzzello noted that the Governor's statements that South Bend has $47 million in cash reserves have not helped either, citing that the Governor is good at PR. She added that the city needs to do a much better job at sharing information, having open discussions, and must have much better PR. Mayor Luecke stated that the Governor's reference was to a "one day picture in time". He noted that residential property tax obligations have been decreased and that that will have an effect on police and fire, and other operations. Council Member Puzzello stated that the Council needs to know what line-items the Governor was referencing, noting that Council President Dieter sent an email to the Controller asking for such information. She noted that the issue for the public becomes one of trust, and she is saddened that right now the public "does not trust local officials". Council Member Puzzello stressed the need for seeking solutions instead of blame. Council Member White noted that this is another example of why the Council needs to stress for transparency in seeking such information. Open discussions are critical. Mr. Leone stated that he believes a graph showing the cash reserves may also be helpful. Council Member White stated that this will be a tough year ahead, but the Health and Public Safety Committee will be committed to open discussions.