02-19-09 Health and Public Safety Committee

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Health and Public Safety Committee 2009 South Bend Common Council The February 19, 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 5:31 p.m. in the Council's Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Rouse, White, Puzzello and Henry Davis, Jr.; Karen Lisenko, Terri Weise, Ronald E. Kaszas, Jeremy Toschlog, Martha Lewis, Jerry Niezgodski, Lucille Spaulding, Hardie Blake, Jr., Jeff Vitton, James Summers, ,Jamie Loo of the South Bend Tribune and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member White noted that 2"d District Council Member Henry Davis, Jr., will be joining the meeting shortly, stating that Beacon Heights is located in Council Member Davis' Council District. Council Member White then noted that the Committee Members include Council Member Ann Puzzello, who is the Vice-Chairperson of the Committee; Council Member Henry Davis, Jr., Council Member Timothy Rouse, and herself as Chairperson. Council Member White noted that an Agenda would be used for the meeting (copy attached). Beacon Heights: Council Member White stated that she called this meeting in the hope of fostering better relationships with the management of Beacon Heights, their residents and the city. She noted that the Health and Public Safety oversses the various activities performed by the Fire and Police Departments, EMS, Department of Code Enforcement, ordinance violations, and related health and public safety matters. There was then an introduction of every one present. Council Member White stated that recently there was a rezoning for a senior citizen center and the issue of safety was raised by residents who questions building such a center so close to Beacon Heights. She added that the redevelopment and revitalization of LaSalle Square by enlarging the TIF area is a key priority of the city and that negative perceptions and negative activities have impacts on such development. She was hopeful that strategies could be identified so that critical issue could be addressed. Council Member Rouse stated that the calls for service and the perception of high crime during the discussions on the redevelopment of LaSalle Square prompted these discussions. He hoped that the discussions would be pro-active. Council Member Puzzello stated that LaSalle Square will have a direct impact on the community and that it must succeed and do well. In light of the closeness to Beacon Heights, she sees as the best interests in making sure that it does well.