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OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
KAREEMAH FOWLER,CITY CLERK
HEALTH&PUBLIC SAFETY MARCH 27, 2017 4:11 P.M.
Committee Members Present: Jo M. Broden, John Voorde, Karen White, Oliver Davis
Committee Members Absent: None
Other Council Present: Tim Scott, Dr. David Varner, Gavin Ferlic, Regina
Williams-Preston, Randy Kelly
Other Council Absent: None
Others Present: Adriana Rodriguez,Aladean DeRose, Kareemah Fowler,
Graham Sparks
Presenters: Steven Miller, James Mueller
Agenda: Bill No. 17-15 —Gun Violence Prevention Resolution
Committee Chair Jo M. Broden called to order the Health and Public Safety Committee meeting
at 4:11 p.m. She introduced the members of the committee, and proceeded to turn the floor to the
presenters for Bill No. 17-15.
Bill No. 17-15- Gun Violence Prevention Resolution
Gavin Ferlic, 1109 Duey Ave, stated, I would like to thank Jo, Randy and Tim for co-
sponsorship on this bill. This is a resolution to encourage the State to consider closing some
loopholes at the State level. Community groups have worked on this resolution and with that, I
will turn it over to Steven Miller.
Steven Miller, 1705 Lowell Wood E., stated, The rest of our presenters will be at the meeting
later this evening, in respect for your time today. I am a forty-five (45) year survivor of gun
violence. I lost my brother in 1972 to a violent gun homicide and we also lost our nephew,
Christopher,to a gun suicide in 1994. My wife and I are both survivor-fellows and we advocate
for common sense gun laws. This particular resolution calls for the expansion of background
checks to cover gun shows, internet sales and private sales, which are not currently part of the
Brady-law. The other part of it is to ask for stronger prohibitive measures for domestic violence
gun laws. For instance, Indiana could require judges and police departments to confiscate
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weapons when someone is under a protective order for domestic situations. As of now it is at the
discretion of the courts. We have a coalition of people in our community who are supporting this.
Committeemember Karen White asked, Are you planning to have conversations with Mishawaka
Common Council?
Mr. Miller replied, I think that is a reasonable idea to be approached at the right time. Our plan is
to reach out to other cities in Indiana that would like to do a similar resolution.
Councilmember Dr. David Varner stated, The loophole has been out there for years and I think a
lot of people are ok with the idea of correcting that. Having said that, I think we have to be
careful with some of the broad statements we make with regard to statistics without citations. I
would like to see the Whereas clause third from the bottom either restated, rewritten or otherwise
eliminated. I would hope we are on record as being accurate, especially if we are bringing this
resolution to other Councils. Issues like this result in a lot of piling on and I'm sure members
supporting this measure are more in favor of absolute gun control. Tagging on to say something
about Indiana for the sake for doing so isn't right.
James Mueller, Offices on the 14th floor, stated, As Steven mentioned,the Mayor is in support of
these measures and looks forward to signing what we hope to be a unanimous bipartisan
resolution.
Committee Chair Broden opened the floor to members of the public wishing to speak in favor of
or in opposition to the legislation. There were none.
Committee Chair Broden then turned the floor back to the committee for further discussion or
main motion. Committeemember Oliver Davis made a motion to send Bill No. 17-15 to the full
Council with a favorable recommendation. This motion was seconded by Committeemember
John Voorde and carried by a voice vote of four(4) ayes.
With no other business on the agenda, Committee Chair Broden adjourned the Health and Public
Safety Committee meeting at 4:24 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
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J Broden, Committee Chair