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Home My WebLink About12-02-09 Community/Campus Advisory Coalition ( CCAC)~,~~a F` ` ,r x.,'.= ~' '~ i'.,~ r ~ , r.:., ~. .-. ~,e; .. ~:~~F Community/Campus Advisory Coalition (CCAC) 0~: `~S iyf ~;I ~''}. ~ l -: ~c The December 2, 2009 meeting of the Community/Campus Advisory Coalition was held at the University of Notre Dame downtown office. The meeting was called to order at approximately 3:30 p.m. by South Bend Common Council at Large Member AI "Buddy" Kirsits. Council Member Kirsits welcomed everyone in attendance and asked that everyone introduce themselves. Attendees included: Assistant City Attorney Ann-Carol Nash, South Bend Common Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Common Council Member Ann Puzzello, University of Notre Dame Representatives, Student Body President Grant Schmidt, William Kirk, Brian Coughlin, Tim Sexton and Observer Reporter Megan Hemler, Holy Cross Representatives Joe Garvey and Sarah Fugarino, Robinson Center Adult Program Coordinator Marguerite Taylor, Alcoholic Beverage Board Member Mike Carrington, Attorney Richard Nussbaum, Landlords of Off- Campus Housing Representative Mark Kramer, Northeast Neighborhood Representative, Bill Stenz and other unidentified members of the community. Crime and Safety Meeting Notre Dame representatives enthusiastically discussed the details of the first meeting of anew group formed to address off campus safety issues. The meeting, held at the Robinson Center on November 12th, was attended by about 100 people and brought together both students and neighborhood residents with the common goal of safety for everyone in the neighborhoods. One major goal will be organizing a neighborhood watch program. Grant Schmidt will be talking to Holy Cross and Saint Mary's representatives about joining the group at the next meeting. The next Crime and Safety meeting will be held on December 10th at 4:00 p.m. at the Fire Station at 803 N. Notre Dame Avenue. Officer Hecklinski of the South Bend Police Department will be attending. Tim Sexton said they will report the group's progress to CCAC. Community/Campus Advisory Coalition (CCAC) December 2, 2009 Meeting Minutes Page 2 OFF CAMPUS HOUSING Information concerning off campus housing is posted on the off campus website (offcampus.nd.edu). Students, concerned about zoning issues, need a way to know if a property is properly zoned for their housing needs. Mark Kramer said properties must be designated MF-1 for multiple student housing, however that is not a guarantee that more than two students may reside there. Ann-Carol Nash suggested that the easiest way for students to find out about a particular property is to call the Building Department (235-9554). TRANSPO Grant Schmidt announced that the late night TRANSPO service will begin Friday, December 4th. There will be a ribbon cutting at the South Station at 9:30 p.m. Friday night for the maiden voyage of the "Midnight Express". Buses will be running until 3:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights offering students a safer alternative to get back to campus. This service is free to anyone showing a Notre Dame student ID, but anyone can ride for $0.75. Once the route is finalized it will be posted on the Notre Dame website. Mark Kramer asked for copies of the route so he can hand them out to his tenants. Holy Cross Holy Cross representatives said student safety issues are in the forefront of student concerns since the recent carjacking incident involving two Holy Cross students. A safety program given by the South Bend Police Department was recently conducted at Holy Cross and very well attended. Common sense tips were discussed and handouts with phone numbers to call for assistance were given to attendees. Students are still hesitant to call police, but Marguerite Taylor said they shouldn't hesitate to call the police to report a suspicious person in the area. Police are more than happy to come out and investigate any suspicious circumstance. Mike Carrington asked about on campus security. Joe Garvey said they do have a security company and also a blue light in the parking lot which can be activated in an emergency and is connected to the Police Department. They are discussing installation of additional blue lights. It was suggested that Holy Cross look into having the Notre Dame Police periodically sweep the Holy Cross campus. It was announced that an auction benefitting Toys for Tots donations was being held at 7:30 this evening. Some of the items to be auctioned included autographed footballs and both Notre Dame and Holy Cross gear. Both silent and live auctions will be held. The Social Concerns Group, through food donations, was able to fill and distribute 65 Thanksgiving baskets throughout the community. Community/Campus Advisory Coalition (CCAC) December 2, 2009 Meeting Minutes Page 3 NORTHEAST NEIGHBORHOOD Bill Stenz reported that the Northeast Neighborhood food pantry received a large donation from the students at Notre Dame and the Jefferson Intermediate School. ROBINSON CENTER Marguerite Taylor reported that the Leaf Raking Program took place on November 4tn_ Over 300 students from Notre Dame, Holy Cross and St. Joseph grade school took part in raking leaves at 65 area homes. Rakes were supplied by the Center for Social Concerns and the City. After a morning of raking, students were treated to pop and pizza at the Center. OFF CAMPUS HOUSING Mark Kramer said that he has given an apartment to two South Bend Police Officers at Notre Dame Apartments. Since one officer works days and the other nights, there is always a squad car parked in the area. Tenants have been given the officers' names and phone numbers in case a problem arises. These officers are also walking in the neighborhood. Mr. Kramer has also given the police an apartment at Lafayette Square and has hired the Gargoyle Security Company which is operated by a South Bend Police Officer. Officers can stop there to complete paperwork. With squad cars frequently in the area, it was noted that there have been no break-ins recently. E-mails have been sent out to Mr. Kramer's tenants notifying them that Gargoyle is offering a service to mark students' valuables. Should items be stolen, it is hoped that this will help prosecute perpetrators and return property to students. He has also sent e-mails with winter break safety and security tips. Notre Dame Security is offering free storage of valuables to students during the winter break. Students living off campus should be encouraged to call the South Bend Police Department to set up vacation checks while the students are on winter break. MISCELLANEOUS Buddy Kirsits said that Paramedics are not making as many alcohol related runs and commended the schools on their efforts to educate students. Community/Campus Advisory Coalition (CCAC) December 2, 2009 Meeting Minutes Page 4 Mike Carrington reiterated the importance of using security technology (cameras, lighting, etc.) to protect students and citizens, and questioned why there was no representative from the South Bend Police Department at the meeting. Kathy Cekanski-Farrand said that senior citizens in the area could use help with snow removal this winter. This would be an excellent community outreach program for students and a much needed service. Dick Nussbaum congratulated Grant Schmidt for his work with Transpo in instituting late night service on Fridays and Saturdays. Ann-Carol Nash said she has issued fewer alcohol related abate letters this year. She also said she has had very few complaints this year. She is currently working on amending the Taxi Ordinance. The next meeting will be will be held on Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at 3:30 p.m. at Holy Cross College. Council Member Kirsits thanked everyone for attending. The meeting was adjourned at 4:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ~~ ``~ Charles S. Leone, Recording Secretary Community/Campus Advisory Coalition (CCAC) ~~ ,, Council Member AI " dy" Kirsits-Chairperson Community/Campus Advisory Coalition (CCAC)