HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018 Health and Public Safety % x
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OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
KAREEMAH N. FOWLER, CITY CLERK
HEALTH &PUBLIC SAFETY MARCH 12, 2018 4:14 P.M.
(ORGANIZATIONAL)
Committee Members Present: Jo M. Broden, John Voorde, Karen White, Oliver Davis,
Susan Soisson(citizen member), Genevieve Crum (citizen
member)
Other Council Present: Tim Scott, Gavin Ferlic, Sharon L. McBride, Regina
Williams-Preston (late)
Other Council Absent: Dr. David Varner
Others Present: Kareemah Fowler, Bianca Tirado, Graham Sparks, Bob
Palmer
Agenda: Organizational Meeting
Committee Chair Jo M. Broden called to order the Health and Public Safety Committee
Organizational meeting at 4:14 p.m. She introduced members of the Committee and proceeded
with the meeting.
Organizational Meetin;
Committee Chair Broden briefly highlighted the Health and Public Safety Committee 2017 Annual
Report(available in the City Clerk's Office). She then opened the floor to Committee and Council
members.
Committeemember Karen White stated,There has been a recent uptick of gun violence in the City
and I think it would be beneficial to receive an update from the Administration on the progress of
their Group Violence Intervention program. We should reach out to the leaders of various
neighborhood organizations to include them in those conversations with that update.Also,we have
been focusing on synthetic drugs in our community. There have been a number of forums and we
will continue updating Council and community members on those efforts. The call to action for
that issue is themed as Not In Our Community.
Committeemember John Voorde stated, Since we are not having to approve Fire and Police
negotiations this ye , I think it would be beneficial to look at Council's role in that process and
see if we want to take a larger or different role. I would also like an update on how the openings
of the Fire Stations are going, how the movement of some of the equipment will affect the
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CHIEF DEPuTy/DmaroR OF OPERnTCONS DEFuTY/DmECrox of PoucY OEDUQnNCE VIOIAnON CLERK
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®CITY OF SOUTH BEND I OFFICE OF THE CLERK
surrounding areas, and an update from Police and Fire on their personnel, equipment, and capital
needs.
Councilmember Tim Scott stated,We also need an update from the Health Department with regard
to lead exposure. There have also been reported issues at the Colfax and Washington Apartments.
Things like black mold and bed bugs, and some don't have heat or running water. That is an issue.
There will also be a meeting soon about the flooding.
Committeemember Oliver Davis stated, We need to address safety in our schools, the recent
flooding, the insurance issues with that, and the response procedures to school safety as there has
been a recent surge in school safety incidents.
Committeemember Genevieve Crum stated, My job has me working with the St. Joseph County
Health Department in assessing food scarcity to designate areas as food deserts. We should most
assuredly be updating the Council as that process continues playing out,especially as it ties in with
the lead issue.
Committeemember Susan Soisson stated, We need to focus on our community's emergency
response plan, in light of the recent historic flooding event as well.
Committee Chair Broden stated two (2) initiatives she has been included in and intends to involve
the Council and Committee. One (1)was the Climate Resolution Ordinance and the other was the
St. Joseph County Opiate Task Force. Synthetic Drugs and Opiates are two (2) significant issues
and have some overlapping challenges in the community.
Committee Chair Broden then opened the floor to members of the public.
Sue Kesim, 4022 Kennedy Drive, stated, I've been asked by people if we have a citizen's review
board. We also need to find out what is going on with the 1,000 rape kits. I know that it is the
County but it affects us too. We also need to look into creating our own City morgue. It is so
expensive to send these cases out of our City and it also increases the time it takes to figure out
these problems. Also, we need a City Emergency fund. I personally bought three (3) sump pumps
for flood victims but maybe the City should buy some heavy duty sump pumps for everyone and
use them next time this happens.
Bill Dunn, 1620 Southwood Ave, stated, I would personally like information on the number of
foot patrols done by the Police Department. I don't see them walking much at all and I think that
would be beneficial. And,with the recent flood events, I think we really need to start planning for
worse events to come. I've heard Indiana is supposed to get warmer and wetter and that is
something we need to keep our eye on.
With no further business, Committee Chair Broden adjourned the Health and Public Safety
Committee Organizational meeting at 4:40 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
J Committee Chair
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