HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-19-10 Health & Public Safety Committee6~~
t`~jI~-.. ~.t
~"4'~•• HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE 4-19-10
The April 19, 2010 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 7:00
p.m. at South Bend Fire Department Station #2, 402 M.L. King Drive, South Bend, Indiana
Persons in attendance included:
Committee Members: Ann Puzzello, Vice-Chairperson; Henry Davis, Citizen Member Valerie
Schey
Other Council Members Present: Derek Dieter, AI "Buddy" Kirsits
Others Present: Phillip Byrd, Sherry Adams, Sidney Forester, Jr., Gert Doarling,
Craig Bruce, Michael Novak, Gary Libbey, Catherine Toppel,
Diana Hess, Noreen Dean-Moran, Marissa Scalia Sucosky, Phillip
Sucosky, Anne Mannix, Rosalinda Leyva, Cindy Werner
Agenda: Neighborhood Issues & Concerns
Chairperson White opened the meeting by explaining to those in attendance that her Committee
was here to listen to concerns on neighborhood residents. In particular Chairperson White called
the meeting to respond to complaints voiced at the Council meeting on Monday, April 12, 2010.
As well, the Health and Public Safety Committee has been rather aggressively addressing quality
of life issues through a series of Councilmanic District meetings. The purpose is to help provide a
safe, clean, stable neighborhood environment through the responsive and effective delivery of
city services. The start and ultimate success of this effort depends upon citizen engagement. By
listening, developing a fair and balanced assessment, and then working with the administration,
appropriate remedial action, when necessary, can be implemented. Citizens and the Council
should expect and settle for no less.
After her opening remarks which also thanked attendees for coming and the SBFD for providing
the place, Chairperson White asked fellow councilmember's to introduce themselves as they
briefly made their own remarks. In particular, Henry Davis, who represents the area residents
from whom the most recent complaints arose, spoke to the need for change that would deliver
services in a more responsive and responsible manner.
Turning to citizens attending the Health & Public Safety Committee heard first from Sidney
Forester, from 215 Seebrit Place. Mr. Forester complained of safety concerns due to fast traffic
on LaSalle off M.L. King Drive and poor lighting especially in the 900 block of LaSalle. He as well
as Sherry Adams also complained about possible drug traffickers at 808 W. LaSalle. Sherry
Adams went on to complain about vacant run-down houses. Councilmember, SBPD Officer
Derek Dieter interjected asking residents to try to get additional information when suspicion of
illegal activity is occurring. Information like make, model, license plate number, day, time would
help build a case. He also urged residents to exercise caution and provided telephone number to
call at the South Bend Police Department for a better response.
Craig Bruce of 816 W. LaSalle expressed much frustration simply trying to get the city to respond
to calls for trash pick-up. He felt the city was giving him the run around. Mike Novak also of 816
W. LaSalle added emphasis to this exasperating tale of woe.
Anne Mannix wondered if the enforcement procedures followed by Code enforcement could
somehow be more effective.
Chairperson White following a number of additional complaints summarized the concerns as: 1.
Adequate street lighting. 2. Persistent trash. 3. Inadequate enforcement process. 4.
Responsiveness of city offices.
Noreen Dean-Moran echoed complaints about trash and spoke to the need for additional
resources needed by the city to combat neighborhood problems.
Marissa Scalia Sucosky also felt the current state of affairs was unacceptable citing examples of
persistent long-term problem addresses.
Gert Doarling questioned the adequacy of Code Enforcements follow-thru on habitual problem
landlords.
Chairperson White then asked Catherine Toppel, Director of Code Enforcement to respond. She
began by saying the City had demolished 382 properties since 2007 and was now averaging 15 a
month. The balance of her comments spoke of the difficult legal issues her department faces
when enforcing code violations. Limited dollars and personnel also handicap efforts. As best she
could, Catherine answered questions about how she allocated resources, established priorities,
responded in a timely effective manner, and communicated with those who registered complaints.
Her responses seemed to provide little satisfaction.
Taking back the meeting Karen said along-term effective strategy perhaps revisiting a rental
registration program was needed. Both Councilmember Kirsits and Puzzello agreed, suggesting
Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand resurrect researching practical solutions to
environmental concerns. Councilmember Puzzello went on to suggest forming neighborhood
organizations and starting the neighborhood crime watch approach through the South Bend
Police Department
Chairperson White expressed sympathy for both the residents and Neighborhood Code
Enforcement; but acknowledged a disconnect between the residents and the service providers in
the City.
Henry Davis encouraged continued citizen participation insisting the current situation was
unacceptable. He told the dissatisfied that they were not powerless. Involvement would prompt
change for the better. Further he called for research and review of strategies other cities use
effectively from zoning to fast tracking citizen complaints.
General discussion followed before Chairperson White adjourned the meeting at 8:22 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
ren L. White, Chairperson
Health and Public Safety Committee