Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-09-18 Health and Public Safety o� \rE e �C X Y Im OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK KAREEMAH N. FOWLER, CITY CLERK HEALTH&PUBLIC SAFETY APRIL 9, 2018 4:00 P.M. Committee Members Present: Jo M. Broden, John Voorde, Karen White, Oliver Davis, Genevieve Crum (citizen member) Committee Members Absent: None Other Council Present: Tim Scott,Dr. David Varner, Gavin Ferlic, Regina Williams-Preston, Sharon L. McBride Other Council Absent: None Others Present: Kareemah Fowler, Bianca Tirado, Graham Sparks, Bob Palmer Presenters: Laura O'Sullivan, Ashley Colborn, Ken Cotter, Tim Scott Agenda: Bill No. 18-12- Interlocal Agreement between the City of South Bend and St. Joseph County Metro Units. Bill No. 20-18- Ordinance on New Parking Restrictions Committee Chair Jo M. Broden called to order the Health and Public Safety Committee meeting at 4:00 p.m. She introduced members of the Committee and proceeded to give the floor to the presenters. Bill No. 18-12- Interlocal Agreement between the City of South Bend and St. Joseph County Metro Units. Laura O'Sullivan, Chief of Staff to the Mayor of the City of South Bend with offices on the 14th floor of the County-City Building, stated, Thank you so much for all of your questions last week. We provided,in writing, answers to most of those questions. If there are any other questions, Ken Cotter, the County Prosecutor, is here with us today. Committee Chair Broden then opened the floor to questions from the Committee and Council members. Committeemember Karen White stated, I appreciate the Administration and others who were able to respond to the number of questions that were raised. I appreciate the extent to which you have responded. From my perspective,it has helped clarify a lot of the concerns and questions that were previously raised. INTEGRITY1 SERVICES ACCESSIBILITY JENNIFER M.COFFMAN BLANCA L.TIRADo JOSEPH R MOLNAR CHIEF DEPUTY/DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS DEFirrSr/DI EcrOR OF POLICY ORDINANCE VIOLATION CLERK EXCELLENCE I ACCOUNTABILITY I INNOVATION I INCLUSION I EMPOWERMENT 455 County-City Building 1227 W.Jefferson Blvd.I South Bend,Indiana 466011 p 574.235.92211 f 574.235.9173 1 www.southbendin.gov ®CITY OF SOUTH BEND I OFFICE OF THE CLERK Committeemember John Voorde stated, I would defer to a couple of you in particular who have submitted extra written questions. I appreciate the responses too.I know from earlier conversations that I share those concerns. Committee Chair Broden stated, I do have a couple if I could go. So, thank you for all the information with regards to this. The budget wasn't filed with the original filing so I want to make sure it is a part of it now. City Clerk Kareemah Fowler confirmed it is now a part of the official filing. Committee Chair Broden followed up, I do have some questions with regard to the timing and the other units of Government, their agreements, and what they anticipate in terms of timing. I'm curious of the timing of that and how that would affect the timing of that specifically.Am I correct in understanding that there are supposed to be other memorandums of understanding with other units of government that contribute to the special units? Ashley Colborn, Assistant City Attorney for the City of South Bend's Police Department with offices on the 12th floor of the County-City Building, stated, I believe you are referencing the question that regarded Mishawaka and County Police. This is now going to be a basis of how we see the jurisdictions moving forward.None of the current memorandums are to the extent that this agreement is, and we really want to see the impact of this agreement. We hope this will spur agreements of this kind to come from the other units to solidify these relationships. Committee Chair Broden stated, So nothing in regard to units. So this can be approved and put in place, but it doesn't affect the existing MOUs or letters of understanding? Ms. Colborn replied, That is correct it will only affect the past MOUs and letters of understanding for our agency. Committee Chair Broden followed up, There was additional information with regard to this including an overall budget, past fiscal year data from 2015 and 2016 specifically, demographic information and term information within those units. Those were all indicated as information wanted that wasn't available and not available at this time. I would like to encourage that information be provided. I think one (1) of the highlights of this review comes from the response to question number four (4) regarding the biannual review of needs. I think that is an excellent component of this agreement and would be very appreciative of that as this rolls out and the information is disseminated. I also have one (1) other question with regards to reports and this is question number twenty-one(21).First of all,for transparency's sake,is this entered into the public record? Committee Chair Broden was referencing the list of written questions and responses. City Clerk Fowler replied, Those have not been entered into the public record. Committee Chair Broden stated, I would encourage that to be. City Clerk Fowler stated, It will be made public but it was not turned in before the filing deadline so it will not be a part of the public record online. EXCELLENCE I ACCOUNTABILITY I INNOVATION I INCLUSION I EMPOWERMENT 455 County-City Building 227 W.Jefferson Bvld I South Bend,Indiana 466011 P 574.235.9221 If 574.235.9173 ITfD574.235.5567 www.southbendin.gov 2 ®CITY OF SOUTH BEND I OFFICE OF THE CLERK Committee Chair Broden stated,Ok,good to know that. So with regard to question number twenty- one (21), monthly reports, I think one (1) of the benefits of getting the current MOUs and letters of understanding is being able to look at that. It appears as if monthly reports have been required in the past. Ms. Colborn replied, Those were treated informally. For example, the Chief of Police would call the Prosecutor and ask how things are going. That was a less formal measure and this will be a new metric to be put in place to help monitor effectiveness. Ken Cotter, County Prosecutor with offices on the 10th floor of the County-City Building, stated, There are two (2) different layers to that. One (1) is we had been routinely meeting about four (4) or six (6) times a year with the Chiefs of Police, the Prosecutor and then the civilian member. During that time we would give oral reports of what was occurring in the different units. The Chiefs would take notes on whatever was important for them. At the end of each year, we would give a written report to the Chiefs. Sometimes they would keep them and sometimes they wouldn't. That was more of an update on what was necessary. This information is not public but I don't think there has ever been a time if a Chief is asked for an update on what is going on that those updates were not given. Committee Chair Broden stated, And that is where I think the end of year assessment of needs is a great piece that was incorporated into this. Thank you for that. I guess one (1) of my interests, and I'll just say it, and I think it would behoove the Council as a body as a significant contributor to this Interlocal, I extend the invitation on an ongoing basis, in general terms,to come present to the Health and Public Safety Committee of the Common Council. I would like to know what the overall needs are for the unit. Mr. Cotter replied, When you say needs, is that a term of art that you guys use? Committee Chair Broden replied,No. Mr. Cotter followed up, So you are just talking about what is necessary in order for us to continue functioning? Committee Chair Broden replied, Yes. I mean staffing, budget, exactly. Mr. Cotter stated,Understand the budget is actually all of my Office. South Bend,Mishawaka and County Police don't pay any money except for supplying the officers for those units. I pay for cell phones, lap tops, computers, office space, and supplies. The City would pay half of the training. So I would pay half of the training for your officers. I believed that was necessary and important so we would get above and beyond the basic necessities that the City and County was supplying those officers. It is certainly seven figures if we are talking total including all three (3) different units. Committee Chair Broden stated, I think that is good to know and is good information because a lot of this affects our citizens. We want to make sure you have the resources you need and if for any reason that were to change, we would like to know that. EXCELLENCE I ACCOUNTABILITY I INNOVATION I INCLUSION I EMPOWERMENT 455 County-City Building I227W.Jefferson BvldI South Bend,Indiana 46601 p574.235.9221If574.235.91731 TM574.235.55671www.southbendin.gov 3 CITY OF SOUTH BEND I OFFICE OF THE CLERK Mr. Cotter stated, I purposefully ask the different departments to not supply more because I understand others' resources are tight as well. The whole idea of this is to help the different departments. Frankly,this is a lot of headache on behalf of the Prosecutors Office. I don't want to hire these three (3) officers but it is necessary. I don't want to try to go to a source I would be competing with for other things that need to be done that are also vitally important to keep our citizens safe. The likelihood of me coming back here asking if you can supply x numbers and x dollars for this or that is slim to none. It has worked well for twenty-five (25) years. We have certainly been tweaking it. I recognize the City's desire to do an Interlocal. I don't believe the Interlocal is necessary and the City does. I respect that and that is why I'm willing to do this but just so you know, it has been working with the law enforcement folks who understand the needs. The needs can shift within a month's period. When we had the Sturgis case,the SBPD helped out the Homicide Unit. Having that fluidity is helpful. Committee Chair Broden followed up, And the stats you have provided with regard to effectiveness and cases solved, that all helps. That type of information. Councilmember Dr. David Varner stated, First, thanks for getting the information back to us that was requested. On your article it lists seven (7) entities which includes a private member. Who is that? Mr. Cotter replied, That is our civilian member, Mike Carrington. Councilmember Dr. Varner followed up, And I see there is representation from Notre Dame and Indiana University and I think you said they don't contribute anything monetarily, correct? Mr. Cotter replied, That is correct. However, The University of Notre Dame does monitor the security of the buildings. Councilmember Dr. Varner followed up,And then I ask about the statistics. You cite the statistics without any citation. I've got my percentages but when you can get us those, that would be great. Particularly the homicide numbers. If I recall when this was created years ago, by statute, is this the responsibility of the Prosecutor's Office? How did this coalition come about? Mr. Cotter replied,I'm pooling the numbers together from seven(7)different documents. And no, it is not. These investigations are so complex that it is not something that an officer who has only received basic training, is trained to do. They learn it as they go and, traditionally, you're going to have some good investigators and some not so good investigators. It used to be literally luck of the draw and whoever is on duty. We need the best investigators and the best information from all the involved parties. Then, we put those all together to focus only on those specific types of crimes. That seems to work best. The reason it came to the Prosecutor is twofold. One (1) is because, ultimately, I'm responsible for holding individuals accountable for committing those crimes. Secondly, I don't have a dog in the fight so to speak. So I don't care whether the crime occurred in South Bend, Mishawaka or somewhere else in the County, I care that it occurred in St. Joseph County. Not having to worry about over emphasis on crimes that occur in specific areas is beneficial to the effectiveness of what we do. From my own observations,that has happened. That is why they combined this. This model seems to have worked very well. EXCELLENCE I ACCOUNTABILITY I INNOVATION I INCLUSION ( EMPOWERMENT 455 County-City Building I227W.Jefferson Bvld I South Bend,Indiana 466011p574.235.9221If574.235.91731TTD574.235.5567Iwww.southbendin.gov 4 ®CITY OF SOUTH BEND OFFICE OF THE CLERK Councilmember Dr. Varner followed up, So you're saying prior to 1993, South Bend investigated their own and they didn't do much data sharing? Mr. Cotter replied, Correct. Committee Chair Broden then asked, I have one (1) last question. Questions twelve (12) and thirteen (13) regarding rape kit testing and the status of that, the comment was that is under investigation. Can you give us an understanding of that timeframe? Mr. Cotter replied, I am getting close to being able to announce the results of what happened with those and then resolutions for that occurring in the first place. Committee Chair Broden then asked, Can you explain number twelve (12) and the answer that there is no funding for rape kit testing? Mr. Cotter replied, Yes, there is no funding specifically set out. The Departments house those. They have always housed all the evidence except for homicides. So when they go, meaning they have to go to the laboratory to be tested and brought back, that is actually taken by a Special Victims Unit Investigator or Detective. Then when they are done, now, we can get it online but still have to go pick up the evidence from them. We don't have anything set aside as that is all a part of the day to day activities of the detectives. Committee Chair Broden followed up, So funding for that should be found at the local units? Mr. Cotter replied, It depends on what you mean by funding. Funding to do what? Committee Chair Broden replied, Well I don't know what is related to that. Mr. Cotter stated, The only cost is for the storage. Committee Chair Broden then asked, But what about actually, I think I saw an estimate between $750,000 and$1.2 million? Mr. Cotter stated, Those are paid by the Indiana State Police laboratory. They pay for the actual testing itself. Committee Chair Broden then opened the floor to members of the public wishing to speak in favor of or in opposition to the legistion. There were none. Committee Chair Broden then turned the floor back to the Committee for further comment or main motion. Committeemember White made a motion to accept the amendment to Bill No. 18-12. Committeemember Voorde seconded this motion which carried by a voice vote of five (5) ayes. Committeemember White then made a motion to send the amended version of Bill No. 18-12 to the full Council with a favorable recommendation. Committeemember Oliver Davis seconded this motion which carried by a voice vote of five (5) ayes. EXCELLENCE I ACCOUNTABILITY I INNOVATION I INCLUSION ( EMPOWERMENT 455 County-City Building I227W.Jefferson BvldI South Bend,Indiana 466011p574.235.9221 f574.235.9173 TTD 574.235.5567 1 www.sou th bend i n.gov 5 ®CITY OF SOUTH BEND I OFFICE OF THE CLERK Bill No. 20-18- Ordinance on New Parking Restrictions Tim Scott, 711 Forest Avenue, stated, The main cosponsors are Karen L. White and Sharon L. McBride. This is just a little bit of a clean-up to the Ordinance. This was a slight nuisance to some individuals and there were some parking issues especially with shared driveways. There wasn't anything really written in the law about how far away from a residential driveway someone can park. Someone could have literally parked in a way where the person couldn't pull out of the driveway. At the help of Bob Palmer, we also looked at fire hydrants, crosswalks, flashing lights for stop walks and stop signs. These are real simple changes to really simple rules about how you can park. Committee Chair Broden then 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 comment or main motion. Committeemember Voorde made a motion to send Bill No. 20-18 to the full Council with a favorable recommendation. Committeemember White seconded this motion which carried by a voice vote of five (5) ayes. With no further business, Committee Chair Broden adjourned the Health and Public Safety Committee meeting at 4:26 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, 10 M. Broden, Committee Chair EXCELLENCE I ACCOUNTABILITY INNOVATION INCLUSION EMPOWERMENT 455 County-City Building 1 227 W.Jefferson Bvld I South Bend,Indiana 466011 p 574.235.9221 If 574.235.9173(TM 574.235.5567 I www.southbendin.gov 6