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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-05-06 Health & Public SafetyHEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2006 3:00 - 4:30 P.M. TOPIC: Bill No. 1.7'-06 -Appropriation from U. S. Department of Justice for Ceasefire Program Attendance: See Attached Sign-In Sheet Karen White, Chair of the Health & Public Safety Committee, promptly began the meeting at 3:00 p.m. explaining the purpose of the meeting was to allow full discussion of the $98, 664 appropriation of a Department of Justice Grant for use by Ceasefire of South Bend Inc. She noted the committee would not take action today. Pam Meyer, Director of Community Development was introduced as the presenter of Bill Na. 17-06 scheduled for public hearing before the Common Council on April 10, 2006. Pam explained that Community Development worked with the Mayor and Lynn Coleman through the local congressional office to secure the grant intended for "gang intervention." The two fold purpose was to react to the incidence of violent crime and on an ongoing basis discourage gang activity by promoting realistic alternatives for young people. Roland Ke11y enthusiastically endorsed the intent of the program. Lynn Coleman then explained the genesis of the grant which began in '04, was submitted in early 'OS and awarded to South Bend in the fall af'O5. Answering a question from Tim Rouse, Coleman explained it was he and the Mayor who decided to direct the money to "Ceasefire". He explained "Ceasefire" was seen as the best mechanism to address the need in the community. He went onto describe "Ceasefire" as modeling a successful Chicago approach to gang violence. Tim Rouse asked SBPD Chief Fautz about "Ceasefire" in Chicago. I~ autz spoke of the programs "astonishing" success in Chicago and the already promising results in South Bend with just one outreach worker, Ray Newbill. (It should be noted the majority of the $98,664 grant would be to fund two additional outreach workers.) Trina Robinson, Ceasefire board member and local NAACP representative, spoke of successful "Ceasefire" models in New Jersey, Boston, and California. At this point Karen White introduced Carrie Erlin from St. Mary's College and Bill Hinkle from Ivy Tech who collaborated on a preliminary report statistically, portraying arrest data in South Bend. The report detailed arrests by race, zip code, crime seriousness, and officer discretion. Through preliminary in nature, the report implies racial discrimination. The discussion that followed indicated a need for more research before firm conclusions could be drawn. Further comments on the report from Hardie Blake, Violet Hawkins, Katrina Robinson, and Bill Hinkle focused on the report indicators of racism, the dollars allocated to address the cycle of poverty breeding gang violence, and finally whether "Ceasefire" was the best organization to address these problems. Karen White then asked those in favor of 17-06 to comment. Dawn Jones, SBCSC Board Member and V.P. of "Ceasefire" cited that of 21,000 kids in South Bend Schools only i/2 graduate from high school. Social, economic, and educational alternatives need to be provided to these dropouts. Currently "Ceasefire" through the YMCA's youth services serves 300 kids. With the grant 200 more could be reached. Nikki Lawson, President of Ceasef re, said the focus should be not on crime statistics; but the causes and alternatives to crime. She said kids need to see an option to crime. Father Chris Cox, St. Adalbert's "Cease-fire" board member, described "Ceasefire" as an intervening approach to crime and violence not a reactive one. He stressed the epidemic nature of violence. Speaking apposed to the appropriation at Karen White's invitation was Bill Hinkle. He stated he was nat opposed to "Ceasefire" yet sees it as re-active nat pro-active. Violet Hawkins stressed a need to explain the racial implications of the arrest study. Hardie Blake strongly advocated the need for additional resources. He questioned whether "Ceasefire" was the best organization to address the needs. He described another group called "Men of Scars" and emphatically advocated their competency as an alternative to "Ceasefire." He provided handouts describing the group and their approach and their frustration in securing funding. (These handouts are attached) Ann Puzzello brought up the problem of "bullying" in our schools. SBPD Division Chief Darryl Boykins stated both "Ceasefire" and "Men of Scars" can help the SBPD. Turning to Councilmembers far comments Karen White stressed the Council's awareness of problems in the community and their determination to address them. Charlotte Pfeifer wondered if the City needed to bring all resources together to identify the problems, focus on the most effective ways and providers to address them. Roland Kelly agreed with the notion of marshalling resources to focus efforts. Tim Rouse suggested a need to investigate the effectiveness of wha we connect with and how. He along with Karen White and Charlotte Pfeifer stressed the need for the Mayor to be more inclusive in tapping the Council's expertise and willingness to be a part of the solution. All agreed on the admonition that the Council needs to be a partner in the allocation of resources. Wrapping up, Lynn Coleman thanked Karen White and Councilmember's for the forum. He acknowledged much cooperation and collaboration was needed to address the problems effectively. Karen White stressed the Council was mindful of its obligation to address all the issues raised. Karen White adjourned the meeting at 4:30 p.rn. and thanked everyone for attending. Respectfully Su fitted, E s Jo oorde ity Cler~C Karen L. White Chairpex'son A~ ~ ~ a~~~a ve~~~~