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The April 26, 2011 meeting of the Community/Campus Advisory Coalition was held at
the Downtown Offices of Notre Dame. The meeting was called to order at 3:32 p.m. by
South Bend Common Council Member at Large Member AI "Buddy" Kirsits.
Mr. Kirsits welcomed everyone in attendance and asked that everyone introduce
themselves. Attendees included: Common Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-
Farrand, Common Council Member Ann Puzzello, Saint Joseph County Police Officers
Sheriff Mike Grzegorek and Dean Chandler, Alcoholic Beverage Board Member Mike
Carrington, University of Notre Dame Representatives Brian Coughlin and Tim Sexton,
Student Body President Patrick McCormick, Student Body Vice-President Brett
Rocheleau, Mark Kramer of Kramer Properties, Neighborhood Residents Matt Costello
and Kyle Chamberlin, South Bend Police Officer Robert Hammer, City of South Bend
Employees, Assistant City Attorney, Ann-Carol Nash, Code Enforcement Director
Cathy Toppel, and Paralegal Pamela Paluszewski, Reporters Margaret Fosmoe, South
Bend Tribune and Megan Doyle, The Observer.
NEIGHBORHOODS
Sheriff Grzegorek stated that there are some issues with a party house that is located in
the county.
Ann Puzzello said the atmosphere has been quiet. Matt Costello said things are still
going well in his neighborhood. He stated that there was the occasional disruption and
some litter, however even when students leave litter in the neighborhood following a
party, they are good at removing the litter in a timely manner.
During the weekend of the Annual Blue/Gold Game, there were issues and that there
were hundreds of people who attended parties in the St. Peter and St. Louis Streets
area. Portable toilets lined the streets. There was discussion about the ability to have
portable toilets for these events and on private properties; however Cathy Toppel from
Code Enforcement stated that the Health Department requires a permit for them and
only construction sites are exempt.
Ann-Carol Nash stated that she had received an unfortunate report from an East Coifax
resident who was showing family from out of town around on Easter morning in the 700
block of East Washington, and that there were lots of plastic cups strewn all over from a
party the night before.
Brian Coughlin mentioned that that "Study Days" were approaching and that should be
a quiet time in general but that partying is anticipated on the last day of classes and the
last two weekends leading up to graduation. He stated that he can be responsible for
students but not for parents. He also estimated as the weather gets warmer, there will
be more problems with underage drinking, and possible arrests made.
Cathy Toppel said they are still working on enforcing Single Family Dwellings which
cannot be used for multiple persons residing in them. She also complimented Megan
Doyle on a nice article she had written and published on this topic.
Brett Rocheleau stated that student government is expanding the Student Ambassador
program to the Off-Campus Council. The ambassadors will emphasize what it means to
be a good neighbor. Student government is forming plans for some neighborhood
events such as a Chipotle night for local citizens and students to interact with each
other next school year.
SAFETYISSUES
Sheriff Grzegorek stated that he had met with the student government at Notre Dame
and talked about safety issues and the creation of a safety booklet to be distributed to
students. The booklet will be distributed by RA's to incoming freshman, landlords
leasing properties to students, and by the Off Campus Ambassadors in the
neighborhoods. The booklet is to contain safety tips for students to follow, and
information on how to be good neighbors. A refrigerator magnet will also be provided
with phone numbers for emergency services, taxi services, and other important
resources such as utilities.
Brett Rocheleau stated that the Notre Dame Security Police will dress in normal attire
and mix with students to inform them how to be good neighbors. Notre Dame is
planning a Back to School Block Party to meet the neighbors and other neighborhood
events for local citizens and students.
Mike Carrington expressed the safety concern for students who are intoxicated. He
stated that they become more vulnerable to accidents and becoming victims of crime.
Buddy Kirsits expressed his concern that intoxicated students may become victims of a
more serious condition such as alcohol poisoning which can be life threatening. He also
emphasized that Transpo is available for free transportation at night for those living and
traveling off campus. In addition, the Off Campus Ambassador Program is available to
escort students to help ensure safety.
.
NOTRE DAME
Brett Rocheleau stated that plans are being made to hold a Community Summit next
year, and the last one there were hundreds in attendance. Student Body President Pat
McCormick said service to the local community is a way to reach out to South Bend.
One such example is that students are doing a West Side Food Security Council to
address the scarcity of food in the area.
Discussion continued relating to off campus students holding parties which disturb
residents and litter strewn on lawns. Tim Sexton stated that those that complain should
know that the students aren't perFect, but they are doing good things in the community.
Cathy Toppel stated that people don't call when things are going great, they want their
problems addressed. She also stated she wanted people to know that the Community
Campus Advisory Coalition exists and that they can attend the meetings, bring issues,
and that things have come a long way since when it was first started.
Kathy Cekanski-Farrand stated that there should be a network between the county, city,
and Clay Township. She reminded the group that there is a noise ordinance and
violations are $100 for the first offense, $250 for the second offense and $500 for each
offense thereafter. Also she would like representatives from all of the schools to attend
these meetings.
TAXI ISSUES
Ann-Carol Nash stated that the City is diligently working on drafting a new taxi cab
ordinance. She stated that Karen White has held a lot of ineetings and Kathy Cekanski-
Farrand has offered a lot of the information as well. The Council is to meet to address
suggestions offered to be held at 3:30 tomorrow (April 27, 2011) at the Health and
Public Safety Meeting.
She also stated that the safety of passengers is of the utmost importance. The City
wants to make sure that the drivers are properly licensed, have had background checks
and driving records are satisfactory. Also, the taxi cab companies must be licensed
companies. The amended ordinance may require posting a notice in the cab who to
contact in case problems arise. Also, taxi cabs can be subjected to inspections by
South Bend Police, and the City's Equipment Services Department can require a
manifest of drivers. She urged the student council when they learn of concerns and taxi
cab incidents to report them the City's Legal Department.
Kathy Cekanski-Farrand stated that there is a difference between the City and the
Airport Authority; however they are working together on the ordinance.
When the student council passes out the safety booklets and magnets just prior to the
2011-2012 school year, they will include the licensed taxi cab companies students
should use.
.�
Classes will begin on August 23`a
Council Member Kirsits thanked everyone for attending. The next meeting will be held
August 16, 2011 at 3:30 p.m. at the Notre Dame Downtown Office of Community.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:32 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
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Charles S. Leone, Recording Secretary Council Member A ddy" Kirsits-Chairperson
Community/Campus Advisory Coalition (CCAC) Community/Camp dvisory Coalition (CCAC)