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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-09-08 Health and Public Safety Committee_ .~. Q _ Health and Public Safety Committee ..°•.~ .~ 2008 South Bend Common Council The January 9, 2008 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 5:31 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Persons in attendance included Council Members Puzzello and White; Mayor Stephen Luecke, Police Chief Darryl Boykins, George Adler, unidentified members of the public, Tom Moor of the Soufh Bend Tribune and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member White noted that the Committee Members present included Council Member Puzzello who is the Vice-Chairperson of the Committee and herself who serves as Committee Chairperson. Council Member White noted that the meeting was called to continue discussions on the concerns of residents living in the Harter Heights neighborhood. She noted that a meeting was held in December on this topic. Council Member White then called for an update from the South Bend Police Department. Update on the Harter Heights Residents Public Safety Concerns: Police Chief Darryl Boykins stated that within a week of the December Health and Public Safety Committee meeting held on this topic, walking patrols took place throughout the Harter Heights neighborhood. He stated that he was a part of those walking patrols and that he and the police officers introduced themselves to the residents and provided them with business cards. Residents were encouraged to call in the day or night with the concerns. Chief Boykins stated that the reaction of both the residents and the police officers has been positive. One juvenile has been apprehended in this area. Chief Boykins stated that on Thursday, January 10th at 6 pm at 701 West Sample a regional meeting will be held. Notice of this meeting was sent by email to all those listed in the Harter Heights Neighborhood; that it was highlighted in the South Bend Tribune and that neighborhood associations have all been contacted. Chief Boykins noted that tomorrow's regional meeting will be hosted by Crime Prevention and will review on a citywide basis. January 2007 through December 2007 will be highlighted. Ways to prevent crime, neighborhood watches, crime trends, etc will all be discussed at this meeting. January 9, 2008 Health and Public Safety Committee Meeting Minutes Page 2 Chief Boykins provided the following handouts (copies attached) and briefly reviewed each: • South Bend Beat Map for the 1St Detail 6:00 am t0 2:00 pm • South Bend Beat Map for the 2"d Detail 2 pm to 10:00 pm • Map of burglaries from 01-01-07 to 12-05-07 in the Harter Heights Neighborhood Council Member White noted that notice of this committee meeting was sent out in December. She hoped that the lack of neighbors from the Harter Heights Neighborhood is a sig. that "all is well". S ~5r Mayor Luecke thanked former Police Chief Thomas Fautz and Police Chief Boykins for their proactive actions. He noted that the crime analysis unit provides maps of the hot spots on a regular basis. Council Member Puzzello noted that she receives the list serves, and is also aware that Council Member Dieter sends out emails. Chief Boykins stated that information is now more accessible to the residents of Harter Hieghts and others. He encouraged residents to continue to call if they see suspicious activities in their neighborhoods. Council Member White thanked Chief Boykins and the efforts of former Chief Fautz. She commended all of the men and women of the South Bend Police Department in their efforts of apprehending individuals allegedly involved in bank robberies, etc. Council Member White noted that having police officers more visible in the neighborhoods and having residents know the police officers on a personal basis are steps in the right direction. She expressed how grateful she was for the positive responses in deterring crime: Council Member Puzzello thank Chief Boykins noting that his approach is working and that she "knows that we can depend on him". Chief Boykins noted that later this year he hopes to develop an educational and coordinated effort of law enforcement, in light of the series of break-ins in student apartments when they were gone over the Christmas break. He hopes to work with police officers, the University of Notre Dame, and apartment complex owners to develop a workable plan. In response to a question raised by Council Member Puzzello, Chief Boykins stated that the monthly meetings held at the Robinson Center would be relevant to the Harter Heights residents. January 9, 2008 Health and Public Safety Committee Meeting Minutes Page 3 Council Member White again thanked Chief Boykins and wished him and the South Bend Police Department continued success. Council Member White then adjourned the meeting at 5:48 p.m. Respec ully submitted, a ~~~ ~ ~G~ C uncil Member Karen L. White, Chairperson Health and. Public Safety Committee Attachments