HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/19/07 Health and Public Safety CommitteeHEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
2007 SOUTH BEND COMMON COUNCIL
The December 19, 2007 meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee of the South Bend
Common Council was called or order by its Chairperson, Councilmember Karen L. White at 5:30
p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room.
Persons in attendance included Councilmember's White, Puzzello, Kirsits and Dieter; Cary Levin,
David Mirkin, Gary Mentag, Mike Morris, Randy Schlipp, Joe Decamburn, Mike Critchlow, Rick
Bishop, SBPD, Ann Carol-Nash, Martha Lewis, Jamie Loo, South Bend Tribune.
Councilmember White began the meeting by explaining the purpose of the meeting. That is, to
focus on the scrap metal articles in the South Bend Tribune in the context of improving the 17
quality of life ordinances in the City Code. To that end, Councilmember Karen had invited scrap
yard owners, the Police Department, and the City Legal Department to the meeting.
Councilmember White wanted to review the effectiveness of the ordinance taking testimony from
the affected parties. The players were at the table for a productive meeting.
Ann Carol-Nash, Deputy City Attorney, was called upon to present the city administration view.
She said enforcement of the ordinance while an improvement over past practice could be
improved by better communication between the SBPD and the yard owners. Both parties agreed.
Sgt. Critchlow commended the owners for their effort to comply with the paperwork required in
the bill. The owners spoke of the difficulty keeping up with the forms required. Councilmember
Puzzello asked how the forms and the process could be streamlined. Karen solicited input from
the owners as well as the legal department. The owners were happy to comply with the
opportunity. They suggested a shorter form, citing the state form as an example. Sgt. Critchlow
was supportive of their suggestions. Dave Mirkin, an attorney, for the owners made 4 points
suggested by the owners 1.) eliminating the ferrous requirement 2.) eliminating the thumb-print
requirement 3.) provision for a warning ticket and 4.) communicating a theft alert system for
owners. With agreement that the forms could be improved all agreed to work together to improve
the enforcement process.
Councilmember White adjourned the meeting at 6:35 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted:
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Karen L. White, Chairperson
Health and Public Safety Committee
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