HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/26/07 Joint Committee - Health and Public Safety and Pesonnel and Finance CommitteeJoint Committee Meeting of
Health and Public Safety and Personnel and Finance Committee
2007 South Bend Common Council
The joint committee meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee and the Personnel and
Finance Committee was called to order by their respective Chairpersons, Council Member White
and Council Member Pfeifer at 3:11 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members Pfeifer, Kelly, Puzzello, Varner, Rouse, Kirsits
and White; Police Chief Thomas Fautz, Division Chief Boykins, City Attorney Charles Leone,
Assistant City Attorney Ann-Carol Nash, Don Inks, James Masters, Mrs. Kopola, Jerry
Niezgodski, Martha Lewis, City Clerk John Voorde, Jamie Loo of the South Bend Tribune and
Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney.
Bill No. 71-07 Proposed Hotel and Motel Licensing Regulations:
Council Member White noted that the news print media incorrectly noted that the South Bend
Common Council would be taking action on the proposed hotelmotel ordinance. She noted that
discussions have been ongoing with the City Administration and that a joint committee meeting
on this Bill has already been set for Wednesday, December 5, 2007 at 5:30 p.m. She apologized
for any one who came today in light of the incorrect media information.
City Attorney Charles Leone noted that the proposed ordinance is the result of events which
happened at the Wooden Indian in April 2007. He further noted that the draft follows the
Department of Justice publication entitled "Disorder at Budget Motels" which sets up a three-tier
system: Tier I: No changes; Tier II: Some changes; Tier III: Most of the burdens such as
security and public safety based on calls for service of police. He stated that the City
Administration would be flexible, noting that such businesses should not be penalized for
medical calls for service of their patrons. He stated that both Chief Fautz and Division Chief
Boykins are present to address questions. He further stated that he is willing to sit down and talk
about further amendments.
Council Member White suggested that Mr. Leone provided copies of the Department of Justice
publication through the City Attorney's office.
Dr. Varner requested that Mr. Leone send a written version of the DOJ publication to the Office
of the City Clerk as soon as possible.
Mr. James Masters, a local attorney then provided aone-page handout (copy attached) of
proposed amendatory language to Bill No. 71-07. He stated that it appears that "a few bad
apples are spoiling the entire barrel" and contended that operations like the Wooden Indian are
boarding houses and not a hoteUmotel.
Council Member White urged Mr. Masters to sit down with Mr. Leone to discuss his proposal.
Joint Meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee and the Personnel and Finance Committee
Committee Meeting Minutes of November 26, 2007
Page 2
There being no further business to come before the joint committee meeting, Council Members
White and Pfeifer adjourned the meeting at 3:19 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
/J r'; /,AL' ~
~f Gv `~ `~~r~
Council Member Karen L. White, Chairperson
Health and Public Safety Committee
~~
Council Member Charlotte D. P ei ,Chairperson
Personnel and Finance Committee
Attachment