HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-14-19 Community Investment sip SOUTH 8,4+,
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OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
KAREEMAH FOWLER, CITY CLERK
COMMUNITY INVESTMENT JANUARY 14, 2019 3:33 P.M.
Committee Members Present: Gavin Ferlic, Sharon L. McBride (late)
Committee Members Absent: Oliver Davis, Regina Williams-Preston
Other Council Present: Jo M. Broden, John Voorde, Karen White
Other Council Absent: Tim Scott,Jake Teshka
Others Present: Bianca Tirado, Graham Sparks, Bob Palmer
Presenters: Michelle Adams
Agenda: Bill No. 67-18- Amending Chapter 13, Article 11-
Removing Certain Restrictions on Tattoo Practitioner
Premises Licensing
Committee Chair Gavin Ferlic called to order the Community Investment Committee at 3:33 p.m.
He introduced members of the Committee and announced the lack of a quorum, rendering the
Committee incapable of taking official action on legislation. He then gave the floor to the
presenters.
Bill No. 67-18-Amending Chapter 13, Article 11- Removing Certain Restrictions on Tattoo
Practitioner Premises Licensing
Michelle Adams, Business License Administrator for the Department of Community Investment
with offices located on the 14th floor of the County-City Building, stated, I'm here this afternoon
on behalf of the City to request an amendment to the Tattoo Establishment and Artist Ordinance,
Chapter 13, Article 11, sections 13-126 and 13-127 which prohibits issuing a license to a person
who has been convicted of a felony or who has been convicted of drug or alcohol violations.These
restrictions can prevent a now law-abiding and deserving applicant from operating a business in
South Bend and making a gainful living. The City is trying to take into consideration that a felony
and an alcohol related criminal conviction may have little to no relevance to the specialized
practice of tattoo artistry and that an approval or denial should not be solely based on past criminal
convictions. These types of restrictions do not apply to all South Bend business licenses. Some
examples would be arborist,auto repair,restaurants and peddlers,all do not have these restrictions.
Also, the City of Mishawaka Indiana removed these criminal conviction restrictions from their
tattoo ordinance on April 3rd, 2017. The St. Joseph County Health Department permits them, as
well, but does not do criminal background checks. For these reasons, the City would like to have
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JENNIFER M.COFFMAN BI CA L.TIRADo JOSEPH R.MOLNAR
CHIEF DEPUTY/DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS DEPUTY/DIRECTOR OF POLICY ORDINANCE VIOLATION CLERK
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ID CITY OF SOUTH BEND ' OFFICE OF THE CLERK
the Tattoo Establishment and Artist Ordinance amended to allow fair and equitable treatment of
all citizens which desire and deserve to operate a business in the City of South Bend.
Committeemember Sharon L. McBride arrived at the meeting at 3:35 p.m.
Ms. Adams continued, The St. Joseph County Health Department permits them, as well, but does
not do criminal background checks. For these reasons, the City would like to have the Tattoo
Establishment and Artist Ordinance amended to allow the fair and equitable treatment of all
citizens which desire and deserve to operate a business in the City of South Bend.
Committee Chair Ferlic opened the floor to Committee and Council Members. There were none.
He then opened the floor to members of the public wishing to speak in favor of or in opposition to
the legislation. There were none. He then turned the floor back to the Committee for comments.
Councilmember Karen White stated, I want to thank the Administration for bringing this before
us. I think our Council Attorney had some input as well. This grew out of a concern we had last
year when an individual came before this Council and was wanting to open up a tattoo business.
When he went to get his license,he had some difficulties with a prior felony and he was unable to
move forward with business. He was very encouraged about the work we are doing and the need
for us to bring this before the Council. Who will reach out to those individuals?
Ms. Adams replied, I will, and I already have.
Committeemember Sharon L. McBride stated, I would just like to say thank you to the
Administration for looking into this. I deal with this population every day and talk about having
current or ex-felons having an opportunity to work, let alone to own their own business. That is
key for our community so I'm excited to see this ordinance come through and opening doors to
others in the future. Thank you.
Due to the lack of a quorum, Bill No. 67-18 was automatically sent to the full Council with no
recommendation.
With no further business, Committee Chair Ferlic adjourned the Community Investment
Committee at 3:37 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Gavin Ferlic, Committee Chair
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