HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-11-12 Health & Public Safety CommiteeHEALTH & PUBLIC SAFETY
4:15 P.M.
JUNE 11, 2012
Committee Members Present: Dr. Fred Ferlic, Karen White, Tim Scott
Citizen Members Present: Kyle Chamberlin
Other Council Present: Valerie Schey, Dr. David Varner, Oliver Davis, Derek Dieter,
Gavin Ferlic
Other's Present: Gary Gilot, Murray Miller, Cathy Toppel, Aladean DeRose, Bob
Hammer, Kevin Allen, Kathy Cekanski - Farrand, Mark Neal, Mike Schmuhl, Ann Carol -
Nash, Kyle Chamberlin, Lindsey Grace, Jessie Davis
Agenda: Update — Neighborhood Watch Computer Software SBPD — Capt. Hammer
District 4 Projects
Quality of Life Concerns
Chairperson Dr. Fred Ferlic scheduled this hearing to update fellow Councilmember's on
the efforts of the South Bend Police Department to revitalize the Neighborhood Watch
program. He also wanted to discuss any neighborhood quality of life issues wanting to
perpetuate Councilmember Karen White's extensive efforts in that regard over the last
number of years. To that end he called upon Karen for comment. She reiterated her
long -held belief that every citizen is entitled to a safe, clean, peaceful neighborhood.
Karen added that this didn't point to a need for more legislation; but more effective
enforcement of the 17 -18 quality of life ordinances already on the books. She went on to
say this enforcement component was one reason for reserving judgment on the proposed
smoking in public places bill.
A roundtable discussion of enforcement issues and reports followed Valerie Schey asked
the procedure for doing something about a "drug house." Tim Scott suggested
prostitution be added to the criteria of disorderly house designation. Kathy Cekanski-
Farrand said better tracking software was needed to speed action. Ann- Carol Nash and
Catherine Toppel agreed.
Kyle Chamberlin asked if the fee collection results would be enhanced by using a P
party collection service? He was told earlier considerations of the same question were
rejected due to costs.
Switching gears Dr. Ferlic allowed Lindsey Grace, out of the Indianapolis office of the
American Lung Association to speak to the affectability of the proposed smoking bill.
While this issue was for discussion another day, Dr. Ferlic recognized Jessie Davis who
asked if enough research had been done prior to proposing the bill.
Moving along, Dr. Ferlic then gave a brief update on his quality of life initiatives in the
4th District. Essentially, with the help of others including. John Phair, Larry Clifford,
Kyle Chamberlin, Marcus Ellison, the legal department, Kathy Cekanski - Farrand and the
SBPD protocols were being developed to address a multitude of environmental concerns.
From trash to vacant and abandoned houses the remedial process is viewed as too
cumbersome and time consuming. He added that he was looking at the possibility of
public - private partnerships in the 4th District. The hope is that once developed
implemented and evaluated these approaches could be used as a model for the rest of the
city.
Dr. Ferlic then called upon Bob Hammer of the South Bend Police Department to
describe the Police Department's efforts to revitalize the Neighborhood Watch program.
A major enhancement to the program is publicly accessible software that allows daily
updates on crime reports.
This would keep pertinent information updated and available to everyone. Officer
Hammer provided several handouts (attached)
Other informal discussion followed before Dr. Ferlic adjourned at 5:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Dr. Fred Ferlic, Chairperson
Health & Public Safety Committee