HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-17-12 Zoning & Annexation & Health & Public SafetyZONING & ANNEXATION JULY 17, 2012
& HEALTH & PUBLIC SAFETY
5:04 P.M.
Zoning & Annexation Committee Members Present:
Oliver Davis, Dr. Fred Ferlic, Gavin Ferlic
Health & Public Safety Committee Members Present:
Dr. Fred Ferlic, Karen White, Tim Scott, Henry Davis (5:18)
Other Councilmember's Present: Valerie Schey, Derek Dieter
Other's Present:
Kevin Allen, Kathy Cekanski - Farrand, Mike Schmuhl, Chico Rodriguez, Aladean
DeRose, Gregorio Chavez, Chuck Bulot, Cathy Toppel, Jesusa Rodriguez, George Lane,
Mario Sims
Agenda: 5024 Western Avenue — Safety & Wellness
Oliver Davis chaired the joint committee hearing addressing the safety and wellness
concerns for migrant workers housed at 5024 Western. The agreement addresses the
safety concerns of the City and allows clean, cool, convenient, safe quarters for the
migrants. The agreement, acceptable to all parties, has been characterized as a win/win.
Crisis resolved.
Nonetheless, the Council feels it necessary and proper to address not only current
concerns; but avoid any future crises.
Oliver Davis then proceeded to solicit comment from each Councilmember present.
Karen White said her primary concern was for the welfare of the migrants and did not
want 5024 closed.
Dr. Ferlic said the overriding issue was the safety and welfare of the 190 residents being
housed at 5024. He said the initial decision by the city to close the facility was wrong.
This highlights the need for better communication between the Mayor's office and the
Council.
Tim Scott agreed. He felt better communication would resolve differences up front.
Derek Dieter said he was grateful Council involvement helped resolve the issue, calling
the well being of the residents the paramount concern.
Oliver Davis then asked Council Attorney Kathy Cekanski - Farrand to summarize points
in the proposed agreement. She opened by giving credit to interim City Attorney
Aladean DeRose for her primary role in drafting the agreement. Aladean, in turn,
thanked everyone for their cooperation. This enable her to draft an agreement satisfying
the safety concerns of several city departments while protecting the migrants. Derek
Dieter wanted assurance that the watch person named in the agreement would be
competent. Tim Scott urged the development of a fire safety plan including training and
fire drills. Council Attorney Kathy Cekanski - Farrand agreed to add that provision. A
representative of the company owning the facility expressed gratitude for the City's
willingness to fashion a workable agreement that keeps the facility open and safeguards
the residents.
Several City Administration officials followed with comments of their own. Mike
Schmuhl speaking for the Mayor said this was a good example of positive results coming
from working together. Cathy Toppel, Chuck Bulot, and Ann Carol -Nash all expressed
similar sentiments.
Turning to the public for comment, Mr. Davis recognized Mario Sims. Mr. Sims agreed
that the solution agreed upon was fine, but wondered why it had taken so long for the
City to get to this point. He speculated that because eviction was the first recourse, their
might be racial overtones in that the migrants were people of color. He said at the very
least, the city did not show sensitivity in this situation. He said the city should welcome
and respect everyone. He added that all stakeholders should be party to discussions
affecting the well -being of under- represented, disadvantaged groups.
George Lane emphasized the growers' responsibility in this situation. Any financial
consequences should not be borne by the City.
The Council Attorney suggested the need for accurate information, identification and
participation of all stakeholders, and the development of pro- active long -term solutions to
effectively address these issues. For migrant worker issues this might include Purdue
Extension, Farm Bureau, and the Institute for Latino Studies and of Social Concerns.
Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr., said the focus of concern for the rights and welfare of
the migrant workers should be expanded to all people. He said the administration was
deficient in making the quality of life issues for all people a priority. The issue was the
lack of proper enforcement of city codes already on the books.
Gregorio Chavez and Jesusa Rodriguez both spoke to the need to look beyond South
Bend's borders to the County and the State.
Oliver offered summary comments and then accepted a motion from Councilmember
Karen White to register a favorable recommendation of the agreement. Tim Scott
seconded and all affirmed.
There being no further business to come before the Council at this time, Chairperson
Oliver Ds adjourned the meeting at 6:13 p.m.
& AhnoRation Committee
Dr. Fred Ferlic, Chairperson
Health & Public Safety Committee