HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-10-08 Health and Public Safety CommitteeHealth and Public Safety Committee
The March 10, 2008 meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee of the South
Bend Common Council was called to order by Chairperson Karen L. White at 4:32 p.m.
in the Council's informal meeting room.
Persons in attendance were Council Members White, Kirsits, Varner, Oliver Davis,
Rouse, Henry Davis, Puzzello; Mrs Kopola, Martha Lewis, Don Brubaker, Mark Smith,
Catherine Andres, Gary Gilot, Catherine Toppel, Bob Allen, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand,
Council Attorney, Jon Voorde, City Clerk, Janice Talboom, Deputy City Clerk.
Committee Members present, Karen L. White, Chairperson, Ann Puzzello, Vice-
President, Henry Davis, Jr., Member.
Mrs. Toppell then gave an update and demonstration of the new communication devices
that Code Enforcement have been implementing. She showed on half of the table the
device and Bob Allen also had a device that he displayed to the other end of the table.
Mrs. Toppell explained that with the handheld devices that her personnel could down
load inspections from the field instead having to come in early and do them in the office.
She said the reception and connectivity are both very good out in the field. She displayed
how the device worked by putting in an address and showing the results to the council.
For more detailed information she handed out a copied power point presentation. (Copy
attached). She also explained how the data base needs to be updated and the financials
tied in to run the system at its full potential. She said she would have more information
available when that happens. She is working with the IT department on this matter.
Karen White asked what happens when a complaint call comes into Code Enforcement.
Mrs. Toppell explained she has 6 staff members to answer the calls. Complaints also
come in by computer.
Citizen Member Brubaker asked if the technology is tied into Animal Control. Mrs.
Toppell replied no.
Karen White asked if all this technology interfaces with the quality of life ordinances and
other departments. The technology does not connect with the Ordinance Violations
Bureau or the Police Dept.
Ann Puzzello inquired about writing tickets for front yard parking. Mrs. Toppell said it is
being done by both her people and the police department. Tim Rouse said that the City
needs to respond to the complaints under privilege of the floor and maybe the
appropriated departments should attend the meetings. Mrs. Toppell said she was not
aware of all of the complaints. Karen mentioned all departments need to know what the
others are doing.
Dr. Varner wanted to know about how the tickets are delivered. Mrs. Toppell said they
hand deliver the tickets. Buddy Kirsits wanted to know turn around time on abandoned
houses. Mrs. Toppell replied once reported it is inspected the same day and then boarded
in 1 to 3 days.
Karen said the Rum Village Association wanted to know who was responsible for trash
calls. Code writes a letter, and if no response, calls Solid Waste within a week.
Karen mentioned she would like a list of vacant homes to be torn down. Mrs. Toppell
said she would have that to her.
Citizen member Brubaker brought up the fact that street department workers not taking to
take safety precautions while filling pot holes. Gary Gilot responded by saying they were
in the process of giving refreshers courses to personnel.
Karen White suggested a meeting with the South Bend Police Department to help with
the quality of life ordinances and making sure everyone is on the same page.
Karen adjourned the meeting at 5:10 p.m.
Respectively submitted,
~~_
Gtr-- ~~
Council Member Karen L. White, Chairperson
Health and Public Safety Committee