HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-14-08 Health and Public Safety CommitteeHEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY
The April 14, 2008 meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee of the South Bend
Common Council was called to order by its Chairperson, Councilmember Karen White at 4:40
p.m. in the Council's Informal Meeting Room.
Persons in attendance included: Council Members Oliver Davis, David Varner, Donald Brubaker,
Citizen Member, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney, Charles Leone, City Attorney,
John Voorde, City Clerk.
Committee Members present: Karen L. White, Chairperson, Ann Puzzello, Vice, Chairperson,
Derek D. Dieter, Member
UPDATE HOTEL MOTEL LICENSING BILL -CHARLES LEONE, CITY ATTORNEY
City Attorney Chuck Leone updated Council Members regarding the administrations efforts to
revise the proposed hotel-motel licensing bill. He emphasized that throughout their approach that
assurance of pubic safety was paramount. Current efforts have focused on what other cities are
doing in this regard, specifically Chula Vista, CA. These efforts are an acknowledgement that the
originally proposed tier method of ranking was unworkable. For that matter, an unintended
consequence of the tier ranking was the creation of a disincentive for Hotel-Motel operators to
cooperate with the public safety sector for fear of downgrading their rating.
What was seen as necessary was providing 15t responders (police, fire, ambo) as much
information as possible to help them protect the safety of others and themselves. This info might
include: floor plans, possible hazardous materials, response history and the like. This info would
not subsequently be used for a ranking scheme. The ability of the city to require provision of this
data would stem from state law which allows this for risk planning purposes. Oliver Davis
stressed the importance of hotel-motels being held accountable for persistent problem properties.
Leone alluded to but did not identify other tools the city has in its arsenal to address problem
businesses. Oliver Davis and Karen White questioned whether these tools were being used.
What remediation efforts are used? Does the city follow-up? Council Member Derek Dieter
maintained that tools were there; but an overall strategy was absent. Council Member David
Varner suggested owners of trouble properties should be identified, pursued and prosecuted.
Council Member Tim Rouse called for an assessment of the city's efforts to date, allowing there
was no reason to pass a "feel good" bill and leave it at that. Council Member Tim Rouse also
noted the receipt of a letter from the firefighters union asking to open the contract negotiation
process. He recommended Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand be the lead person to work with both the
city and the union. Council Member Rouse made the motion, seconded by Council Member
Derek Dieter followed by unanimous assent.
There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member White
adjourned the meeting at 5:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Q1L`^~ ~
Karen L. White, Chairperson
Health and Public Safety Committee