HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-24-05 Health & Public Safety Health and Public Safety Committee
2005 South Bend Common Council
The October 24, 2005 meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee was called to order at
4:52 p.m. by its Chairperson, Council Member Karen L. White, in the Council's Informal
Meeting Room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members Pfeifer, Dieter, Kuspa, Rouse, Kirsits,
Puzzello, White, and Varner; Mayor Stephen Luecke, Citizen Member Martha Lewis, Assistant
City Attorney Ann-Carol Nash, City Attorney Charles Leone, Public Works Director Gary Gilot,
Mrs. Kopola, Executive Director of the Department of Community and Economic Development,
Mikki Dobski-Schidler, Keith Sweitzer, Rick Ruzkowski, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council
Attorney,and Jamie Loo of the South Bend Tribune.
Council Member White noted that the Committee members include Council Members Rouse,
Varner,Kuspa and herself.
Council Member White noted that Bill No. 70-05 which would amend Chapter 13 of the South
Bend Municipal Code addressing noise regulations will be continued until the November 14th
Council meeting. This will allow additional meetings with the Legal Department,the Ordinance
Violations Bureau, the Police Department and the Council. She stated that if the Council
Members have any questions or concerns that they should contact her.
Council Member White noted that the next item on the agenda is a discussion on the proposed
safe street ordinance. She stated that she received a memo dated October 14, 2005 from
Assistant City Attorney Ann-Carol Nash requesting this to be heard.
Assistant City Attorney Ann-Carol Nash noted that she is working with the City Attorney to
address concerns where people are at busy intersections often soliciting money for good causes.
She noted that there are state laws in place which address the obstruction of traffic. The police
department believes that regulations are needed based on public safety concerns. It is her intent
to contact charitable organizations to see how many use this for fund-raising purposes.
Mr. Leone stated that this practice has been "going on for a while", and that he supports the
proposal.
The Council Attorney inquired when the process changed, noting that in the past only those
charitable organizations who received permission from the Board of Public Works at designated
locations with proper reflective vests, etc. were allowed. All others where prohibited and
stopped by the police department.
Mr. Gilot stated that when requests come to the Board of Public Works, the Board no longer
approves them,however they continue to take place.
Council Member White suggested looking at the current legislation to see what enforcement
mechanism now exist and what follow through there has been. She then inquired about the
proposed time line.
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Ms. Nash stated that they would like something"before the weather gets nice again", and added
that she need feedback from the charitable organizations.
Council Member Kirsits stated that this is long overdue especially in light of road rage. He
stated that there are other avenues for such organizations. He also suggested that the Legal
Department see what other communities are doing and report back to the Council. He noted that
the"gold badge" solution for door to door solicitations works well.
Council Member Rouse suggested that the Legal Department have dialogue with traditional
organizations such as the Shriners, etc. to see how they raise monies.
In response to a question from Council Member White, Ms. Nash stated that the Legal
Department will write to organizations to see who relies on this process and to see how they
would be affected.
Council Member White stated that she looks forward to an update from Ms. Nash once she has
more information.
Council Member White noted that she is working with the Council Attorney on possible
revisions to the pit bull regulations. Contacts have been made to the County Council who have
been studying changes to their dangerous animal control regulations. She noted that this is a
challenging area.
Council Member White added that she anticipates calling a committee meeting on either
November 21st or November 30th to receive an update on the community response to diasters.
The Council Attorney added that she has been in contact with Jeanne Mahoney, Director of
Emergency Management for this presentation, and hopes to have input from Steve Garrison on
Anti-Terrorism Preparedness, with Mayor Luecke chairing the other Anti-Terrorism Joint
Committee for South Bend,Mishawaka and St. Joseph County.
Under miscellaneous business, Keith Sweitzer of the FOP # 36 noted that he and Rick
Ruzkowski are present to let the Council know that the FOP members are using squad cars for
official business only. this has resulted in a 10% reduction. They met with the Police Chief on
October 18th to give him this information.
Council Member White thanked the FOP members for implementing this program which is
reducing gasoline usage. The Mayor and Dr. Varner also voiced appreciation,. however Dr.
Varner noted that the Council needs to know"10%of what" and more specifics on the program.
There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member White
adjourned the Committee meeting at 5:13 p.m.
Resectfully sub fitted,
Council Member Karen L. White, Chairperson
Health and Public Safety Committee
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