HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003 Annual Report - Health & Public Safety ANNUAL REPORT—HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
The Common Council's Health and Public Safety Committee held 21 meetings during
2003. Major items considered included the anti-loitering ordinance, the ordinance
pertaining to crowds at large downtown eating and drinking establishments and planning
for our new police and fire facilities.
Council member Pfeifer and Council Attorney Cekanski-Farrand were the driving forces
behind the anti-loitering ordinance. The effort was made in response to neighborhood
complaints about large gatherings of youth that appeared threatening to many
neighborhood residents. With the ordinance now in place we are planning to meet with
police representatives in early 2004 to determine how it is working and whether changes
in its implementation might be necessary.
Council member Aranowski was the sponsor of the ordinance to control large crowds
which spill out from the downtown bars when they close in the early morning hours.
Many times fights would ensue requiring massive police response. This would take
officers from their normal assignments thus creating public safety problems in other areas
of the city. Again,we will be reviewing the implementation of this ordinance with
police officials and bar owners to make sure it is working properly.
Several meetings were held with representatives of DLZ and police and fire officials to
study plans and costs of the new Central Fire Station on South Michigan Street and the
refurbishing and addition to the new Central Police Station on Sample Street. The plans
were approved,the funding established and the work is underway.
Among committee considerations for 2004 are the planning and site selection for a new
Fire Station 9. It is currently located on Mishawaka Avenue and several sites are under
review. The new station would be located in the same general area. Also to be reviewed
is the mortgage subsidization program for police officers who purchase homes in high
crime areas. Possible expansion of this program will be considered.
Respectfully submitted,
Roland Kelly
Committee Chairman
Filed in Clerk's Office
DEC 0 8 2003
LORETTA J. DUDA
CITY CLERK,III.BEND,IN.