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The June 23, 2003 meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee was called to order by its
Chairperson, Council Member Roland Kelly at 3:37 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members Aranowski, Pfeifer, White, Coleman, Kelly,
Kuspa, Kirsits and King; St. Joseph County Prosecutor Michael Dvorak, Michael Gotch, Frank
Shaffer, Ken Cotter,Terry Bland of the South 3 ttb ZribUtte and Council Attorney Kathleen
Cekanski-Farrand.
Council Member Kelly noted that the only item on the agenda was to continue discussion of Bill
No. 23-03 which would establish public safety requirements for large eating/drinking
establishments in the downtown area. He called upon its sponsor, Council Member James
Aranowski to make a presentation.
Council Member Aranowski noted that this Bill was discussed in detail at the April 2nd Committee
meeting. Each of the four(4) downtown establishments were present, and each have been invited
to attend today's meeting. He noted that early this year, County Prosecutor Dvorak contacted him
and shared his concern of the number of police squad cars which were responding to calls in the
downtown area, especially during the closing times of the bars. Between 25-27 squad cars have
responded at one time which leaves the rest of the city unprotected. He noted that the Council
Attorney presented several documents at the last Committee meeting which detailed the legal
background information on this topic. Captain Wanda Shock from the South Bend Police
Department was also present and presented information on the need to start monthly meetings with
the establishment owners. Captain Shock has met twice with the owners since the last Committee
meeting. He further noted that the Indiana State Excise Officers were also present at the meeting
with the owners,and offer monthly educational meetings in South Bend at no charge.
Council Member Aranowski noted that the Council Attorney prepared a substitute bill (copy
attached). This bill focuses on establishing needed public safety requirements for establishments in
the downtown area which have an occupancy limit of 200 people or more. There would be
required verification of server intervention training and education programs with quarterly updates
being required; would require harm reduction strategies to be developed; would require trained
security personnel with a minimum of three (3) such personnel working from 10 pm until 30
minuets after closing with additional personnel required based on the size of the crowd, as well as
quarterly filings with the Board of Public Safety.
The Board of Public Safety would review all of the filings and then report tot eh Chiefs of Police
and Fire, the Director of Code Enforcement, the City Clerk and the Chairperson of the Council's
Health and Public Safety Committee, with the Committee meeting no later than November 15th of
each year to discuss calls for service and the development of broad-based community partnerships
to address public safety concerns. Public safety announcements, at the request of Council Member
Kirsits have been included with options for the owners.
Council Members Kelly and Kuspa both voiced concern over the problems occurring at closing
time.
St. Joseph County Prosecutor Michael Dvorak noted that he brought three (3) of his staff members
with him in support of the proposed substitute bill. He notect that many of his staff have ridden
with members of the South Bend Police Department and they have seen first hand the need for
Health and Public Safety Committee
June 23, 2003
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such public safety regulations. He finds the officers to be congenial in very serious situations
involving traffic and pedestrian safety. In light of the number of officers responding to current
f downtown problems, he is very concerned that the rest of the city is left unprotected. Such
situations would be ideal for a smart burglar. He noted that continued discussions are needed to
address the extension of the businesses, but believes that the proposed bill is not only needed but a
step in the right direction. Mr. Dvorak noted that he is uncertain if he will be able to be present at
the 7 p.m. meeting however,would like to be on record in support of this ordinance.
Deputy Prosecutor Mike Cotter noted that all of the members of the St. Joseph County
Prosecutor's Office present have read the initial version of the bill and the substitute bill, and
support it. They believe it would create reasonable public safety regulations which are needed.
Following discussion, Council Member Kirsits made a motion, seconded by Council Member
Pfeifer that Substitute Bill No. 23-03 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed.
There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member Kelly adjourned
the Committee meeting at 3:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Council Member Roland Kelly, Chairperson
Health and Public Safety Committee
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