HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-27-04 Health & Public Safety —Health anC Public Safety Committee
Committee Report
The September 27, 2004 meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee was called
to order by its Chairperson,Council Member Ann Puzzello at 4:31 p.m.
Persons in attendance included Council Members: White,Kelly,Puzzello, Kelly, Varner,
Dieter, and Kuspa; Citizen Member Isabel Gonzalez, Community & Economic Development
Executive Director Sharon Kendall, City Controller Frederick B. 011ett III,Police Chief Thomas
Fautz, Lt. Richard Powers, Jack Dillon, City Clerk City Clerk John Voorde, City Attorney
Charles S.Leone,Marco Marian and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand,Council Attorney.
Council Member Puzzello noted that the Council has received a letter from Assistant Fire
Chief James Lopez to continue indefinitely Bill No. 04-102 which deals with National Incident
Management System(NIMS)in light of recent information received from Homeland Security.
Council Member Puzzello then called for a presentation on Bill No. 04-114 which is a
resolution adopting the Neighborhood Restoration Plan for the weed and seed program (copy
attached).
Marco Marian of the Division of Community Development made the presentation. He
state that the Neighborhood Restoration Plan for the Weed & Seed Program is bounded by
Norfok Southern Railroad on the north, Sample Street on the south, Arnold Street on the east,
and Sheridan Street on the west. A Strategic Action Plan has been commissioned for three (3)
neighborhoods, namely St. Casimir, Westside and LaSalle Park. The proposed resolution would
approve the land use policy plan for the future land use development in these areas. $10 million
over ten (10) years are involved; with $100,000 earlier approved this year to jump start the
program. He noted that this is the 2nd time the Council has approved a plan for revitalizing
neighborhoods in this area with the first one being in Keller Park.
Council President White inquired whether the program would address problems
associated with graffiti. Mr. Marian stated that there would be a"little bit"in this area,but that
Lt. Powers could address this in greater detail as part of the Community Policing policies
Mr. Marian clarified the amount listed on page 51 of the multi-page handout dated June
2004(copy attached),noting that$475,000 is not being received each year.
Council Member Dieter inquired whether there are any other youth programs besides the
tennis and soccer ones. Lt. Powers stated that they have a program which deals with peer
pressure in the high schools,and that there is a billboard on Olive Street with Captain Boykins.
Council Member Kuspa inquired how long the program would last, and was advised that
they are in the 3rd year of a 5-year program.
Dr. Varner inquired about rental housing addressed on page 52 of the handout, and it was
noted that they work on problems and are supportive to the persons involved.
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Council Member Dieter then made a motion, seconded by Citizen Member Isabel
Gonzalez that Bill No. 04-114 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed.
Council Member Puzzello then called for an update on the Volunteers in Policing
program also known as VIPS. Chief Fautz and Lt. Powers welcomed the opportunity to present
information to the Council. They noted that there were VIPS present, including Juanita
Dempsey, Viola Sims, Barbara Leavell and Cindy Davis. Lt. Powers and VIP members then
passed out several documents which included a 9-page handout entitled "SBPD volunteers In
E.olice Services", 3-page Inter-Office Memo dated September 27, 2004, 2-page handout entitled
"VIPS Assignment Sheets for Weeks September 27, 2004-October 8, 2004", 1-page Safety Belt
Usage Survey Form, 3-page "An Invitation to Join Our South Bend Police `Volunteers in
Policing' Corps", and a 2-page Value of Volunteer Time handout(copies attached).
Juanita Dempsey then gave copies of a VIPS brochure which was developed in 2002
(copy attached). She noted that she is the co-chair of VIPS which "consists of average citizens
who give their time to assist officers when required, and also relieve officers from time
consuming duties, such as traffic control". VIPS must be 18 years of age, have a valid driver's
license, submit to a background check,must be willing to be trained and to give at least eight(8)
hours per month to volunteer activities.
Lt. Powers noted that since April of 2003,three(3)VIPS classes have graduated. A total
of 68 persons have been trained. Seven (7) former police vehicles have been turned into VIPS
vehicles. VIPS are used for traffic detail and 60 special events. In response to a question from
Council Member Puzzello, Lt. Powers stated that 1,885 volunteer training hours have been
given,and that they meet once per month in meetings.
Chief Fautz stated that grant monies are used for VIPS ID's, hats,jackets, raincoats, etc.,
and that 7,065.75 hours have been donated in training and service since the program began.
VIPS frees up the police officers and provides an"extra set of eyes and ears".
Lt. Powers noted that the VIPS assignment sheets are updated every two (2) weeks. A
series of photographs of VIPS on assignment were then circulated. He noted that they need to
address radio communications when outside of their cars.
Council Member Kelly stated it is a great program and he thanked the VIPS persons who
were present.
There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member
Puzzello adjourned the meeting at 5:02 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Council Member Ann Puzzello,Chairperson
Health and Public Safety Committee
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KCF:kmf Attachments
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