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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-28-04 Health & Public Safety HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE The June 28,2004 meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee was called to order by its Chairperson,Council Member Ann Puzzello,at 4:30 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Dieter,Pfeifer,Kelly,Puzzello, Varner, Kuspa,White and Coleman; City Clerk John Voorde,Mayor Stephen Luecke,Park Superintendent Phil St. Clair,Department of Community&Economic Development Executive Director Sharon Kendall, Bill Schalliol,members of the East Bank Business Association: Ron Radecki,John M. Stratigos,and Karen Murphy Schefineyer; Terry Bland of the cSoe i Bznd J jtwzi,and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand,Council Attorney. Council Member Puzzello noted that she had been contacted by members of the East Bank Business Association with regard to their concerns related to the Summer in the City Festival held in the 4th Councilmanic District which she represents. Ron Radecki of 123 South St. Peter Street noted that he and his family has lived in the city for thirty(30)years and their family business has been located in the city for forty(40)years. He noted that members of the East Bank Business Association began meeting last September with Mayor Luecke with regard to concerns addressing security. He noted that this year the event was held on one(1)day and had a"massive security force". He suggested that specific written guidelines should be in place for such events which address among other things neighborhood security. He noted that instead of paying for large security forces that he would rather have the city pay for 24-hour bike patrols so that people will feel secure. John M. Stratigos,the owner of Barnaby's noted that their family business has been in South Bend for the past eighty(80)years, with forty-three(43)of those years being in downtown South Bend. They have been at their current location in South Bend on Jefferson Boulevard since 1969. He stated that the East members are seeking solutions so that we can all live,work and play in South Bend. Last year's Summer in the City was a carnival and many adjustments were made for this year's event. This year the one-day event was generally positive,however the streets were blocked off for over an hour when no one could come to his establishment to pick-up pizzas which they had ordered. He noted that he wants South Bend to be a great place, however he voiced concern over Belmont Beverages located across the street who is leaving,and the upcoming move of St. Joseph Medical Center. Mr. Stratigos stated that they want to work together with the city so that there will be"win-win solutions",noting that DTSB needs to work on both the east and west side of the St. Joseph River. Council Member Puzzello noted that if the Council is invited to the association's meeting the Council Members would come. Karen Murphy Schefineyer a member with her husband of the East Bank Business Association noted that there primary concern is public safety. There was a meeting a week ago and they decided that the standard should be"zero tolerance"for crime in the neighborhood. The neighbors were concerned about vagrants,drinking,panhandling,lewd behavior, and homelessness. In 1998 she noted that there were people having sex in Howard Park. HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE In response to a question from Council Member Pfeifer,Ms. Schefineyer stated that she is concerned about the homeless life style and the effects of having the Center for the Homeless and Hope Rescue in the downtown when other cities do not locate them in the central city. Ms. Schefineyer urged the city to institute 24-hour bike patrols,noting that the hours currently are 9:45 to 1:45 and 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. She also suggested that the city festival should utilize the horse posse. Ron Radecki suggested that there should be two(2)police officers assigned to the east side of the St. Joseph River. He noted that they will be meeting with South Bend Police Captain Wanda Shock on July 14th to discuss their concerns. It was noted that Summer in the City moved to the east side of the St. Joseph River in 1998. In 1998,the Zion.Church of Christ had security problems and was force to hire their own security detail. Park View Atrium also was required to hire their own security detail. The many problems associated with the 2003 Summer in the City gave a"black eye to the entire neighborhood". Concerns regarding the use of restrooms and the conditions in which they were left; loss of revenue for established businesses,vandalism; etc were raised. Ms. Schefineyer stated that the city spends too much money on the event and would prefer a summer filled with 24-hour bike patrols. She then showed a razor and a soiled T-shirt left behind on one of the properties after this year's event. Mayor Luecke stated that he appreciates the investments made by the residents and business owners in the neighborhood. He noted that he believes that they had good,productive discussion and believes that this year's event was positive. The City will be reviewing the costs incurred for this year's event, and welcomed input from all, stressing that he would like to have a positive event for all. The Council Attorney requested that the report also address the number of people in attendance since the City Clerk's Office received calls noting that the large event animal ordinance could not be enforced since the numbers in the ordinance for attendance were not met. The Mayor noted that the City could have been challenged since he believes that the attendance threshold was not met this year,and that that topic would be addressed_ Park Superintendent Phil St. Clair noted that the surveys are currently being tabulated and that that information would also be shared. He believes that those in attendance felt safe,with that specific question being part of the questionnaire. In response to a question from Dr. Varner,Mr. St. Clair stated that he would look at the crowd every three(3)hours and would make an estimate. He would also compare his numbers to that of the police department. Council Member Coleman noted that he sat in on a meeting before this year's festival and that clear steps were taken to respond to the problems of last year. He suggested that as Chairperson June 28,2004 Page 2 HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE of the Council's PARC Committee that he would like to have his Committee included in future discussions. Council Member Puzzello noted that the event took place in her Councilmanic District. As a grandmother who took her grandchildren to it,she thought this year the event was great. Mr. St. Clair commended Teresa from his department for going that extra mile for this year's event. He noted that he sees Summer in the City as a great investment and a great opportunity; however he noted that people can always fmd fault. He stated that he does not believe that his department can do more, and thanked Teresa and the police department for making it work. He noted that there were no arrests made this year. Mr. Radecki credited Mayor Luecke for the success this year since he was willing to meet with the members of the East Bank Business Association last Fall. He stressed that every one needs to be pro-active. He noted that he believes that a professional risk assessment should have been done in 1998. Mr. St. Clair took issue with Mr.Radecki's suggestion. Mayor Luecke thanked the Park Department staff for creating a positive experience. Council Member Pfeifer noted that there are reasons that we have homeless centers. Council Member Puzzello noted that the Committee has been able to hear today about some of the problems and some of the proposed answers. She suggested that further discussion take place, since the committee meeting has gone much longer today then anticipated. She then adjourned the meeting at 4:57 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Ann Puzzello,Chairperson Health and Public Safety Committee KCF:kmf June 28,2004 Page 3