HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-28-88 Public Safety Oluttnnititt Squirt
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PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
tIIn tile Column Mounr&l of tip QCtg of South pnh:
The March 28, 1988 meeting of the Public Safety Committee
was called to order by its Chairman Councilman William
Soderberg at 4:40 p.m. in the Council informal meeting room.
Persons in attendance included Councilmen: Voorde,
Niezgodski, Puzzello, Luecke, Zakrzewski, Coleman, Duda, and
Soderberg, Warren Bauer, Ann Kolata, Members of the news
media, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand.
Councilman Soderberg noted that the individuals who serve on
the Public Safety Committee include Councilman Niezgodski,
as Vice-Chairman, Councilman Duda, Councilman Puzzello, and
himself as Chairman. He then introduced Mr. Warran Bauer
who will serve as a citizen member. He noted that U.S.
Marshall Jerome Perkins will be the second citizen member.
Mr. Perkins was unable to attend today's meeting due to
recent surgery.
Councilman Soderberg then noted that the main item on the
agenda was to review Bill No. 16-88 which would amend
Section 6-6.5 of the South Bend Municipal Code which
addressed restricted fire limits.
Ann Kolata then reviewed Bill No. 16-88. She indicated that
the Bill would incorporate a third exception for the type of
structure that could be built within the restricted fire
limits. She noted that the exception would be used for the
new parking garage which is to be built within the downtown
area. Since sprinkling would not be useful in such a
structure and since enclosing the structure would be almost
cost-prohibitive, the new exception was being requested.
Councilman Soderberg noted that he had spoken with Fire
Chief Taylor and with Fire prevention Chief 'Prawat, and that
they were both in agreement on the proposed amendment.
The Council Attorney also noted that the amendement is
consistent with the building code and with the State law.
Councilman Luecke questioned whether emergency vehicles
could physically get into such parking garage structures.
Mrs. Kolata stated that she was uncertain and that she would
check on this matter as well as how close the structure
would be to the old Penney's building.
Following further discussion Councilman Puzzello made a
motion seconded by Councilman Niezgodski that Bill No. 16-88
be recommended favorably. The motion passed.
AmmimmimmEmmEMME
Councilman Soderberg then noted that there is an increasing
problem with skateboards and in his opinion they were
becoming a public nuisance by individuals who insist on
using them on public property such as streets and sidewalks.
He noted that he had requested the Council Attorney to begin
research on this matter and to propose possible regulations.
Councilman Duda suggested that perhaps there could be a
dedicated area somewhere within the City. It was also noted
that Code Enforcement had been utilized with problems of
skateboarders in the City parking garages.
Mr. Bauer noted that when he was recently at the One
Michiana Square Building that he witnessed twelve or more
skateboarders who were impeeding pedestrian traffic. He
suggested that perhaps the managers of the building could be
contacted about trying to curtail such activity.
Councilman Niezgodski stated that he would personally
contact the beat patrol officers who work in the downtown
about trying to curb such activities.
Councilman Coleman noted that the City should take the
responsibility to safe-guard all individuals and that
alternatives for such type of recreational activities should
be pursued.
Councilman Voorde noted that approximately three weeks ago
he had a meeting with the Mayor and briefly discussed this
topic. It was his understanding that the Mayor would be
forming a Youth Advisory Council. Councilman Coleman noted
that he had been contacted with regard to the formation of
such a council.
Councilman Niezgodski noted that the ice rink area at Howard
Park in being considered as a possible area to be considered
for skateboarding.
Councilman Duda suggested that the business community and
the sports industry should cooperate in addressing this new
type of activity.
The Council Attorney noted that possible legislation in this
area would be coordinated with the Park and Recreation
Committee of the Council as well as the City Administration.
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Following further discussion Councilman Niezgodski made a
motion seconded by Councilman Puzzello that the meeting be
adjourned. The motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at
5:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Councilman William Soderberg, Chairman
Public Safety Committee
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