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Home My WebLink About02-15-88 Parks & Recreation O nnuntttee &part PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE Ma tit Mom= &uactl of the Grog of Bauth end The February 15, 1988 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Committee was called to order by its Chairman Councilman Sean Coleman at 5: 05 p.m. in the Council informal meeting . .. ._..-..- room. -- • Persons in attendance included Councilmen: Luecke Soderberg, Puzzello, Slavinskas, Zakrzewski, Coleman, Duda, and Voorde; James Wensits, Charles Hurley, South Bend Police Chief, Larry Bennett, South Bend Police Department, Joe Radecki, Park Police, Jay Dean, Recreation Department, Mike Gamble, of the I.W.R.L. , Mike Wallace, of 62430 Locust, Dan Leatherman, of 30120 U.S. 20 West, Elkhart, and a member of GLEAM, Charles VanParis, of 1718 South Carlisle, representing Rum Village, Captain Bob Riddle, Commander of the South Sector of the South Bend Police Department, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Councilman Coleman introduced members of his committee namely: Councilman Bill Soderberg as Vice Chairman, Councilman Tom Zakrzewski as a member, and Councilman Don Niezgodski who is absent due to illness, and himself as Chairman. He noted that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss problems at Rum Village Park which were brought to his attention by Councilman Tom Zakrzewski, the Sixth (6th) District Councilman. It was also noted that the Director of f the Wildlife Center and Nature Center had brought many problems to the Councilman's attention. Mr. Mike Gamble, Director of the Wildlife Center noted that his staff is volunteer in nature and that the problems must be resolved so that there is not a problem in recruiting additional volunteers. Mr. Jay Dean, Director of the Nature Center then summarized some of the problems. He noted that he had been working at the center for approximately five and one- half years. Over this period of time the problems were getting worse. He noted that because a considerable amount of children use the facilities that the problems must be addressed. He noted that the trails throughout the park have pornographic items left and that each day the trails must be. checked before the children can use them. A summary of the problems affecting Rum Village Park dated February 10, 1988 was then distributed to the Committee (copy attached) . Some of the recommendations to help curb some of the problems in the park included installation of gates at park entrances, installation of two foot or three posts along Gertrude and Ewing Streets, additional police presence in the park and additional police radar units in the park. •••. ....* -ors. ►u.l t•wu.e co Mr. Charles VanParis of the Rum Village Neighborhood Group stated that he believed that the police have been doing a good job and that hopefully by working together we could curb the problems brought to the attention of the Common Council. Chief Hurley of the South Bend Police Department then introduced Captain Bob Riddle, Commander of the South Sector and Larry Bennett of the South Bend Police Department. He noted that the area in question is difficult to police. All calls that are relayed to the Police Department are responded to. Chief Hurley noted that if there is suspicious activity going on, that the department should be called immediately and that the park officials should attempt to get a description of the vehicle and plate number to assist the Police Department. He also noted that indecent or lude conduct must be seen the officer for action to be taken. Captain Bob Riddle stated that much of the problem is because the activity often times is between consenting adults. Marked cars are used throughout the park but does not stop such action. Councilman Coleman then asked the Council Attorney to briefly review some of the law in this area. She distributed copies of Indiana Code Section 35-45-1-3 which addressed disorderly conduct and also copies of I.C. 36-2- 13-5 and I.C. 36-8-10-9 that set forth the powers and duties with regard to arrest procedures and suppression of breaches of the peace. She indicated that many of the items addressed in the February 10, 1988 letter to the Council are regulated by local ordinance and that others are addressed by State law. There are several issues raised which involve the constitutional issues and that follow up discussions between the Legal Department, the Prosecutor's Office and the Council would be in order. Chief Radecki of the Park Police then gave an overview. He noted that he is the only full time park policeman. That in light of the Garcia ruling, the City is required to pay time and a half for police officers who would then do extra duties in the Park Department. Currently there are seven (7) part-time park police with three assigned to Potawatomi Zoo. Currently they are working sixteen hour shifts since several animals were killed at the zoo costing the City $11, 000. 00. He noted that there are 67 parks throughout the City, three golf courses, three recreational centers, and 7 miles of river in addition to the race way. He noted that there are only two units available to enforce laws throughout the 67 parks. He also noted that there is an 2 ongoing dispute with regard to the citation procedure as to whether it, in fact, is a form of arrest. He noted that the Legal Department and the County Prosecutor's Office has been meeting on this issue and it will be resolved in the very near future. He also noted that the officers must catch someone in the act of a violation before a citation can be issued. Councilman Soderberg then questioned whether there was sufficient posting of regulations throughout the parks. It was noted that at the entrance there is posting done at Rum Village, however, there could always be better visibility. Councilman Coleman noted that all of the problems today would be thoroughly looked into and that individuals should not construe the Council's action as negatively impacting a particular ethnic group or other association of individuals. Councilman Zakrzewski questioned whether plain clothed policemen were used in the park. Chief Hurley noted that this has been done and will continue to be done in the future. In response to a question from Councilman Puzzello Captain Riddle noted that many of the problems are being caused by "closet type individuals" who probably do not frequent gay bars, etc. Councilman Duda was concerned with regard to the problems and indicated that her own children were approached at one point in time. Councilman Zakrzewski stated that he had talked briefly with James Seitz, Superintendant of Parks and that at that time he did not see gates and that he also saw a need for more enforcement. James Caldwell, the Administrative Assistant to the Mayor stated that he would discuss the issues raised with the Mayor. Mr. Dan Leatherman of GLEAM, an' organized gay-lesbian group in the Michiana area, stated that they do not condone what is currently going on in the Rum Village Park system. He noted that the National Gay Guides sets forth specific cruising areas, bars, etc. , throughout the United States. He also states that his group has literature and counseling available. Mr. Leatherman also took exception to some of the terminology used in the February 10, 1988 letter. Councilman Slavinskas then questioned whether there would potential for liability in light of the fact that these issues have been brought to the City's attention. The Council Attorney noted that there is also potential for 3 liability, however, the fact that the City was taking reasonable action to mitigate problems brought to their attention would be the proper course of action to take. Councilman Slavinskas also noted that in the City of Chicago parking lights are required to be kept on when parking in the Chicago park system. Councilman Coleman stated that he would like the opportunity to meet with the County Prosecutor, the City Attorney, Mr. Caldwell, and the Chief of Police to address the immediate problems brought to the committee's attention. He also stated that he would look into the costs to have increased park personnel and possible funding and would investigate a dedicated fund. He noted that several constitutional issues were raised and should be investigated also. Lastly, he noted that he would be in contact with Mr. Seitz and would request cost projections with regard to installation of gates and installation of posts in the Rum Village Park area. Councilman Coleman noted that all of the issues raised would be properly reviewed and that appropriate action would be taken so that all of the 67 parks throughout the City could be upgraded and continue to serve all of the residents of our community. He thanked all individuals for coming to the Committee and stated that there would be a follow up meeting once he had met with the City Attorney and the County Prosecutor. Councilman Soderberg then made a motion seconded by Councilman Zakrzewski that the meeting be adjourned. The meeting was adjourned at 6:10 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Councilman Sean Coleman, Chairman ks and Recreation Committee C:s Attachment 4