HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-19-91 Residential Neighborhoods ftnmmtttrr load
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•' RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS COMMITTEE
XI' tie Gammon Q ounrtl of Or altig of Onutli /kith:
•
The February 19, 1991 meeting of the Residential
Neighborhoods Committee was called to order by its Vice-
Chairperson, Council Member Eugene Ladewski at 4: 05 p.m. in
the Council Informal Meeting Room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members Zakrzewksi,
Puzzello, Niezgodski, Ladewski, Slavinskas, Luecke, and
Coleman; Police Chief Ron Marciniak, Don Porter, members of
the news media, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand.
Council Member Ladewski noted that he was chairing the
meeting in light of the fact that Council Member Duda was in
Indianapolis on business.
Council Member Ladewski noted that the purpose of the
meeting was to review and have discussion on proposed anti-
graffiti legislation.
Council Member Slavinskas noted that he had filed a Bill
last year addressing this topic. He stated that he was
attempting to find a solution to a problem which is
considered a basic nuisance. He noted that it is not a top
priority and is not the most serious offense, but is a
continuing problem within our community. He noted that his
Bill would have called for fines to be paid through the
Ordinance Violation Bureau with a percentage of the funds to
be diverted to the Crime Stoppers Program. He stated that
Crime Stoppers unfortunately cannot accept monies for
specific crimes, and therefore this alternative was not
feasible. He also noted that enforcement was also a problem
area.
He noted that many of the new bypasses in the southern end
of the City are new targets of vandalism and graffiti.
Since introducing his Bill, he has been in contact with
Hills Communications Inc. , which is a lobbyist for the spray
paint industry. They have prepared a 14 minute video,
entitled "Beating Graffiti - A Community Success Story",
which was then shown to the Committee.
The video focused on San Jose, California. It emphasized
that graffiti is a result of disrespect for property and the
law. The program focused on strong law enforcement, a
graffiti task force which photographed graffiti to associate
it to a specific suspect, citizen reports, and aggressive
law enforcment. It was noted that multiple counts of
vandalism are then brought through juvenile hall. Offenders
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Residential Neighborhoods Committee
February 19, 1991
upon conviction are typically placed on probation for a
specific period of time and then sentenced to public service
work of 25 to 100 hours. The video showed the use of high
pressure equipment used in non-painted areas to remove
graffiti and emphasized the cooperation with private
industry for donations of paint and materials.
Following the presentation of the video, Council Member
Slavinskas noted that it was a combined effort of
cooperation at all levels that has led to the success in San
Jose, California. He also noted that education was one of
the keys to prevention. He stressed the need for cooperative
efforts with the School Board, the Street Department, the
Park Department, and the judicial system.
Council Member Niezgodski stated that he would like members
of Parkview and the Probate Court to view the video. He
stated that much of the graffiti is gang related, and in the
Second District the vast majority of graffiti is on private
property. He also noted that the School Corporation and the
Park Department utilize high pressure equipment to remove
graffiti currently. He also stressed the need for the
cooperation of the court system.
Council Member Coleman noted that St. Joseph County had
investigated the costs involved several years ago. He also
noted that much of the graffiti in some instances may be
considered obscene in nature or anti-social, while other may
in fact be gang related.
Chief Ron Marciniak confirmed that much of the graffiti in
the past and presently is gang related, and some has also
been seen as cult or devil worship in nature. These comments
were made in response to a question raised by Council Member
Ladewski.
Council Member Zakrzewski questioned how long the program
has been in effect in San Jose, and also questioned the cost
of such a program. Council Member Slavinskas stated that he
would follow up on such questions.
Council Member Puzzello noted that schools perhaps through
their government classes could become involved emphasizing
pride in their community.
Council Member Slavinskas stated that this was the first
step and that perhaps a task force with input from the
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Residential Neighborhoods Committee
February 19, 1991
private sector would be appropriate. Council President
Niezgodski stated that neighborhood group involvement should
also be factored into the process.
Council Member Ladewski suggested that another meeting be
held, perhaps in the next 30 days for follow up information.
Following further discussion, the meeting was adjourned at
4 :45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
•
Council Member Eugene Ladewski, Vice-Chairperson
Residential Neighborhoods Committee