HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-06-97 Personnel & Finance and Residential Neighborhoods Commitets *sport:
Joint Committee of the Personnel&Finance and Residential Neighborhoods Committees
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The October 6, 1997, meeting of the Residential Neighborhoods Committees was called to
order by its Chairperson, Council Member Andrew Ujdak at 4:00 P.M. in the Council
informal meeting room.
Persons in attendance included: Council Members Broden,Ujdak and Coleman, Varner;
John Byorni, Dr. George Plain,James Voll,Terry Bland, Ann-Carol Simons,Pat Paskett,
Margaret Arnold, Teria Chism and Kathleen Cekanski Farrand.
The meeting began with the introduction of all individuals present.
Council Member Ujdak noted that this is a continuation of information gathering which is
necessary in order to properly review the licensing and zoning recommendations in the
Adult Care area.
Council Member Broden noted that Bill No. 69-97 received a favorable recommendation
from the Area Plan Commission. He noted that if there were significant changes to the bill
that it would have to be sent back to the Commission for review and recommendation. It
was noted that code enforcement may be able to have some oversight duties for inspections
with having at least one individual trained in this area.
Dr. George Plain and Pat Paskett of the St.Joseph County Health Department then gave a
brief overview. They noted that Mishawaka has three Adult Care Homes in existence.
They noted that the county does not have Adult Care Homes and does not license them.
Pat Paskett noted that she contacts each of the facilities in Mishawaka once per year. She
noted that all residents have to be on the first floor and she checks the kitchen, menu,
routines and rules regarding relatives coming to visit. She also reviews food, access and
egress to the facility and call systems. She noted that two are located on Ironwood road
and have no signage. She noted that one of the homes has a family living in it and has a 24
hour care giver. Both Dr. Plain and Pat Paskett stated that there should be square footage
requirements and call systems in place in cases of emergency in restrooms.
In response to a question raised by Council Member Broden,it was noted that spot checks
are only done if a complaint is received.
In response to a question raised by Council Member Ujdak it was noted that safety bars are
typically installed in the restrooms. Procedures with regard to confining to bed and
whether LPN's or RN's are necessary should be properly discussed.
It was suggested by the Council Attorney that the County Health Department develop a
summary of areas which would be governed by that particular department for the next
meeting.
Council Member Broden requested an update on square footage requirements for such
homes. Council Member Ujdak suggested that screening and lighting also be discussed.
Council Member Broden noted that the overall purpose of the licensing provision was to
have quality and decent humane care for adults.
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Residential Neighborhoods
October 6, 1997
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Dr.Plain voiced concern over density and stressed the need to ensure visitation of relatives
with regard to procedures.
Council Member Coleman questioned insurance policies and standards which should be in
effect and also the policy and rights of individuals. It was noted that there is a National
Council on Aging which should be helpful in this area.
Council Member Ujdak and Council Member Varner voiced concern over owner-
occupancy.
Following further discussion,the meeting was adjourned at 5:05 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Council Member Andrew Ujdak
Chairperson,Residential Neighborhood Committee
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