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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-26-98 Health & Public Safety and Residential Neighborhoods aCommttttt Zeport: Health and Public Safety Committee and Residential Neighborhoods Committee 1E0 ttjt common QCoutttfl of the eftg of *outb tub: The January 26, 1998 meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee and Residential Neighborhoods Committee was called to order at 4:25 p.m. by Council Member Andrew Ujdak,Chairperson of the Residential Neighborhoods Committee. Persons in attendance included Council Members Aranowski, Pfeifer, Kelly, Broden, Varner, Ujdak, Coleman, Hosinski, Sniadecki; Mayor Luecke, Richard Nussbaum, Ann- Carol Simons, Jack Reed, John Oxian, Terry Bland, Jon Hunt, Brother Sage, Jim Cierzniak,and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council Member Ujdak noted that the purpose of the meeting is to review Substitute Bill No. 5-98 which would amend the South Bend Municipal Code by the inclusion of new section 2-59 entitled"The South Bend Commission on African American Males." Council Member Pfeifer,the sponsor of the bill, made the presentation. She noted that for the past six months, many individuals have been involved in providing information and statistical background information for the preparation of this bill. She noted that in 1995,the state of Indiana completed an extensive survey, which showed that the usage and ownership of handguns is on the increase. She also noted that the black population in the state is approximately 12-15% and in the city of South Bend, it is approximately 22-25%. Council Member Pfeifer noted that in 1996, approximately 90% of the shootings in the city of South Bend were done by black males, with the victim also being black males. She noted that Mr. Darren L. Washington, the Executive Director of the Indiana Commission on Social Status on black males has been very instrumental in providing information to her. Brochures have been provided to the entire Council setting forth the detailed information. She noted that the cities of Indianapolis, Evansville, Fort Wayne, Muncie, Gary and Lake County, have established local Commissions. She noted that the City of South Bend's is patterned after the city of Indianapolis'. It is very action orientated,it is all inclusive by having a membership of 25 members,would have working subcommittees,would require an annual report to made to the City Council as well as to the Mayor and addresses the basic fact that if a segment of our residents in community are not doing well,that this does effect the overall well being of our entire community. The Council Attorney also noted that other purposes of the bill would be that by the establishment of a local Commission,that it could then network with other commissions in the state of Indiana, State Commissions as well as the Federal Commission, as far as resource information,utilization of individuals, and potential for grant monies. Council Member Varner questioned whether a Sunset provision could be incorporated into the proposed bill. The Council Attorney noted that the original legislation at the State level included a Sunset provision. Such a provision could be incorporated into the local Ordinance at any time. Brother Sage, Director of Programs of Human Relations for the Urban League, spoke in favor of the bill. He noted that a Commission was established in the State of Ohio in 1985 which he was very instrumental in its operation. He stated that he believes that many positive items can result from such a Commission and looks forward to working with it. Health and Public Safety Committee Residential Neighborhoods Committee January 26, 1998 Page 2 He also noted that on February 6, 1998 there will be a presentation at Indiana University at South Bend by Darren L. Washington,the Executive Director of the Indiana Commission on the Social Status of Black Males. Mr.James Cierzniak spoke in opposition to the proposed Ordinance. He noted that he sees the proposed bill as "Feel goodism." He stated that he believes that it is the demeaning to blacks. He also voiced concern that of the 25 members that he did not see any members of the South Bend Police Department or church leadership. He also questioned the costs involved for such a Commission. Council Member Pfeifer noted that Police Officer presence has been a concern and has been discussed on several occasions. It is anticipated that either or both the Common Council and the Mayor will make an appointment of a member of the Police Department to the Commission. Mr. Jack Reed, the Mayor's Administrative Assistant, noted that it was discussed that Lyn Coleman, who works both in the Mayor's office and the Police Department,may be a possible candidate for membership. The Council Attorney noted that the only costs involved would be the publication and printing of the report each year for members of the Common Council,the Mayor, as well as the Commission membership with copies being made available for a fee to the public. Council Member Kelly spoke in favor of the proposed bill. He noted that there are several problems which he thinks could be addressed in a positive way through the establishment of such a Commission. Following further discussion, Council Member Kelly made a motion, seconded by Council Member Hosinski that Substitute Bill No. 5-98 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Under miscellaneous business,Mr.Hunt was called upon to give an update on the potential impact of Wall-Mart coming to the community and infield projects for the west side in particular the K-Mart on Western,Krogers and the vacant Target building. Mr.Hunt noted that $15,000 of pre-development funds and $5,000 of tiff monies are earmarked for development concerns. He stated that this money would be leveraged for matching funds form the state of Indiana. Market analysis will take place for Lincoln Way West,Western Avenue, as well as LaSalle Square. He also noted that the Lincoln Way West revitalization alliance has been formed and that upcoming meetings will be taking place with notice to the Common Council Members. Council Member Pfeifer suggested that the studies look at the LaSalle Square and attempts to make it safer, more attractive and addressing traffic patterns with the possibility of being one-way. Council Member Ujdak questioned whether any of the businesses have been contacted. Mr.Hunt noted that it has been over a year since any direct contact was made, but was willing to begin having discussions in this area. Council Member Ujdak also noted that last Tuesday, a meeting of the Residential Neighborhoods Committee took place on the Adult Care Licensing proposed Ordinance. He noted that an official from the visiting Nurse Association and Madison Center were present. He noted that it was concluded by individuals present that the best approach Health and Public Safety Committee Residential Neighborhoods Committee January 26, 1998 Page 3 would be to have state legislation pursued by our state Senators and Representatives during the calendar year. There being no further business to come before the Committee,the meeting was adjourned at 4:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Charlotte Pfeifer Chairperson,Health and Public Safety Committee Council Member Andrew Ujdak Chairperson,Residential Neighborhoods Committee attachment