Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-22-99 Health & Public Safety and Residential Neighborhoods tOminttt*t UllOr t: Joint Meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee and Residential Neighborhoods Committee to tit lammott Qtout ii of the tti of 'outb u . The January 22, 1999 joint meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee and the Residential Neighborhoods Committee was called to order by Residential Neighborhoods Committee Chairperson, Council Member Karl King at 4:05 p.m. in the Council informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included Council Members: Pfeifer,Kelly, and King; Lewis Powell, Carl Littrell, Chief Gunn, Pat Shelton of the SBSC Corporation and Kathleen Cekanski- Farrand. Council Member King noted that Council Member Ujdak, Chairperson of the Health and Public Safety Committee is unable to attend today's meeting. The meeting was then turned over to Council Member Pfeifer. Council Member Pfeifer noted that William Hojnacki of IUSB would be joining the joint Committee meeting. Carl Littrell noted that he has made two (2) presentations on traffic calming since the last joint Committee meeting. Traffic calming and round-abouts were discussed for 28th and Pleasant and the Park Avenue area. He also will be making a presentation to the South Bend Community School Corporation and will utilize videos. Council Member King noted that he and Carl spoke with the Walnut Grove Association in light of their concerns regarding 27th Street. Several safety concerns were addressed including the possibility of using a speed hump at Tamarack and Colfax and narrowing various streets. It was noted that the Arlington County material presented at the last joint Committee meeting were very informative. Council Member Pfeifer noted that Council Member Ujdak stated at the last joint meeting of his intent to contact Golden Dome Productions regarding PSA's. It was suggested that Dennis Whitacker of the Neighborhood Safety Committee be contacted so that information gathering can continue on traffic calming devices and the sharing of this information in a COP forum. Chief Gunn noted that residents are very concerned about traffic enforcement. Carl Littrell stated that he did not believe that flashing lights on Sample would slow speed since many are ignored when placed by schools. The Committee members then welcomed William Hojnacki who informed the Committee that SPEA has agreed to jointly sponsor the proposed Loitering Conference with the City. The Council Attorney then summarized her memorandum (copy attached) which addresses two (2) recent developments in the loitering area which are trying to delicately balance "quality of life issue"with"constitutional protections". She noted that the City of Chicago argued their case before the United States Supreme Court on December 9, 1998 (Chicago v. Morales) which involves their"anti-gang ordinance". On January 19, 1999, the City of Philadelphia's new ordinance addressing panhandling and sleeping on sidewalks took effect. It requires their police department to work closely with outreach teams of mental health or drug treatment counselors as part of their enforcement procedures. Council Member Pfeifer stated that residents in her district are continuing to voice their concerns about individuals who are"ruining their lives". Chief Gunn stated that he believes that it is unfair for the police officers to make quality of life decisions. He voiced concern about enforcement breaking down around racial lines and believes that families, schools and churches should be taking on stronger roles. He noted that for many gangs, going to jail or prison is a "badge of honor". He further noted that at a LaCasa meeting this weeks that the residents want the police to take back the streets yet are concerned about unfair treatment by police officers resulting in a Catch 22. William Hojnacki noted equal protection concerns. When he was on the Anti-Drug Coalition 4-5 years ago all school systems noted that there is a drug problem but none acknowledged that their system had one. Chief Gunn noted that the drug problem is multi-faceted and involves persons from the age of 14 years old to middle-agers. He stressed that it is run like a business. Crack cocaine use is on the decline but heroin use is rising. He noted that the University of Notre Dame had a conference similar to the one being proposed back in 1989 which he believed was helpful. Council Member Kelly raised the topic of legalizing drugs. Council Member Pfeifer then raised the issue of decriminalizing drugs. William Hojnacki noted that in Singapore death is the penalty for drug use whereas in Amsterdam it is accepted. Council Member Pfeifer noted that the problems will keep growing. The Council Attorney suggested that the conference include discussions on loitering as it relates to drug activities;the homeless;and the mentally ill. She suggested the assistance of the African-American Commission on Black Males. Council Member King stressed the need to hear "success stories" in these areas. Mr. Hojnacki stressed the need for a multi-faceted audience and speakers. Carl Littrell hoped that the conference could address the topic of seeing loiterers not as a threat; and Lew Powell saw the need for family and faith ministries noting that Penn State recently passed loitering laws. Pat Shelton of the SBCS Corporation raised under unfinished business the growing problem of the school busses being singled out by the Code Enforcement officers for tickets. He stated that busses are prohibited from being parked in driveways. When parked on residential streets they are parked for no more than an hour and no more than a total of two(2) hours per day. Three(3) drivers were issued $ 50.00 tickets. 60% of the drivers take their busses home after their am routes. Fuel costs along would be extremely high if all drivers are forced to return to the garages. He asked for assistance from the Committee. Council Member King volunteered to follow-up on this issue. The Council Attorney noted that Labor/Management meetings will begin soon involving the police contract and asked for approval of her continuing to attend such meetings. All Council Members present gave their approval. She Doted that Council Member Ujdak had given his permission earlier in the week. It was agreed that the next joint meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee and the Residential Neighborhoods Committee would be held on Monday, February 15, 1999 at 4 p.m. There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting was adjourned at 5:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Karl King Chairperson, Residential Neighborhoods Committee Attachments