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The January 8, 2001 meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee was called to order by its
Chairperson Council Member Andrew Ujdak at 4:45 p.m. In the Council Informal Meeting Room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members Aranowski, Pfeifer, King, Varner, Ujdak, and
Kirsits,Isabelle Gonzalez, Citizen Member;Thomas L. Bodnar,Terry Bland of the if,ontb Otutir
Zvibun ,and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney.
Council Member Ujdak noted that the first item on the agenda was to review substitute Bill No.
133-00 which would amend Chapter 13, Article 10 of the South Bend Municipal Code addressing
"Firearms".
Thomas L. Bodnar, Deputy City Attorney made the presentation. He stated that in light of the
state law which was passed after the Council passed the firearm regulations several years ago, that
the local regulations addressing conduct by schools and assault weapons are no longer necessary.
Council Member King inquired whether the ordinance would enable the City to change what they
currently do, more specifically would it assist the City with regard to gun shows at the Century
Center. Council Member King also inquired about the governing state law in this area, and
whether either the state or local law address"management possession".
Citizen Member inquired what the City's options would be if they elected just to enforce state law
in this area.
Council Member Ujdak inquired about deferring to state law and asked about persons who carry
concealed weapons. He noted that the proposed ordinance does not contain a definition for"public
places"yet refers to it in several areas. He also noted that the header for one of the sections in the
proposed Bill refers to"signage", yet the language of the Bill strikes any signage regulations.
Mr. Bodnar stated that in his opinion he believes there would be problems if the City would
enforce just state law since the City does not own various public buildings.
Council Member Ujdak stated that he is not comfortable with the proposed ordinance and believes
that there are too many unanswered questions.
Citizen Member Gonzalez agreed that further research by the Legal Department should be done
before action should be taken. She then made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kirsits that
Substitute Bill No. 133-00 be continued until the February 12, 2001 Council meeting and that
further information be provided on the proposed ordinance by the Legal Department. The motion
passed.
The Committee then reviewed Bill No. 01-3 which is a proposed Resolution to approve the
amended five (5) year interlocal agreement with St. Joseph County for emergency medical
services.
Mr. Bodnar made the presentation. He noted that the interlocal agreement was entered into three
(3) years ago with the County. The issue of costs for years 2001 and 2002 were left open for
further discussion so that such costs would reflect any agreements reached by the City and Local
No. 362 for wages and fringe benefits. Mr. Bodnar stated that the costs have been addressed and
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Health and Public Safety Committee
January 8, 2001
Page 2
he recommends approval.
Following discussion, Council Member Kirsits made a motion, seconded by Citizen Member
Isabelle Gonzalez that Bill No. 01-3 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed.
Under miscellaneous concerns, Citizen Member Gonzalez inquired about the various health and
safety issues raised during the budget review process. She noted in particular that she has not
heard any updates on bike patrols. She hoped that this would be resolved before Spring, and
hoped that such issues were not in limbo.
Council Member Aranowski noted that all Department Heads were provided with copies of budget
Committee minutes which highlighted areas of concern. He further noted that he met with the City
Controller to review those items and that each Department Head was to update the Committee
Chairpersons of any items warranting further discussion.
Council Member Ujdak stated that he would contact Council Member Coleman who is
Chairperson of the Parks and Recreation Committee to see if he has received an update on the bike
patrol. If this matter has not been addressed, he noted that he would then hold a meeting since
many Council Members voiced concern about the bike patrol in the downtown and East Race
areas.
There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member Ujdak adjourned
the meeting at 5:08 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Council Member Andrew Ujdak, Chairperson
Health and Public Safety Committee
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