HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-20-13 Health & Public Safety (2nd Meeting)Health & Public Safety May 20, 2013
5.00 P.M.
Committee Members Present: Karen White, Tim Scott, Dr. Varner
Other Council Present: Henry Davis, Jr., Gavin Ferlic
Others Present: Judith Robert, Dan Demler, Kyle Chamberlin, Theresa Sedlak, Susan Ewing,
Jennifer Tindell, Mike Schmuhl, Becky Kaiser, Mark Conover, Patty Russworm
Agenda: Bill No. 09 -13 — Chronic Problem Property Regulations
This meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee was called to review Bill No. 09 -13. The bill
represents the Council's collaborative effort to address chronic problem properties. It has long been
recognized that repeated calls for service to "problem" properties be they for police, fire or code incur
heavy drains on city services. Bill No. 09 -13 is the response to these problems.
Councilmember Tim Scott worked collaboratively with the City Administration including the Mayor. City
Attorney, Director of Code Enforcement, the Police Chief, the Council Attorney and fellow
Councilmembers to craft the prescriptions in Bill No. 09 -13.
Before Councilmember Scott made the presentation, Karen White, the Council's quality of life
champion, called upon the Mayor and the Police Chief for opening remarks.
Mayor Buttigieg expressed support while indicating the fact that city services come at a cost. The
question is who should pay? Can the costs over and above taxes be properly charged to hose incurring
them? The Mayor also thanked the Council for working with his administration to develop a four and
appropriate response to these problems.
Police Chief Ron Teachman echoed the Mayor's comments. He said it was the property owner's
responsibility to be good neighbors and to be held accountable when they were not.
Karen now called upon Tim Scott for his presentation reminding everyone in attendance they would
have ample opportunity to speak for or against after the presentation.
Tim passed out copies of his power point. (A copy is on file in the Office of the City Clerk) He listed the
goals of 09 -13 as reducing calls for repeated service, enhancing the quality of life, enhancing the fabric
of neighborhoods, improving and building proactive relationships and implementing positive
remediation agreements. He said input was sought from other cities. Together with city department
heads a bill was crafted that was needed and was fair and enforceable.
The bill defines chronic problem properties and prescribes remedial action for the owner.
Upon completion of the presentation Karen recognized Councilmembers David Varner and Henry Davis
for their observations Varner expressed support; but wondered if the problem property categories were
too broad. Councilmember Henry Davis also expressed support but said he would like more service call
data from all over town. He is concerned about the bills fairness.
Moving to the public portion of the hearing Karen asked for those wishing to speak in favor of the bill to
come forward limiting their remarks to three minutes each. Eight spoke in favor summarized as follows:
Judith Robert, President of the Keller Park Neighborhood Association said the bill would encourage
landlord responsibility.
Dan Demler, South Bend Police Department, step in the right direction to eliminate nuisance calls.
Kyle Chamberlin, representing the Bradley Co. (Apartments) He had concerns about the sizes of
categories and hoped those responsible landlords working on problems could have any penalties
mitigated.
Theresa Sedlak, hoped for a bill that would result in prompt compliance.
Susan Ewing, property owners or managers need to be held accountable.
Jennifer Tindell, hoped the owners of vacant homes would be brought to task.
Mike Schmuhl, classify calls coming from non - profits. i.e. Center for Homeless
Becky Kaiser, can anything be done to bad tenants.
Karen White gave the same opportunity to speak to those opposed to the bill. Two people spoke.
Mark Conover, representing the Apt. Owner Association said they shared a desire for safe housing;
however they had reservations about what they termed a "broad brush approach." Levying potentially
excessive fines.
Patty Russworm, complained that responsible landlords are not being notified of calls to their
properties in a timely manner making compliance difficult.
Karen allowed Tim Scott a rebuttal. Tim said while most landlords are responsible there are those that
are habitual offenders. He added he was open to suggestions to fine -tune the bill.
Finally under Council comments Henry Davis wondered whether a new bill was even necessary claiming
that if laws on the books were enforced and the Police, Code and others did their jobs the problems
would go away.
David Varner said we have to improve the way we identify property owners. Too often only a corporate
entity is identified.
Kathy Cekanski - Farrand noted much collaborative work has been done on the bill; but the Council was
still open to input. She emphasized that a fair enforceable bill will rely on communication.
There being no further business to come before the committee at this time, Chairperson White adjourned
the meeting at 6:10 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Karen L. White, Chairperson
Health & Public Safety Committee