HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-25-13 Health & Public SafetyHEALTH & PUBLIC SAFETY NOVEMBER 25.2013 4:56 P.M.
Committee Members Present: Karen White, Dr. David Varner, Dr. Fred Ferlic, Tim Scott (AB)
Other Council Present: Henry Davis, Valerie Schey, Oliver Davis, Gavin Ferlic, Derek
Dieter
Citizen Members Present: Vacant
Others Present: SBPD Chief Ron Teachman, Terry Wrobel, Tye Mary, Kathy
Cekanski - Farrand, Erin Blasko, SB Police Officer Lane
Agenda: Safety Concerns — Southmore, Miami Hills
Health and Public Safety Chair Karen White in her continuing emphasis on quality of life issues led a
thirty minutes discussion about public safety concerns of residents on the Southmore Mutual Housing
and Miami Hills areas.
Karen opened the discussion by recounting recent incidents of gunfire reported by the South Bend
Tribune in the area. She turned the discussion to Councilman Oliver Davis who represents the area. He
introduced Mr. Terry Wrobel, who identified himself as property manager of Southmore. Mr. Wrobel
spoke of gunshots coming from Miami Hills hitting properties in Southmore documented in the
newspaper on both the 11th and 18`" of November.
Mr. Mary who lives in Southmore in a property adjacent to Miami Hills said he and his neighbors are
fearful for their safety and that of their children. Gunshots are not uncommon.
Karen White then called upon SBPD Chief Teachman for his comments. The Chief along with another
officer who patrols that beat said the persistent long- standing problems at Miami Hills were being
effectively addressed with the help of the recently passed "problem property" ordinance. The
provisions of the ordinance have leveraged cooperation from the absentee Miami Hills owners who
among other things have improved lighting, cut underbrush, and promised security cameras. The Chief
said since the ordinance provided a tool for the Police Department, the owners have evicted 13 tenants.
Positive discussions continued before Karen adjourned at 5:26 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Karen L. White, Chairperson
Health & Public Safety