HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-17-08 Health and Public Safety CommitteeHEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY
;.September 17, 2008
The September 17, 2008 meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee of the South Bend
Common Council was called to order by its Chairperson, Karen L. White at 3:00 p.m. in the
Council's Informal Meeting Room.
Persons in attendance included: Henry Davis, Jr., Don Brubaker, Citizen Member, Gary Gilot,
Mayor Luecke, Catherine Toppel, Gary Libbey
AGENDA: ANIMAL CONTROL/QUALITY OF LIFE ISSUES
Karen L. White, Chair of the Health and Public Safety Committee, opened the meeting explaining
this was the sixth and last of a series of meetings focusing on quality of life issues. Previous
meetings started with an overview of the quality of life review process. The goal was to find out
who was responsible for what in terms of implementation of quality of life ordinances this was to
be followed by identifying responsibility for enforcement and finally measuring outcomes of the
regulations so as to assess their effectiveness. Earlier meetings focused on scrap metal
regulations, graffiti, and yard parking.
Today's meeting was to focus on animal control issues. Karen emphasized that animal control
regulations were a public safety issue. Attempts to assure safe neighborhoods were a prime
concern of the Council. Karen explained today's meeting was called in response to news stories
and citizen complaints regarding dog attacks. She wanted to measure the city's response
assessing any gaps in enforcement. It is critical she pointed out that the legal department code
enforcement, and the SBPD be on the same page communicating and cooperating with one
another to effectively address threats to the quality of life in the community. Catherine Toppel,
Director of Code Enforcement responding to Karen's questions as to the challenges NCE faces
dealing with animal control provided a handout (attached) illustrating NCE's efforts. She said the
dangerous dog ordinance was proving effective. She said the bulk of dog bite reports, however,
involve confined dogs and bites of family members. Pit Bulls remain a concern. Pit Bulls are
seen as a gang status symbol. Once primarily on the west side of town, Pit Bull complaints have
spread to the Southeast and to a lesser extent River Park.
Karen White said the Council was concerned about reports of inconsistent enforcement.
Sometimes tickets are issued, other times warning suffice. She did say she understood the
enforcement process was complicated trying to balance citizen rights and responsibilities.
Gary Libbey, head of Animal Control, explained the department's procedures when a complaint
was received. Referring to the handout he not only explained the number of cases handled; but
also the screening process for adoptable or unadoptable pets. He said we were once of the few
communities with breed specific ordinances suggesting it may been to be broadened beyond Pit
Bulls. This touches on the nature vs. nurture debate.
Karen closed the meeting asserting this and earlier sessions had been both informational and
productive. Most importantly these meetings had resulted in more coordination among city
departments.
There being no further business to come before the committee, Councilmember White adjourned
the meeting at 3:37 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Karen L. White, Chairperson
Health & Public Safety Committee