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Home My WebLink About01-22-09 Health & Public Safety CommitteeHealth and Public Safety Committee 2009 South Bend Common Council The January 22, 2009 meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee of the South Bend Common Council was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Karen L. White at 7:35 a.m. at Allie's Cafe located at 2323 Mishawaka Avenue, South Bend, Indiana. Persons in attendance included Council Members Karen L. White, Ann Puzzello, and Al "Buddy" Kirsits., Mayor Stephen J. Luecke, City Attorney Charles Leone, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Identification of Goals and Objectives for 2009: Council Member White noted that today was the first organizational meeting of the year, stressing that she believes that it is important for the Common Council to have each of their Standing Committee Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons to meet regularly and for the entire committee to meet and set priorities. Council Member White noted that the real work of the Council takes place at the Committee level. Old Business: Council Member White then passed out the following handouts (copies attached): • 1-page Agenda • 4-page 2008 Annual Report of the Health and Public Safety Committee • 1-page Quality of Life Ordinances Review • 1-page Committee Action Plan form for 2009 • 6-page Summary of Implementation & Enforcement of Quality of Life Ordinances Council Member White noted that the Health and Public Safety Committee will be as transparent as possible this year. She recommended that the District Meetings be continued and voiced disappointment in the lack of response from the Council in attending and scheduling these meetings. It was noted that the 4a' District meeting included representatives from TAP who were primarily concerned about immigration issues. Council Member White noted that TAP representatives have met with Police Chief Boykins to discuss their concerns. The 6~' District meeting focused on crime, graffiti, and drug problems. Council Member White noted that such District meetings provided an opportunity to listen first-hand to the concerns of the residents. Council Member White stated that the budget will have an impact on all standing committees. She inquired how that would affect the implementation and enforcement of the quality of life ordinances for example. Health and Public Committee January 22, 2009 Page 2 Mayor Luecke stated that the budget savings will have an impact on operations; and that sustaining public services will need to be discussed. New Business: Council Member White noted that she has been in contact with Chief Deputy City Clerk Mary Beth Wisniewski. One (1) individual has filed an application for consideration as a citizen member of the committee to date. Consistent with the request made by Council President Dieter at the January 12, 2009 Informal Meeting, Council Member White will have a "summary report" ready by next Monday addressing the 2009 Priorities of the Health and Public Safety Committee. Discussion on t he priorities then took place. Council Member Kirsits stated that much of the focus will be on how we get thru 2009 while maintaining public safety services, noting that he is very concerned about revenues being possibly less than the Umbaugh projections. Mr. Leone noted that many business tax rates have gone up 8-9%. Council Member White noted that last year the Common Council identified "public safety as our top priority". She stated that the Council must define what that means. Concerns identified included: • Preparing for the budget process • Completing the budget process • Communications -the budget process has to be an open process with written information provided in a timely manner before meeting sessions • Discussion of consolidations if any and realistic cost savings • Discussions with the City Administration, the Common Council, and affected boards such as the Board of Public Safety and the Redevelopment Commission • It is not business as usually • Reaching a consensus after reviewing and discussing all relevant information Council Member Puzzello stressed the need for a talk session of the Council so that the Council can have input early in the overall discussions. Following further discussions, Council Member White summarized the priorities as follows: # 1 Discussing public safety in light of the budget # 2 Assuring that the discussion process is complete and thorough # 3 Developing an Action Plan on such items as Beacon Heights # 4 Continuing discussions on improving and identifying new and/or improved funding sources for public safety Health and Public Committee January 22, 2009 Page 3 Council Member White noted that there have been over 1,000 calls for service at Beacon Heights. It was noted that Beacon Heights does have a manager on site and that the facility include Section 8 housing. The Council Attorney inquired of the City Attorney whether there could be enforcement under the South Bend Municipal Code for repeat calls for public safety services. Mr. Leone stated that he would look into and report back. Council Member White requested the Council Attorney to look into who manages the complex. Council Member Kirsits stated that he believes that Beacon Heights responds to maintenance issues fairly well, noting that the Countryside Apartments on Jefferson Street is becoming a concern. He stated that he is not sure about EMS service calls, noting that the calls for such service are tremendous throughout the city. Council Member Kirsits stated that he sees as the top priority being: "maintaining the current level of staffing at the Police Department, the Fire Department, EMS and Code Enforcement". Council Member Puzzello stated that she believes that there will be a tremendous outcry from the public if police or fire personnel are attempted to be cut. She noted that she knows that many people are angry about all the crime and murders taking place in South Bend. Council Member Puzzello noted that the Governor's statements that South Bend has $47 million in cash reserves have not helped either, citing that the Governor is good at PR. She added that the city needs to do a much better job at sharing information, having open discussions, and must have much better PR. Mayor Luecke stated that the Governor's reference was to a "one day picture in time". He noted that residential property tax obligations have been decreased and that that will have an effect on police and fire, and other operations. Council Member Puzzello stated that the Council needs to know what line-items the Governor was referencing, noting that Council President Dieter sent an email to the Controller asking for such information. She noted that the issue for the public becomes one of trust, and she is saddened that right now the public "does not trust local officials". Council Member Puzzello stressed the need for seeking solutions instead of blame. Council Member White noted that this is another example of why the Council needs to stress for transparency in seeking such information. Open discussions are critical. Mr. Leone stated that he believes a graph showing the cash reserves may also be helpful. Council Member White stated that this will be a tough year ahead, but the Health and Public Safety Committee will be committed to open discussions. Health and Public Committee January 22, 2009 Page 4 Council Member Kirsits suggested that South Bend should consider joining forces with other governmental entities like Mishawaka in putting pressure on why our tax bills are going out so late, resulting in additional costs to both South Bend and Mishawaka. Mayor Luekce noted that LaPorte has not received property taxes for a two (2) year period. He has suggested that the trending process be put on hold. Council Member White thanked everyone for their input and stated that she looks forward to closely working with the Committee members during this most challenging year. She will work on getting the information on the Health and Public Safety Committee's 2009 Action Plan ready by Monday. Council Member White then adjourned the Committee meeting at 8:47 a.m. Respectfully submitted, '~ _ , ~~,~ Council Member Karen L. White, Chairperson Health and Public Safety Committee Attachments