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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-19-09 Health and Public Safety CommitteeHealth and Public Safety Committee 2009 South Bend Common Council The February 19, 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 5:31 p.m. in the Council's Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Rouse, White, Puzzello and Henry Davis, Jr.; Karen Lisenko, Terri Weise, Ronald E. Kaszas, Jeremy Toschlog, Martha Lewis, Jerry Niezgodski, Lucille Spaulding, Hardie Blake, Jr., Jeff Vitton, James Summers, ,Jamie Loo of the South Bend Tribune and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member White noted that 2"d District Council Member Henry Davis, Jr., will be joining the meeting shortly, stating that Beacon Heights is located in Council Member Davis' Council District. Council Member White then noted that the Committee Members include Council Member Ann Puzzello, who is the Vice-Chairperson of the Committee; Council Member Henry Davis, Jr., Council Member Timothy Rouse, and herself as Chairperson. Council Member White noted that an Agenda would be used for the meeting (copy attached). Beacon Heights: Council Member White stated that she called this meeting in the hope of fostering better relationships with the management of Beacon Heights, their residents and the city. She noted that the Health and Public Safety oversses the various activities performed by the Fire and Police Departments, EMS, Department of Code Enforcement, ordinance violations, and related health and public safety matters. There was then an introduction of every one present. Council Member White stated that recently there was a rezoning for a senior citizen center and the issue of safety was raised by residents who questions building such a center so close to Beacon Heights. She added that the redevelopment and revitalization of LaSalle Square by enlarging the TIF area is a key priority of the city and that negative perceptions and negative activities have impacts on such development. She was hopeful that strategies could be identified so that critical issue could be addressed. Council Member Rouse stated that the calls for service and the perception of high crime during the discussions on the redevelopment of LaSalle Square prompted these discussions. He hoped that the discussions would be pro-active. Council Member Puzzello stated that LaSalle Square will have a direct impact on the community and that it must succeed and do well. In light of the closeness to Beacon Heights, she sees as the best interests in making sure that it does well. Health and Public Safety Committee February 19, 2009 Page 2 Council Member Whtie then called upon Jeremy Toschlog, an MSW Intern at IU South Bend to give a report. Mr. Toschlog stated that he has researched what many other communities have done which primarily focus on instituting watch group programs. He focused on Plano, Texas which has neighborhood watch groups; cities in Missouri which has state laws which permit four (4) types of tax credits for businesses located in high crime areas; and San Diego, California which have reduced crime by getting neighbors more engaged. He noted that continued interaction and collaboration were key to reducing crime. Council Member White stated that from 01-01-2007 to 01-11-09 there were 1,046 calls for service to Beacon Heights. The calls have been listed by code, with many repeat calls being for noise, domestic, etc. She hoped that these calls will be broken down by code category to give a better assessment, with this being completed in a week. Council Member Henry Davis, Jr., apologized for being tardy. He stated that he appreciates having the four (4) representatives from Beacon Heights present today. He is hoping that there will be transparent communication since he believes that change is critical to fostering growth in the area. He sees Beacon Heights "like a sore spot"; and that today's meeting is to find out how the city can be of help. He noted that he works closely with the Steering Committee seeking retail in this area; and is glad that communications are now open. Council Member White called upon the Council Attorney to give a summary of local laws. Mrs. Cekanski-Farrand stated that since 1990 the city has had a local ordinance which is found in the South Bend Municipal Code as Section 13-57.1, and was initially sponsored by then 1St District Council Member Steve Luecke. The ordinance provides for: • A "First Response Notice" to be issued by the responding police officer to the person in charge if there is a threat to public health, safety health or general welfare • A "Disturbance Violation Fee Notice" to be issued if the police officer returns to the same location which is considered a "special security assignment" where the city can charge the responsible party for personnel & equipment costs or other damage and expenses incurred as a result of the disturbance; as well as a fine of $250 • If the "person in charge" cannot be identified the owner of the location would be issued all notices and fines • All costs are paid to the Ordinance Violations Bureau and then deposited into the Law Enforcement Continuing Education Fund She noted that this is not an exclusive remedy for such disturbances. Health and Public Safety Committee February 19, 2009 Page 3 Council Member White noted that for the past several months the Health and Public Safety Committee have been studying five (5) quality of life ordinances to make sure that they make sense and that they are properly implemented. The overall goals is to work for a community where people can live, work, raise children and play. Karen Lisenko, Regional Property Manager for Northern Indiana for SGF Management, Inc. stated that she does not agree that Beacon Heights posses a threat to the community. She noted that there are social disruptions but that the negative perceptions are incorrect. Ms. Lisenko noted that most of the calls for service are domestic in nature, noting that years ago the actions were violent. Beacon Heights has 174 households located in a very small area. The apartments are 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom. Most of the heads of household are 25 years of age. She noted that Beacon Heights management meet regularly with Sgt. Lee Ross. Burglaries in the past have included many where doors were kicked in by irate boyfriends resulting in "forced entry". Beacon Heights provides. Section 8 housing to many low-income individuals and families. Council Member White noted that Beacon Heights is not an island and that the fear expressed is real. When crime or the perception of crime interferes with others, business may not want to invest in new development. Karen Lisenko, Regional Property Manager for Northern Indiana for SGF Management, Inc. further stated that SGF purchased Beacon Heights in 1981 and that they have been trying to do their fair share. SGF has installed all new windows throughout Beacon Heights; have made many cosmetic enhancements; have installed security cameras; meet with Crime Prevention; installed door armor to prevent kick-ins; and are open to work with others. They do have senior citizens living in Beacon Heights also. SGF also manages the Karl King Towers which has Section 8 housing available near by. The highest crime areas in the city are in the downtown, and not at Beacon Heights, as noted on a crime map developed by the SBPD showing various "hot spots". She stated that she is confused about the perception since their records show that calls for service of Part 1 crime have gone down and that SGF has made significant investment into their operations at Beacon Heights. Council Member White stated that when the Washington High School student was killed that concerns about Beacon Heights spiked. Council Member Henry Davis, Jr., noted that the examples provided today are all located in the 2"d Councilmanic District which raises even more health and public safety concerns. At the community meetings, Beacon Heights is often brought up as a concern. He is hoping to "change the culture". Terri Weise, Property Manager of Beacon Heights stated that the door armor was tested by members of the SBPD before it was installed. It was researched and installed to Health and Public Safety Committee February 19, 2009 Page 4 reduce damage and the negative perceptions. Most of the calls for service are not random acts but rather repeat calls to the same locations. She noted that the average residents lives at Beacon Heights for three (3) years, but they do have residents that have lived their for twenty (20) years. Karen Lisenko, Regional Property Manager for Northern Indiana for SGF Management, Inc. stated that SGF is attempting to provide quality housing for the less fortunate and low- income individual(s). She stated that the negative perceptions discussed today she does not believe are shared by members of the SBPD with whom they have met. Council Member White stated that she would like to work to see how all parties can work together better. Sgt. Ronald E. Kaszas stated that he has provided security for Beacon Heights for the past nine (9) years and is also a member of the SBPD. He noted that since the door armor has been installed that the complex that it is not as easy to kick in doors any more. He noted that he works closely with Terri Weise, Property Manager of Beacon Heights. Many of the residents at Beacon Heights are younger women with young children, and that men are fighting over the women. They work with Crime Prevention and that they have made progress. They are working currently to install more cameras in the back part of the complex. He calls in every thing, and many are repeat calls. Part 1 crimes are down to 21. Council Member Rouse suggested that Beacon Heights should brag more about the progress they have made, and took exception to the remarks about the SBPD and whether they share the negative perceptions about Beacon Heights. James Burns stated that he has provided security for Beacon Heights for seven (7) years, and is also a member of the SBPD. He stated that he believes that a lot of the current residents and former residents believe that Beacon Heights is moving in the right direction, especially with the upgrades which have been implemented by SGF. He suggested that the city look into programs which they can bring to the residents and meet with them. Council Member Henry Davis, Jr., stated that he would work on seeing what programs can be brought to the residents. Jeff Vitton of Community and Economic Development stated that Beacon Heights has been repeatedly brought up during meetings historically. He sees no reason on why they cannot work in keeping management apprised of programs and neighborhood meetings so that misperceptions and perceptions can be changed. Health and Public Safety Committee February 19, 2009 Page 5 Jerry Niezgodski of 2930 Bonds Avenue is a member of the Lincoln Way Gateway Association and would like Beacon Heights people to come to their meetings. He noted that concerns have been raised about trash near St. John the Baptist Grade School; problems by the NW corner of Sheridan; holes in the fences, etc. He is glad that Beacon Heights representatives are here today and suggested that a crime free addendum be considered as well as a gate with a card to get into the complex. SGF representatives noted that the additional security cameras would address many of those concerns. Lucille Spaulding of 1124 North Meade Street stated that as a member of the neighborhood association that perceptions do affect the community. Neighbors on Sheridan are fearful and that she attends crime watch meetings monthly. Pastor Hardie Blake, Jr., of 144 North Summit stated that he works at Ardmore Chrucke and Project Impact and suggested that Beacon Heights work with "Mothers Against Poverty" and "Men of Scars". Programs of this type are wanting to build relationships if they have access to create relationships to transform lives. Karen Lisenko, Regional Property Manager for Northern Indiana for SGF Management, Inc. stated that if they allowed Pastor Blake in to go door to door that they would be required to let in others. Their policy permits brochures to be distributed and that meetings could be held in common areas. Council Member White thanked everyone for coming to today's meeting which she stated was very constructive. By collaborating together on ideas and ways to reach residents, positive results can be pursued. She stated that she believes today was an excellent beginning to build community, trust and confidence. Another meeting will be called to continue discussions in the next few weeks. Council Member White then adjourned the Committee meeting at 6:43 p.m. Res ully submitted, GC ~u-.-~ -G~! C Council Member Karen L. White, Chairperson Health and Public Safety Committee Attachments: 1. Meeting Notice of February 9, 2009 2. Attendance Sheet 3. Agenda 4. 8-page "Model Lease for Subsidized Programs" (OMB Approved) 5. 24-page SGF Management, Inc. House Rules