01-26-98 Health & Public Safety and Residential Neighborhoods

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aCommttttt Zeport: Health and Public Safety Committee and Residential Neighborhoods Committee 1E0 ttjt common QCoutttfl of the eftg of *outb tub: The January 26, 1998 meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee and Residential Neighborhoods Committee was called to order at 4:25 p.m. by Council Member Andrew Ujdak,Chairperson of the Residential Neighborhoods Committee. Persons in attendance included Council Members Aranowski, Pfeifer, Kelly, Broden, Varner, Ujdak, Coleman, Hosinski, Sniadecki; Mayor Luecke, Richard Nussbaum, Ann- Carol Simons, Jack Reed, John Oxian, Terry Bland, Jon Hunt, Brother Sage, Jim Cierzniak,and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council Member Ujdak noted that the purpose of the meeting is to review Substitute Bill No. 5-98 which would amend the South Bend Municipal Code by the inclusion of new section 2-59 entitled"The South Bend Commission on African American Males." Council Member Pfeifer,the sponsor of the bill, made the presentation. She noted that for the past six months, many individuals have been involved in providing information and statistical background information for the preparation of this bill. She noted that in 1995,the state of Indiana completed an extensive survey, which showed that the usage and ownership of handguns is on the increase. She also noted that the black population in the state is approximately 12-15% and in the city of South Bend, it is approximately 22-25%. Council Member Pfeifer noted that in 1996, approximately 90% of the shootings in the city of South Bend were done by black males, with the victim also being black males. She noted that Mr. Darren L. Washington, the Executive Director of the Indiana Commission on Social Status on black males has been very instrumental in providing information to her. Brochures have been provided to the entire Council setting forth the detailed information. She noted that the cities of Indianapolis, Evansville, Fort Wayne, Muncie, Gary and Lake County, have established local Commissions. She noted that the City of South Bend's is patterned after the city of Indianapolis'. It is very action orientated,it is all inclusive by having a membership of 25 members,would have working subcommittees,would require an annual report to made to the City Council as well as to the Mayor and addresses the basic fact that if a segment of our residents in community are not doing well,that this does effect the overall well being of our entire community. The Council Attorney also noted that other purposes of the bill would be that by the establishment of a local Commission,that it could then network with other commissions in the state of Indiana, State Commissions as well as the Federal Commission, as far as resource information,utilization of individuals, and potential for grant monies. Council Member Varner questioned whether a Sunset provision could be incorporated into the proposed bill. The Council Attorney noted that the original legislation at the State level included a Sunset provision. Such a provision could be incorporated into the local Ordinance at any time. Brother Sage, Director of Programs of Human Relations for the Urban League, spoke in favor of the bill. He noted that a Commission was established in the State of Ohio in 1985 which he was very instrumental in its operation. He stated that he believes that many positive items can result from such a Commission and looks forward to working with it.