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REGULAR MEETING JUNE 12, 2017
<br /> Councilmember Karen White, Chair of the Personnel and Finance Committee, reported that they
<br /> met this afternoon and send this bill forward with a favorable recommendation.
<br /> Councilmember Oliver Davis, 1801 Nash Street, South Bend, IN, served as the presenter of this
<br /> bill. Councilmember Davis thanked sponsors Councilmembers White, Voorde, and Williams-
<br /> Preston for their contribution to this resolution. Councilmember Davis explained that
<br /> municipalities throughout the nation have been trying to find a solution to panhandling that does
<br /> not involve outlawing the act. He stated that many such municipalities have looked to the City of
<br /> Albuquerque for an example of what to do. Councilmember Davis presented for the Council and
<br /> public a clip from a news broadcast detailing Portland, Maine's program of giving panhandlers
<br /> jobs. He presented a video of another(unidentified) city program that hires panhandlers for city-
<br /> beautifying jobs like weed-pulling for$9 per hour, a few days a week. Councilmember Davis
<br /> then stated that the City of South Bend has a responsibility to ignite a movement similar to what
<br /> was depicted in the two (2) videos and take care of its citizens. He invited the other sponsors of
<br /> the bill to the podium to share their thoughts.
<br /> Councilmember Regina Williams-Preston stated that one (1) of the things that she has enjoyed
<br /> while being a member of the Council has been the opportunity to help people. Councilmember
<br /> Williams-Preston stated, I thank you, Councilman Davis, for bringing this specific issue around
<br /> panhandling to the fore. I think that it's something that is going to help our community, help
<br /> people feel safe, help people get a hand up—as the video talked about—rather than just a
<br /> handout, and give people dignity in a space where they're really struggling.
<br /> Councilmember John Voorde stated, This, I think, was a resolution that was pretty easy to
<br /> support. Not because of any specificity about money or a particular program that might be seen
<br /> as an answer. It's a complex problem that is going to require some complex solutions. I think it,
<br /> more importantly, was a signal on the part of the Council to the Administration that as the 2018
<br /> budget is crafted, that we hope it's done collaboratively and in the spirit of helping people; that it
<br /> be quality-of-life focused.
<br /> Councilmember Karen White stated, I did not have any hesitation in becoming a co-sponsor.
<br /> Clearly, during the committee discussions, we realized that this is just a small piece as we look at
<br /> the bigger picture, in terms of how do we discuss those quality-of-life issues that not only impact
<br /> individuals but also the city at-large.
<br /> Councilmember Davis stated, I really hope that the other cities and government entities such as
<br /> the City of Mishawaka, St. Joseph County—where I believe a lot of the resources should come
<br /> from. Many of these kinds of services were done in the past when Madison Center was here, but
<br /> when they died we had Oaklawn that picked up some parts and Memorial that picked up others,
<br /> but we have had gaps in the system ever since. This helps us to really encourage those in the
<br /> community who are already doing things.
<br /> This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and
<br /> opponents were given an opportunity to be heard.
<br /> Those wishing to speak in favor of this bill:
<br /> Jesse Davis, P.O. Box 10205, South Bend, IN, stated that this is a good first step in the right
<br /> direction. Mr. Davis stated that most panhandlers are not homeless, but need help regardless. He
<br /> stated that some of them are disabled and on Social Security, but that that is not enough to make
<br /> ends meet. He added that many have drug problems. Mr. Davis stated, It's a huge problem, a
<br /> huge picture that's multifaceted with mental health and drug addiction problems. We need to
<br /> address all of them, but I think this is a step in the right direction, and I think we need to do this
<br /> now and not wait and see what happens in the fall when budget time comes.
<br /> Jason Banicki-Critchlow, 3822 West Ford Street, South Bend, IN, stated that this is an easy
<br /> ordinance to support and that it is a good first step. Mr. Banicki-Critchlow stated, We also know
<br /> we have some programs coming online with the new homeless housing project over there,just
<br /> off of Indiana Street. That will come with additional resources for support. We know the Center
<br /> for the Homeless has some resources that we can tap into. The money doesn't necessarily have to
<br /> come from the City, but it's a good start to prime the pump.
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