04/18/07 Committee Meeting Minutes

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Health and Public Safety Camrr~ittee April 18, 2007 Page 2 Council Member Puzzello stated that the accordion file by her seat contains all of the many documents resulting from the research on this topic. She stated that many communities across the nation have been faced with lawn parking challenges, The documents include many parking studies, lawn parking ordinances and related documents. She stated that amended Bill No. 17-07 wauld put back on the books something that had previously been there, but from a public safety perspective since weekend and after 5 p.m. enforcement is necessary on a city-wide basis. She has had many discussians with Code Enforcement and the Police Department on the problems resulting from lawn parking. In response to a question raised by Cauncil Member White, it was noted that the definition of "motor vehicle" is proposed to be amended since the City Administration believes that the items deleted are properly addressed elsewhere in the Crty Code. The Council Attorney noted that the graduated fine schedule in proposed Section 14-46 includes a $100 fine for the 1$~ violation and a $250 fine for the 2n~ violation, both of which could be collected through the Ordinance Violations Bureau, noting that $250 is the maximum amount which may be collected by that office. The 3r~ violation would result in a fine of $350.00. She added that communities such as Valpariso, West Lafayette and Fort Wayne also approach this topic from a public nuisance perspective, similar to Bill No. 17-07. Council Member White then invited Police Chief Thomas Fautz for his remarks. Police Chief Thomas Fautz noted that his offices are located at 701 West Sample. The thanked the Common Council for "wanting to address this problem". Ne noted that he had sent a memorandum earlier to the Council. He stated that he believes that members of the South Bend Police Department would be able to enforce the provisions of the proposed Bill through its normal beat patrols, HtJD patrols and extra patrols. He added that when deemed necessary, blitzes could also be used similar to those used when addressing snow birds. Blitzes often result in public complaints however. Chief Fautz stated that the department would probably use its resources on a complaint driven process. In response to questions from Council Member White, Chief Fautz stated that often neighborhoods which experience more poverty have more broken down cars and may generate more complaints. He stated that the Police Department would be understanding when working with all citizens on city-wide enforcement of the ordinance. Chief Fautz suggested that the City needs to work with the news media and the many neighborhood organizations in getting the word out so that there is an educational process on the ordinance.