03-23-11 Health & Public Safety Committee

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a� a 1 t�y-. : �� i�, Health and Public Safety Committee Meeting of March 23, 2011 Page 3 Council Member White stated that this is a good example of why we need clarity on this issue. Dr. Varner noted that it appears that other communities are able to cover over graffiti when temperatures are below 55 degrees. If taggers know that their "art work" is being destroyed and covered in a timely manner, he thinks it would aid in deterring graffiti. Council Member Henry Davis, Jr. again asked what city department is in charge of graffiti abatement, because it appears that there is none. He agrees that a comprehensive approach is needed, citing Ford and Meade Street and several other locations. He wants South Bend to be "clean and safe, and with all of the graffiti it look like it is not". Assistant to the Mayor Lynn Coleman apologized to the Committee. At the City Administration level, the Police Department through Crime Prevention handles graffiti, as well as through Summer Programs and Code Enforcement plays a supportive role. It appears that "we have not put together a good job". At the last City Administration Staff meeting there was discussion. He would like to assemble the Mayor, Chief Boykins, Gregg Zientara and Catherine Toppel and report back in a couple of weeks with an update. He stated that this is not new, that it is vandalism to buildings, but Police cannot do it by themselves. He noted that a Task Force has been used in the past. Mr. Coleman stated that "we need to get some answers". Council Member White stressed that "we are now at a point where graffiti must be addressed". It must be a comprehensive approach which is sustainable. She noted that if other cities can address it, South Bend should be able too also. Council Member Henry Davis inquired what the findings of the Task Force were when it was used. He stressed that he and the Council are looking for results. He added that perhaps some new people need to be added to the table. Mr. Coleman stated that they identified who the suspects were; worked with the Juvenile Justice Center and worked through the system. � Council Member Oliver Davis suggested that the Prosecutor's Office needs to be part of the discussion. ' Dr. Varner stated that he sees the problem as a two-fold issue: (1) What do we do — paint over in a timely manner, etc; and (2) What are the causes of graffiti and address them. If it is a social issue addresses it. Are more monies needed to make graffiti abatement a priority?