06-26-06 Community & Economic Development

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Health and Public Safety Committee June 26, 20fl6 Page 2 Miscellaneous Business: Council Member White noted that each Council Member should have received a draft of a proposed brochure addressing "Promoting Public Safety in South Bend: Noise, Curfew, Fireworks, Panhandling, Solicitation, Loitering" which emphasizes "Safety First When Having Fun in South Bend" (copy attached}. Council Member White noted that public safety concerns are especially important in light of the Summer months and children being out of school. She stated that ongoing discussions with South Bend Community School Corporation representatives need to continue, especially in Tight of the violence this past weekend. She stated that the Council needs to continue to work with the City Administration and the entire community in making South Bend a safer city. Council Member Pfeifer stated that there is a need to meet with neighbors so that the city is aware of what they are going through. Council Member White suggested that the City Administration and the South Bend Police Department should be included in such meetings. She further noted that discussions must continue as a result of the Council's community plunge, quality of life concerns as well as the many housing concerns which have been raised. She also voiced concern that the Committee's citizen member has only attended one (1} meeting this year. Council Member Kuspa stated that the real issue is that too many persons have no respect for life. He stated that it is fine to meet, but when a person has no respect for themselves or others, that is the real problem we are facing. He commended President Rouse in sponsoring the Bill to transfer money so that ten (10) youth may attend a youth camp at the Martin Luther King Center, since each of Chase youth will get some direction for their lives. He stated that persons must respect themselves and others, and that this task will be very difficult. Council Member Kirsits suggested that perhaps something like Crime Stoppers could be initiated, since money talks. He stressed the need to get guns off the streets. Dr. Varner stressed that the Prosecutor's Office need to be involved if any program is to be successful, noting that Chicago has such a program. He also suggested that the Council contact the US Attorney's Office to see if they would get involved.