10-05-11 Health and Public Safety Committee

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Catherine Toppel said the current ordinance is non-specific as to the amount of fines. Neighborhood Code Enforcement has found fines of$40-$100 are not a deterrent while fines of $500 have proven effective. Mayor Luecke confirmed that the city does pursue haulers when evidence suggests they were responsible for illegal dumping. Chairperson White reiterated the need for an action plan that would define offenses and fines. The plan should specify who enforces the ordinance, the follow thru process, and a way to measure results. She added that she had hoped a plan would have been forth coming from the administration by now. The Mayor said he is considering a pilot program to have the solid waste department pick-up trash in certain areas. He noted that illegal dumping is different from graffiti in that eradication of one discourages repeat offenders while the other encourages the practice. Kathy Cekanski-Farrand said an updated ordinance needs to target, repeat offenders. Randy Przybysz, Director of St. Joseph County Solid Waste District, suggested promoting existing free drop-off sites for electronics and hazardous materials. 2"d District Councilmember Henry Davis said he was disappointed there was no plan ready to evaluate. He expressed dissatisfaction with current efforts as he continues to hear complaints from his constituents. He was looking for answers as he felt clean streets and alleys should be a top priority. He speculated current ineffective efforts wee the result of the Mayor cutting dollars dedicated to the control effort a couple of years ago. Councilmember White urged the benefit of working together with the administration to devise a plan and see that it is adequately funded. The Mayor said dollar cuts were necessitated by the�ewer dollars available to run the city, a byproduct of legislative action in HB 1001. Henry Davis suggested we should focus on what we can do as opposed to what we cannot. He said the city needs to do a better job. Clearly money is available if seen by the Mayor as a priority. Councilmember Henry Davis asked they Mayor to increase the budget for addressing illegal dumping. In closing Chairperson White said all stakeholders need to be at the table that includes the Police Department, Code Enforcement, the Prosecutor and others. She asked Neighborhood Code Enforcement to provide a list of trouble spots and to form a plan to consider in 30 days. The Mayor said the City would report by October 26, 2011. There being no further business to come before the committee at this time, Chairperson White adjourned the meeting at 5:58 p.m. RespectFully Submitted, �� Karen L.White, Chairperson Health and Public Safety Committee