06-11-12 Health & Public Safety Commitee

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HEALTH & PUBLIC SAFETY 4:15 P.M. JUNE 11, 2012 Committee Members Present: Dr. Fred Ferlic, Karen White, Tim Scott Citizen Members Present: Kyle Chamberlin Other Council Present: Valerie Schey, Dr. David Varner, Oliver Davis, Derek Dieter, Gavin Ferlic Other's Present: Gary Gilot, Murray Miller, Cathy Toppel, Aladean DeRose, Bob Hammer, Kevin Allen, Kathy Cekanski - Farrand, Mark Neal, Mike Schmuhl, Ann Carol - Nash, Kyle Chamberlin, Lindsey Grace, Jessie Davis Agenda: Update — Neighborhood Watch Computer Software SBPD — Capt. Hammer District 4 Projects Quality of Life Concerns Chairperson Dr. Fred Ferlic scheduled this hearing to update fellow Councilmember's on the efforts of the South Bend Police Department to revitalize the Neighborhood Watch program. He also wanted to discuss any neighborhood quality of life issues wanting to perpetuate Councilmember Karen White's extensive efforts in that regard over the last number of years. To that end he called upon Karen for comment. She reiterated her long -held belief that every citizen is entitled to a safe, clean, peaceful neighborhood. Karen added that this didn't point to a need for more legislation; but more effective enforcement of the 17 -18 quality of life ordinances already on the books. She went on to say this enforcement component was one reason for reserving judgment on the proposed smoking in public places bill. A roundtable discussion of enforcement issues and reports followed Valerie Schey asked the procedure for doing something about a "drug house." Tim Scott suggested prostitution be added to the criteria of disorderly house designation. Kathy Cekanski- Farrand said better tracking software was needed to speed action. Ann- Carol Nash and Catherine Toppel agreed. Kyle Chamberlin asked if the fee collection results would be enhanced by using a P party collection service? He was told earlier considerations of the same question were rejected due to costs. Switching gears Dr. Ferlic allowed Lindsey Grace, out of the Indianapolis office of the American Lung Association to speak to the affectability of the proposed smoking bill. While this issue was for discussion another day, Dr. Ferlic recognized Jessie Davis who asked if enough research had been done prior to proposing the bill.