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REGULAR MEETING March 11, 2019
<br /> think we have to be very aware of what the Fire Safety Code is. You previously stated it at seventy
<br /> (70) square feet per-person. I guess I would like to hold you to that, in those terms, instead of your
<br /> occupancy numbers. I think if we were to really do the math on that, and you provided a plan, but
<br /> your occupancy would be drastically different than what you have put in your commitment. I
<br /> would rather focus on what the standards are, and you meeting those standards and not talk about
<br /> how you configure this or that room.
<br /> Mr. Bondack replied, I think it has been the intention all along, obviously, to comply with all
<br /> regulations and rules that apply to this property. So, from the very beginning,there were questions
<br /> about the number of occupants. Since early on, that has been an issue. So, it was an effort by the
<br /> petitioners to provide the Council with information. We consulted with the architect and the
<br /> architect provided that drawing which we provided to the Council. Just trying to provide
<br /> information based on that concern. All along, the intention is to comply with the law and any
<br /> requirements.
<br /> Councilmember Jo M. Broden stated, Thank you for your clarification and I guess I want to state,
<br /> what you submitted to Council is not binding.That is why I really want to get to,basically,striking
<br /> away your occupancy commitment in terms of a number and actually get at what is required within
<br /> the State of Indiana, relative to Fire and Life Safety Standards. So, that is one (1) change in your
<br /> commitments that I think is needed. So, that is one (1) question and thank you for going through
<br /> that process because all decisions that we make, while they are to this property, when it's a
<br /> rezoning,it also has other impact on other decisions that come before us, alright? So,while it may
<br /> be a little bit burdensome, I think it is important.
<br /> Councilmember John Voorde excused himself briefly from the meeting at 8:32 p.m. Council
<br /> President Tim Scott assumed temporary Chairmanship.
<br /> Councilmember Jo M. Broden continued, So, with accreditation, licensing and accreditation can
<br /> be one (1) in the same, correct? This does not have any licensing or accreditation requirements,
<br /> but I heard in our previous meeting that there was an interest in,after a year's operation,you would
<br /> apply to meet certain standards. Could you clarify what that is.
<br /> Mr. Bondack replied, Sure,but I think there is a difference between licensing by the State and then
<br /> accreditation. There is accreditation.
<br /> Councilmember Jo M. Broden stated, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to lump those together. I do know
<br /> licensing is on the front end and accreditation is,you know, after,up and running and it's basically
<br /> a scorecard.
<br /> Mr. Adolf replied, The accreditation standard we've spoken about in the past and that Choices
<br /> Recover currently has is CARF Accreditation. That stands for Center of Accreditation for Rehab
<br /> Facilities. That is something that, like I said, Choices Recovery currently has and would look at
<br /> adding to this facility once we've been in operation for at least one(1) year. You can't even apply
<br /> for that until you've been in operation for a least one (1) year.
<br /> Councilmember Jo M. Broden asked, Is that an appropriate accreditation standard to aim for,
<br /> though, given the difference in this facility and in what you are trying to do?
<br /> Mr. Adolf replied, They look at the facilities differently and your facility would be accredited on
<br /> multiple different levels. For instance, Choices Recovery, currently, it is accredited for detox,
<br /> residential treatment, PHP treatment, IOP treatment and there are a lot of different steps that go
<br /> into that accreditation process. It is not just one (1)broad accreditation that covers everything.
<br /> Councilmember Jo M. Broden followed up, So, with regard to your accreditation that you are
<br /> hoping to get a year out from this, where would it follow? Is it basically an out-patient level?
<br /> Mr. Adolf replied,No,there are no services being provided there. To be licensed as an out-patient,
<br /> you have to actually provide services there. We would look for accreditation for sober living.
<br /> Councilmember Jo M. Broden stated,Ok. So,this particular property is not a detox,not residential,
<br /> it is not partial hospitalization, nor is it an intensive out-patient program?
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