07-11-05 Health & Public Safety - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

City Attorney Charles Leone stated that his department is currently working on the noise ordinance itself He stated that the proposed ordinance could be enforced at any time. Council Member Kelly voiced concern that the ordinance might provide an opportunity for neighbors to use it against each other. He noted that he has a son that lives on Pokagon and does not have noise problems. Council Member White voiced concern over the lack of enforcement of all quality of life ordinances which are now on the books. She noted that the problems addressed in these ordinance are experienced throughout the city. She suggested quarterly updates on the enforcement of all of these ordinances. Council Member White also expressed concern about the number of ordinance tickets which have been voided and suggested that the Council needs more information as to why. The Council Attorney noted that a series of Health and Public Safety Committee meetings were held last Fall and that several community meetings where held this year at the Robinson Center. All of the universities and colleges were invited to participate, as well as students, neighbors, neighborhood groups and landlords. At the last community meeting it was agreed that if new legislation was necessary that all parties would work to have it in place by August 1st so that all of the universities and colleges could make their students aware of the regulations during their orientations. Council Member Rouse noted that he attended some of the community meetings held, and noted that problems of this type he has been experiencing all his life. He stated that he believes that the problems can be resolved but perhaps the city may be using the wrong approach, noting that there are some individuals who do not want rental properties in their neighborhood. Council Member Rouse stated that he agrees with Council Member Puzzello that something must be done. Council Member Kuspa noted that there are many parties held in the 6th District, and that the ordinance would affect Simeri's which is located in his District. He voiced concern as to whether the ordinance would also be addressing the many church festivals, and believes that the ordinance may have"too heavy a hammer". Council Member Puzzello stated that she has been attending meetings on these problems for the past 1 1/2 years,with many of these meetings having 40-50 people in attendance. She has talked with all of the colleges as well as to the police department. The Police Department has repeatedly told her that it takes more officers than the city can afford to address these problems. Council Member Puzzello stated that Mr. Kramer came to the last two community meetings and stated that if he knows that the police are coming he calls the students and tells them to "slow students down". The University of Notre Dame has problems with documentation. She stated that there is a real need to hold landlords responsible, as well as people who violate local ordinances, with many of them being students. The ordinance is attempting to solve problems which exist, and exit in many of the residential neighborhoods near Notre Dame. Last year she witnessed a party on St. Peter with over 100 students. Council Member Kirsits stated that there are "serious problems out there and that Notre Dame has a serious drinking problem which the university has addressed by pushing the problem July 11,2005 Health and Public Safety Committee of the 2005 South Bend Common Council -page 3-