06-28-04 Health & Public Safety - Laserfiche WebLink

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HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE In response to a question from Council Member Pfeifer,Ms. Schefineyer stated that she is concerned about the homeless life style and the effects of having the Center for the Homeless and Hope Rescue in the downtown when other cities do not locate them in the central city. Ms. Schefineyer urged the city to institute 24-hour bike patrols,noting that the hours currently are 9:45 to 1:45 and 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. She also suggested that the city festival should utilize the horse posse. Ron Radecki suggested that there should be two(2)police officers assigned to the east side of the St. Joseph River. He noted that they will be meeting with South Bend Police Captain Wanda Shock on July 14th to discuss their concerns. It was noted that Summer in the City moved to the east side of the St. Joseph River in 1998. In 1998,the Zion.Church of Christ had security problems and was force to hire their own security detail. Park View Atrium also was required to hire their own security detail. The many problems associated with the 2003 Summer in the City gave a"black eye to the entire neighborhood". Concerns regarding the use of restrooms and the conditions in which they were left; loss of revenue for established businesses,vandalism; etc were raised. Ms. Schefineyer stated that the city spends too much money on the event and would prefer a summer filled with 24-hour bike patrols. She then showed a razor and a soiled T-shirt left behind on one of the properties after this year's event. Mayor Luecke stated that he appreciates the investments made by the residents and business owners in the neighborhood. He noted that he believes that they had good,productive discussion and believes that this year's event was positive. The City will be reviewing the costs incurred for this year's event, and welcomed input from all, stressing that he would like to have a positive event for all. The Council Attorney requested that the report also address the number of people in attendance since the City Clerk's Office received calls noting that the large event animal ordinance could not be enforced since the numbers in the ordinance for attendance were not met. The Mayor noted that the City could have been challenged since he believes that the attendance threshold was not met this year,and that that topic would be addressed_ Park Superintendent Phil St. Clair noted that the surveys are currently being tabulated and that that information would also be shared. He believes that those in attendance felt safe,with that specific question being part of the questionnaire. In response to a question from Dr. Varner,Mr. St. Clair stated that he would look at the crowd every three(3)hours and would make an estimate. He would also compare his numbers to that of the police department. Council Member Coleman noted that he sat in on a meeting before this year's festival and that clear steps were taken to respond to the problems of last year. He suggested that as Chairperson June 28,2004 Page 2