08-26-02 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 26. 2002 ordinance to insure that it is going to be consistently and fairly applied and she will be monitoring that. In regards to training, training can only go to a certain point and she doesn't think that anyone would debate the issue that there is a major challenge in our community and she sees this ordinance as one tool to begin to address that problem. Councilmember White noted that she does support the ordinance as it has been modified, but she still has some concerns and will be working with the City Council as well as the various levels of City government to insure that enforcement does occur and that it is consistently and fairly applied. Councilmember Varner noted that he is fortunate that he does not live in a neighborhood where this type of behavior is a problem. But the reports he gets regarding this type of behavior in numerous parts of the City are something that he believes very much and there are people reaching out and asking for help. Whatever the City may have used to this point may have worked to a degree but it apparently isn't enough. Councilmember Varner stated that if he lived in a neighborhood and had the problem of individuals congregating around his property, he would want the City to do everything possible to help. He noted that he doesn't know if this ordinance is going to work. A lot of good effort and good intention has gone into it and it is his fondest wish that it be the silver bullet. He noted that he doesn't believe that it will be, but it may help and if it doesn't do anything but keep these folks moving along so they cannot congregate in one particular area, than that in itself would be an accomplishment. So, despite the objections from some and recognizing the fact that he doesn't have to deal with this in his personal life, he stated that he is prepared to help those citizens that do deal with this on a daily basis and to that extent he is happy to support this bill and hopes that it has the desired effect and perhaps even more so. Councilmember Kelly indicated that as Councilmember Pfeifer pointed out this ordinance is certainly not a panacea and it is not going to be the end all of problems in the community but it does provide assistance to solve some problems the community has been facing for some time. He also noted that as Councilmember Varner pointed out there are pockets in the community where serious trouble occurs and if some can be prevented by moving people along he believes it will help and he will support the bill. The motion carried by a voice vote of seven (7) ayes. RISE AND REPORT Councilmember Coleman made motion to rise and report to the full Council. Councilmember White seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of seven (7) ayes. Loretta J d , City Jerk REGULAR MEETING RECONVENED Be it remembered that the Common Council of the City of South Bend reconvened in the Council Chambers on the fourth floor of the County -City Building at 8:00 p.m. Council President Roland Kelly presided with seven (7) members present. BILLS - THIRD READING ORDINANCE NO. 9345 -02 AN ORDINANCE TO VACATE THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY: THE FIRST EAST /WEST ALLEY SOUTH OF MISHAWAKA AVENUE FROM 21sT STREET WEST TO THE FIRST NORTH/SOUTH ALLEY; THE FIRST NORTH/SOUTH ALLEY WEST OF 21sT STREET FROM THE FIRST EAST /WEST ALLEY SOUTH OF MISHAWAKA AVENUE 1 1 1