11-26-01 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 26, 2001 Her son explained that his mother was a resident of the Robertson's Apartments. She noted that this blockage has controlled the motorcycles zooming and people hanging out but the panhandlers still need to be dealt with and she therefore is in support of this bill. There was no one else present wishing to speak either in favor of or in opposition to this bill. In rebuttal, Councilmember King asked Council President Pfeifer to address the concerns raised by Mr. Chambliss since she has been involved in the anti loitering issue. Council President Pfeifer thanked Councilmember King and Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski- Farrand for their efforts in formulating this ordinance as well as the members of the public, Chief Bennett and the Mayor's office. Council President Pfeifer stated that this is the second of a possible three quality of life ordinances. She noted that it was decided a number of years ago to respond as responsible legislators to the needs of the citizens who include citizens who live downtown, own businesses and live in the community. Because complaints have been raised, three potential ordinances are being considered with two (2) already passed and a third proposed to address the concerns of Mr. Chambliss regarding loitering. President Pfeifer noted that downtown residents and business owners will be one of the groups that will come together to discuss that proposed ordinance to determine if it can be tweaked anymore. In regards to the panhandling bill, part of the Council's responsibility as legislators is to provide tools for department heads to carry out their duties and this is a tool that the South Bend Police Department can use against people who are perpetuating aggressive behavior. She noted that the Council received a request from an individual wondering if this ordinance would protect individuals coming in and out of churches. The panhandling ordinance is Citywide in terms of dealing with aggressive behavior. Panhandlers are not just local individuals but some are professional panhandlers that come to our community for the specific purpose of exploiting. They come especially during times when the City has special events and they compromise the quality of life in our community. Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski - Farrand advised that she has provided to the City Clerk's office various documents in support of this ordinance, which includes documentation provided by Mr. Andres concerning the number of people attending various activities at the Morris Performing Arts Center, a Memorandum from her to the Council President and Councilmember King, dated November 26, 2001 which includes the legal basis used in the drafting of this ordinance, various maps and documentation concerning the patron numbers and dollars referred to by Councilmember King in his presentation. Councilmember Ujdak added that this ordinance is part two of an ongoing series of ordinances being proposed by the Council. He stated that if anyone has any questions regarding the future loitering ordinance they can call any of the Councilmembers or they can leave their name and number with the City Clerk and the appropriate Council Committee chairperson will contact them about future meeting dates. Councilmember Coleman made a motion that this bill, as substituted, go favorably to full Council. Councilmember Varner seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. BILL NO. 112 -01 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND AMENDING CHAPTER 17, OF THE SOUTH BEND MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADD A NEW ARTICLE 9 FOR UNIVERSAL WATER AND SEWER MAIN LINE INSTALLATION CONSTRUCTION CHARGES I on n I 1