08-12-74 Council Meeting Minutes

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COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING (CONTINUED) Councilman Kopczynski seconded the motion. The motion carried. Councilman Parent was concerned about the parking situation. Dr. Milovich indicated that he has talked to Mr. Albert Hans, owner of the establishment across Michigan Street, about the possibility of using some of his parking area. He submitted a letter to Councilman Parent from Mr. Hans whereby he agreed to lease some parking to Dr. Milovich. Councilman Parent made a motion that the ordinance be recommended favorably to the Common Council, as amended, upon the condition that an agreement is worked out for additional parking. The motion was lost due to lack of a second. Councilman Kopczynski then made a motion that the ordinance be recommended favorably to the Common Council, as amended, seconded by Councilman Taylor. The motion carried. ORDINANCE AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $44,800.00 FROM THE FEDERAL ASSISTANCE GRANT COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS GENERAL REVENUE SHARING, FOR VARIOUS PUBLIC SAFETY PROGRAMS, TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND THROUGH ITS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY. This being the time heretofore set for public hearing on the above ordinance, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Police Division Chief Donald Foy made the presentation for the ordinance. He referred to a letter written by Mr. Gallagher on July 17, 1974 regarding the overtime foot patrol and its effectiveness in Census Tract No. 29. During the four - month period of March through June, there had been a substantial 16.7% reduction in the volume of Part I offenses compared to a 9.5% reduction city -wide. In June, a 32% reduction was realized when compared to June, 1973. He stated that there has been an increase in crimes in Census Tract No. 6, and for that reason, it was determined the foot patrol should be moved into that area. It was hoped the patrol could be used in that area for the remainder of the year. He urged the Counc: to act favorably on the proposed ordinance. Miss Virginia Guthrie, Consultant and member of the Board of Directors of the Civic Planning Association, asked about the period of time covered by the amount requested, and Chief Foy indicated that the amount would fund the program from September 1 through December 31, 1974. Miss Guthrie asked if the patrol had been used only in one area, and Chief Foy indicated that, in the past, the patrol had only been used in Census Tract No. 29. Mr. Maurice Cohen, 725 East Eckman Street, expressed support of the appropriation. He commended the officers on the foot patrol for their efforts. Mr. James Russell, 1517 North Fremont, asked about reports of police brutality in the southeast side. Chief Foy indicated that some reports have been received in that area. Mr. Russell indicated that some of the residents of the southeast side have been harrassed by the police and there has been police brutality. He felt some of the young people in the southeast sid have been threatened. He referred to some of the officers as being "misfits ", to which Mr. James Roemer, City Attorney, objected. He stated that he was objecting to the use of the word "misfits" as it pertained to the officers of the Police Department, and he asked for a point of order. He asked that the issue of the appropriation be considered. Chairman Newburn indicated that Mr. Russell's comments were related to the ordinance being considered; however, he cautioned Mr. Russell on his using certain words in describing the Police Department. Mr. Russell urged that the Council delay action on the ordinance and investigate the situation of police brutality. Councilman Kopczynski asked about the change in the population shift from certain sections of the city, more particularly in the southeast side. Chief Foy indicated that houses were being demolished and there was a population change in Census Tract No. 29. Councilman Kopczynski wondered if the Police Department had made any effort to coordinate the foot patrol program into the regular duties of the patrolmen. He talked about the problem of not hearing everything when the officers were driving air - conditioned cars. For that reason, he felt the foot patrol was necessary. He wondered if continued revenue sharing funds would have to be used in order to keep the program going. Chief Foy indicated that there were no plans at the present time to do that. Councilman Kopczynski felt that this would be worthwhile if the program was such a success as claimed. Chief Foy indicated that additional officers would have to be considered in order to cover the area on foot. He felt the city could not - afford to have foot patrols in every district. Councilman Kopczynski indicated that he was not requesting the use of foot patrols in every area. He hoped consideration would be given to including the program in the regular city budget so that revenue sharing funds would not have to be used. He felt that, by using two men in each car, some of the men could walk the beat while others patrol in cars nearby. He stated that, as he saw the situation, there were no plans being made -to incorporate the walking patrol into the regular budge Councilman Miller asked about the balance left in the account. Chief Foy stated that he was not sure, but he thought the funds were available until the end of August. Councilman Miller wanted to make sure that the complaint expressed regarding police brutality was taken care of. Chief Foy stated that he handled the complaints if the complaints were against uniformed officers. He mentioned consideration by the Human Rights Commission and the Board of Public Safety, also. Councilman Parent felt the foot patrol was only one tool in an effective police department. He urged passage of the ordinance. Councilman Szymkowiak talked about the.possibility of using the small motorcycles for patrol purposes. He felt the cycles should be used. Chief Foy stated that the license plates were just issued last month and the vehicles have not been used as yet. He stated that the vehicles were initially intended to be used in patrolling the mall area. Councilm Kopczynski asked for a study of the feasibility of incorporating the foot patrol into normal polic work and the city budget. He stated that, many times, when questions are asked and letters writte by the Council, there are no answers. He felt the Council was entitled to receiving answers for these questions. Chief Foy stated that every month he submits a report to his superior. Chairman Newburn indicated that he wanted to personally meet with the City Attorney, Chief Foy and the administration concerning the complaint of police brutality by Mr. Russell. He could not understa Mr. Roemer's objection to that request. Mr. Roemer stated that he was most concerned about the us of the word "misfits" as it related to the Police Department. He stated that he would be very willing to consent to a meeting concerning police brutality complaints. Councilman Parent made a motion that the ordinance be recommended favorably to the Common Council, seconded by Councilman Taylor. The motion carried. There being no further business to come before the Committee of the Whole, Councilman Kopczynski made a motion to rise and report to the Council, seconded by Councilman Taylor. The motion carri (ATTEST: 1147" 14� �_ --- - - CITY CLERK ATTE CHAIRMAN