09-23-74 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 23, 1974 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING (CONTINUED) ORDINANCE (CONTINUED) PROGRAMS, TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND THROUGH ITS DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES. This being the time heretofore set for public hearing on the above ordinance, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Mr. William Hojnacki, Director of the Department of Human Resources and Economic Development, made the presentation for the ordinance. He stated that this proposal had been in the planning stages since June. The program would deal with the problems of alcoholism in the community and represented a commitment on the part of the City of South Bend to recognize alcoholism as a serious problem and an effort to try and solve the problem, He stated that there has been no cooperation with the county on the issue. He indicated that it was not anticipated that future funds would be requested. He introduced Mr. Robert Oswald, Chairm< of the Alcoholism Planning Body, residing at 3102 Miami Road, who indicated that the ordinance dealt with three agencies: Alcoholism Council, Hope Rescue Mission and Mental Health. He referre< to statistics of the alcoholism problem. In traffic related offenses, one out of fifty drivers is drunk. One out of fourteen cars driven on a Friday night have a person who has been drinking at the wheel. Regarding crime, 50% of the criminal acts deal with alcoholism as a factor. Regarding teenage drinkers, 870 of the girls, and 930 of the boys drink by 12th grade. He stated that, in industry, it costs one - fourth of the annual salaries to employers in a year because of absenteeism poor work, etc. He talked about the existing services within the city, stating that the Alcoholisi Council dealt with education and training, and referrals. The Community Alcohol Program provided therapy and: counseling, and the Hope Rescue Mission does rehabilitation and operates a withdrawal center. He indicated that the appropriation before the Council would support four counselors and provide a holding facility, educational programs and counseling. Mrs. Lee Swan, 2022 Swygart, wondered why the Alcoholics Anonymous was not included in the proposal A gentleman from the audience stated that the AA was a separate area and did not accept governmen- tal funds. He stated that the AA had chosen to remain this way. Mrs. Swan stated that she felt the AA had great success in its programs. Mr. Ken Tomlinson, Director of the Community Alcoholism Program, was introduced, and Mrs. Swan asked him how many people would be reached with the program Mr. Tomlinson stated that the program had over 800 people enter the program within the last year. Mrs. Swan wondered how the program had been funded. Mr. Tomlinson stated that the Criminal Justic Planning Agency contributes $71,000, and $98,000 is received from the state. Mrs. Swan wondered about the qualifications of the staff members. Mr. Tomlinson stated that the agency took the approach of the refined alcoholic and the professional. Mr. Tobe Schmucker, Director of Rescue, Inc., indicated that the program within the community was very extensive. He stated that Rescue, Inc. has a psychiatrist, social workers and a clergyman on the staff. An additional eight people are involved such as custodial and clerical. Mr. Gene Evans, Executive Secretary of the Civic Planning Association, wondered about the period of time the $72,000 would cover. Mr. Oswald indicated that it would be for a one -year period and not be renewable. Councilman Kopczynski felt the Council should be given exact details about the budget when revenue sharing funds were requested. He made a motion to refer the ordinance to the Finance Committee, seconded by Councilm Szymkowiak. Mr. Hojnacki stated that, in June, each councilman was provided a 27 -page report whic included a line -by -line budget. He stated that an additional copy could be presented to the Counc if it wished. Councilman Parent stated that he felt the Council should not delay the matter. Councilman Taylor wondered when the funding would start. Mr. Hojnacki stated that it would be a one -year program and would depend upon when approval was received from the state on the appropria- tion request. Mr. Walter Lantz, Chief Deputy Controller, stated that it would probably take one 'month for approval from the State Board of Accounts. Councilman Taylor felt Councilman Kopczynski had a good point, and he felt that the program would be favored when the itemized budget was pre- sented for the Council's consideration. Councilman Serge wondered how long it took a person to resume normal living after being an alcoholic. Mr. Tomlinson stated that it all depended on the stage of alcoholism, but normally it took three months to a year. He stated that the project woul be hindered if the money was not available soon. Councilman Horvath felt an itemized description of the money should be furnished with the ordinances in the future in an effort to avoid any questions. Council President Nemeth wondered about the referrals from the court system. Mr. Tomlinson indicated that the courts had referred 456 cases, and 380 cases had been received from the community. Council President Nemeth wondered how much the county was contributing to the pro- gram, and Mr. Tomlinson indicated that the county was contributing nothing. Mr. Oswald stated that the County Commissioners had been approached and were not responsive to the program. He stated that the Criminal Justice funding was being lost at this time. Council President Nemeth wondered about some assistance from the courts, and Mr. Oswald indicated that approximately 500 of the people dealt with were referred by the court system; however, there was far greater impact in other areas of the community. Council President Nemeth felt more of an effort should be made to solicit some help from the county, and Mr. Oswald indicated that the agency would keep trying. Councilman Parent asked that a time limit be set on when the ordinance could come back for a public hearing ij it was the wish of the Council to refer the matter to the Finance Committee. Councilman Kopczynsk: stated that it would depend on when the itemized budget was submitted. Mr. Hojnacki stated that the budget had not been changed since it was originally prepared. Councilman Miller felt that, if the citizens were in need of help, help should be given them. He asked if the amount by category could be given at the present time, and Mr. Hojnacki gave a breakdown of the amounts within the ,appropriation request. Out of the total of $72,680, $15,000 would be used by the Alcoholism Counc: the salary of the assistant coordinator amounted to $7,000, plus fringe benefits of $1,175; the salary of the secretary amounted to $5,200, plus fringe benefits of $325. Training and education amounted to $1,300. The Alcohol Education Rehabilitation Program would receive $41,680, with $9,000 each for four counselors for a total of $36,000; fringe benefits at $4,600 and mileage at $1,000. The Hope Rescue Mission would receive $13,500, with $6,000 going for withdrawal and treat ment centers; $4,500 for holding facilities and minor medical; and $3,000 for the local walk -ins. Mental Health would receive the amount,of $2,500 for the salary of a part -time secretary. Council] Miller wondered if the budget could be reduced 100, and Mr. Hojnacki stated that he would recommen, the Council act favorably on the amount as requested. Chairman Newburn stated that it had been decided previously that the Council had no questions regarding the issue. He could not understand the questioning at this time concerning the budget. Councilman Serge felt the saving of lives was very important and he did not understand the concern over the proposed request for funds. There was a call for the question on the motion to refer the ordinance to the Finance Committee, and Chairman Newburn asked for a roll call vote on the motion. The motion lost by a vote of seven nays (Councilmen Serge, Miller, Parent, Taylor, Horvath, Newburn and Nemeth) and two ayes (Councilmen Szymkowiak and Kopczynski). Councilman Parent then made a motion that the ordinance be recommended favorably to the Common Council, seconded by Councilman Serge. The motion carried. 1 .1: 1 L 1