04-13-15 Common Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING APRIL 13, 2015 Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr. presented Resolution 15-26 to the full Council. Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr. welcomed those involved to join him at the podium. He acknowledged there was a similar bill in the past where they mourned a young child, but obviously this is still an issue. He gave recognition to those that work with children and the advocates that help to prevent and raise awareness to child abuse. Councilmember Henry recently spoke to a school teacher, who could tell if a child is being abused by their test scores. He reiterated the root of poverty and abusive households that can lead to prisons and crime of young children Councilmember White – I would like to say to all of the social workers, case managers, and supervisors I sincerely appreciate all the hard work that you do, as it’s not an easy task. Any nation that does not take care of its youth or elderly is a nation on the decline. It doesn’t stop at your jobs, you take it home, and it’s a tough job. We are grateful that you have walked into this profession. We are grateful for the work that you do on behalf of our children. Councilmember Mr. Ferlic – I concur with Councilmember White. Thank you for all the hard work that you do for our community. Councilmember Oliver Davis – It is an honor and a pleasure to honor you all tonight. As a social worker, myself, I work with many of you, working with children is not just a job; it’s a calling. It’s through the work that you do that makes our city stronger; one child at a time, one family at a time. It teaches you to see life through a different eye. Tonight we want to say thank you. Councilmember Dr. Ferlic – Thank you very much. You are truly the unsung heroes of the defenseless. It is because of you that we have protocols for emergency rooms, for those that are being abused can be taken out of that environment. Thank you for calling it to our attention. Thank you for all the good you have done from the public health stand point. Councilmember Schey – Thank you is probably not enough to say. It is really humbling to think of what your days must be like. Truly from the bottom of my heart I am so grateful for all that you do. Council President Scott – I cannot add any more than what they have said other than that we are truly thankful. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Those wishing to speak in favor: Teresa Zornig, Department of Child Services, Saint Joseph County – DCS of St. Joseph County thanks the Common Council for honoring the month of April as the National Child Abuse Prevention month. We would like to thank the stakeholders, those in the community, along with our service workers that make a positive impact on a child’s life. You as a citizen can lend a hand, offer an ear to hear, or volunteer for organizations that support families in our community. Jennifer Pickering, 52159 Arrowhead Circle, Granger – Over the last two to three years, we have had an annual partnership to celebrate child abuse prevention in the month of April to celebrate nd children. This year we will celebrate with the Cubs on Saturday, May 2. There will be a garden that will be planted for those in care. This will be a public venue with information on how to get involved with this cause. The information will be left at the County Court house for those wishing to participate. There being no one present wishing to speak to the Council in opposition to this bill, Councilmember Oliver made a motion to adopt by acclamation for bill 15-26. Councilmember Mr. Ferlic seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of seven (7) ayes. 8