02-19-09 Health and Public Safety Committee

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Health and Public Safety Committee February 19, 2009 Page 2 Council Member Whtie then called upon Jeremy Toschlog, an MSW Intern at IU South Bend to give a report. Mr. Toschlog stated that he has researched what many other communities have done which primarily focus on instituting watch group programs. He focused on Plano, Texas which has neighborhood watch groups; cities in Missouri which has state laws which permit four (4) types of tax credits for businesses located in high crime areas; and San Diego, California which have reduced crime by getting neighbors more engaged. He noted that continued interaction and collaboration were key to reducing crime. Council Member White stated that from 01-01-2007 to 01-11-09 there were 1,046 calls for service to Beacon Heights. The calls have been listed by code, with many repeat calls being for noise, domestic, etc. She hoped that these calls will be broken down by code category to give a better assessment, with this being completed in a week. Council Member Henry Davis, Jr., apologized for being tardy. He stated that he appreciates having the four (4) representatives from Beacon Heights present today. He is hoping that there will be transparent communication since he believes that change is critical to fostering growth in the area. He sees Beacon Heights "like a sore spot"; and that today's meeting is to find out how the city can be of help. He noted that he works closely with the Steering Committee seeking retail in this area; and is glad that communications are now open. Council Member White called upon the Council Attorney to give a summary of local laws. Mrs. Cekanski-Farrand stated that since 1990 the city has had a local ordinance which is found in the South Bend Municipal Code as Section 13-57.1, and was initially sponsored by then 1St District Council Member Steve Luecke. The ordinance provides for: • A "First Response Notice" to be issued by the responding police officer to the person in charge if there is a threat to public health, safety health or general welfare • A "Disturbance Violation Fee Notice" to be issued if the police officer returns to the same location which is considered a "special security assignment" where the city can charge the responsible party for personnel & equipment costs or other damage and expenses incurred as a result of the disturbance; as well as a fine of $250 • If the "person in charge" cannot be identified the owner of the location would be issued all notices and fines • All costs are paid to the Ordinance Violations Bureau and then deposited into the Law Enforcement Continuing Education Fund She noted that this is not an exclusive remedy for such disturbances.