06-10-09 Health and Public Safety Minutes

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~~ e ....~.. ~.._..__.,,___ ~ __ HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY The June 10, 2009 meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee of the South Bend Common Council was called to order by its Chairperson Council Member Karen L. White at 5:07 p.m. at the University of Notre Dame Community Relations Office, 217 S. Michigan Street, South Bend, Indiana. Persons in attendance included Council Members Henry Davis; Derek D. Dieter; Marcus Ellison, Citizen Member; Ann-Carol Nash; Catherine Toppel; Rey Hernandez, Barbara Brandy, Karen Brandycomer, Mrs. Rucker, Gene Oakley, John Voorde Agenda: Quality of Life Ordinances Karen White, Chairperson, Health and Public Safety Committee, began the meeting by outlining the purpose of these mini town hall meetings. The background she explained was an ongoing process initiated by the Council to hold meetings in each councilmanic district to better hear residents concerns and suggestions. The intent is to open dialogue focusing on quality of life issues in the neighborhoods. Problems would be identified. Remedial efforts would be evaluated and changes in procedures and ordinances could be made if deemed necessary. Chairperson White then introduced Council Member Henry L. Davis, Jr. who welcomed those attending; then solicited their concerns. Rey Hernandez of 702 South Street led off by asking if the noise ordinance could be enforced to ameliorate problems at a convenience store parking lot on the corner of Lincoln Way East and South Street. Loud "boom boxes" of store customers proliferate. Rey asked if signs could be posted to inform and warn offenders. Ann-Carol Nash, a Deputy City Attorney said she would follow-up with public works. She also advised calling the SBPD hotline when offenses occur. Council Member Henry Davis introduced Derek Dieter, President, South Bend Common Council and police officer, to explain SBPD's response. Derek cautioned confronting offenders, suggesting calling a response hotline hopefully with a license plate number of the offender. He said the Police Department works to identify and notify the culprits. Gene Oakley corroborated the noise problems adding the issue of downtown accessibility to a litany of concerns. Specifically he highlighted a lack of curb cuts for wheelchairs resulting in dangerous situations for the handicapped and elderly. Karen Brandycorrier, in a power chair herself, not only agreed; but added specific problem areas in the downtown. This prompted input from several residents each with their own lament. Chairperson White reassured all that the Council appreciates the input pledging to take action to overcome legal orjurisdictional road blocks to effectively address concerns.