Actions Ald. Bauman Has Taken To Improve Public Safety

• Chronic Nuisance Premises
Modified the definition of "nuisance activity" to include crimes of violence, illegal possession of firearms, possession of counterfeit items and possession of and delivery of drug paraphernalia.
(File #070318); Code of Ordinances Sec. 80-10)

• Tenant Retaliation Ordinance
Prohibits a landlord from terminating the lease agreement or otherwise retaliating against a tenant for complaining of chronic nuisance violations to the police. A landlord may still evict a tenant for failure to pay rent, committing nuisance activity or violating terms of the lease. (File #050326; Code of Ordinances Sec. 80-10)

• Vacant Building Ordinance
Compels owners of vacant and boarded-up residential buildings to repair, demolish or sell their properties within six months instead of leaving them empty.
(File #041383; Code of Ordinances Sec. 275-32)

• Traffic Calming
Created a process for residents to ask the city to construct a device, such as a mini-roundabout or "speed hump" to reduce vehicle speeds on residential streets and improve pedestrian safety.
(File #060658; Code of Ordinances Sec. 115-1)

• Shaming Ordinance
The "shaming" ordinance is meant to embarrass problem landlords into compliance. The city may post a large sign in front of a property with building code violations listing who owns the blighted property, their phone number and address. The new amendment calls for the posting even if the boarded unsafe or vacant noncompliant buildings have not been ordered closed or secured.
(File #041044; Code of Ordinances Sec. 218-9-1)

• Video Security Requirements
Require digital security cameras and video recorders at convenience food stores to help insure the safety and welfare of residents. The ordinance also provides that owners of other retail establishments at which 3 or more crimes have occurred during a one-year period may be required to install digital cameras. (File #050287; Code of Ordinances Sec. 68-4 and 105-91)