05-24-10 Community Relations Committee

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,,.; COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE OS-24-10 Committee Members Present: Henry Davis, Jr., David Varner, Karen White, Ann Puzzello Other Council Present: Derek Dieter; Tim Rouse; Oliver Davis; Tom LaFountain; AI "Buddy" Kirsits Others Present: Mayor Luecke, Gary Gilot, Barbara Huber, Dan Herbster, Isaac Hunt, Charles Watkins, Billy Gene Easton, Tom Bush, Rita Kopala, Chuck Leone, Jeff Parrot, Curtis Voreis, Dave Ryan Agenda: Discussion -School Safety Zones - Gilot Chairperson Henry Davis called the meeting to review school zone signage and street markings. Mr. Davis stated safety of school children should be our primary concern. As well, Mr. Davis asked about cell phone "zone" around schools where cell phone use was prohibited by an ordinance recently passed by Council. Gary Gilot, Director of Public Works, provided a 50+ page handout (attached) which he outlined byway of a power point presentation. He began by pointing out that the city was required to the Indiana State Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD.) This manual is in the process of being revised to reflect new state law which goes into effect in 2015. Gary stated his goal was to be in compliance by 2014. To that end the city is currently conducting an inventory of sings already in place, bar coding the inventory, and updating sign stock. In addition Gary suggested some basic questions needed to be answered before a great deal of time, dollars and other resources are spent. For example, shall we invest in school zone no cell phone signs or support acity-wide cell phone ban while operating a vehicle. Budget restrictions along with consideration of how limited dollars are best or most effectively spent. After his summation Derek Dieter and Ann Puzzello both expressed support for acity-wide cell- phone use while driving restriction. Councilmember Oliver Davis brought up the safety problems facing the new Xavier School. Located between South Michigan Street and South Main Street, both heavily traveled streets. He said new schools should work with the city to ameliorate these problems before they open. Gary said an overall comprehensive plan needs to be developed. Karen White agreed; but said we also had to respond to current concerns. Henry Davis wondered if cost-sharing with schools should be explored. Barbara Huber from Xavier School said this would be difficult in that charter school do not receive funds for transportation in Indiana. Dan Herbster a County Councilman and Xavier Board member said long-range planning is needed but current problems require immediate solution. Isaac Hunt, Xavier Board member, said the school came to the city before it opened and was told to wait by Jeff Gibney. Karen White recommended a study group be formed to study safety issues, asking they report back to the Council on June 28tH