05-17-11 Health & Public Safety Committee

Home Browse Search

'^,,,,k. / �� . HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY MAY 17, 2011 Health and Public Safety Committee Members Present: Chairperson White; Tim Rouse Other Councilmember's Present: Derek Dieter Other's Present: Citizen Member Marcus Ellison; Ann-Carol Nash; Gregg Zientara;, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand; Jeff Sanford; Paul D. Smith, Express Cab;Arthur Forbes, Blue Ribbon; Chris Huff, United; Michael , Michiana Cab; Jean Ntakirutimana; Jim Payton, American Cab; Kerry Cleus, Blue Ribbon Cab; Mike Speth; Mary Wisniewski, Central Services Agenda: Tax Cab Regulations; Unreasonable Noise Ordinance;Miscellaneous Chairperson White began her Health and Public Safety Committee meeting by providing a handout agenda for all attendees. (Attached) First on the agenda was a discussion after taxi regulations proposed by the city administration. Chairperson White recounted the background work leading to these proposals emphasizing her primary areas of concern. She urged the administration to put together a final draft for consideration in early August with implementation and enforcement by September 1, 2011. With that sense of urgency Chairperson White introduced Ann-Carol Nash to explain the essence of her latest draft. Ann-Carol Nash said the proposed bill was geared to safety for both the public and the cab drivers. The bill will have a consistent high level of service, transparency, implementation and enforcement. Ann-Carol stressed a need for frequent cab inspections for cleanliness, the need for fair, clearly posted rates both on the cab and on the website. Chairperson White asked about in-cab video cameras, grandfathering, and compliance and penalties for violations. Ann-Carol addressed each issue stressing communication and consistency in application and enforcement as key to a better ordinance. Moving to comments from taxi drivers in attendance Chairperson White, heard comments from four. First, Paul Smith, From Express Cab who was supportive of on-board cameras. Jim Payton,from American Cab who emphasized the need for standardized, fair, consistent inspections. Kerry Clear from Blue Ribbon who had concerns about out of state or other"special" flat rates. Jim Payton also asked for standardized inspection criteria among South Bend, the airport, and Mishawaka. A representative of the insurance industry supported cameras in cars and the mandating of passenger seat belts. Kerry Clear asked about drug testing for drivers— who, what, where, how often. In closing Chairperson White reasserted to the City her desire to pass a bill by August.