02-20-08 Health and Public Safety Committee

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Health and Public Safety Committee February 20, 2008 Page 4 Mayor Luecke noted that the city should know by March 15th with regard to new laws enacted by the Indiana General Assembly. The issue of "Privilege of the Floor" was briefly discussed. It was noted that persons should be limited to three (3) minutes with the time for this section of the meeting being limited to 30 minutes total. It was noted that it was not to be a time for debate. Council Member White stated that when she was President she would assign an issue raised to the Council Member who chaired a committee which may have jurisdiction over the issue. Council Member Puzzello noted that this section of the meetings became very contentious when the Cove and the Hall of Fame were being proposed. The Council Attorney inquired whether the Administration or TACT was tracking Senate Bill No. 81 dealing with accident response fees. She noted that a similar bill was enacted by the Indiana General Assembly last year and was vetoed by the Governor. Mayor Luecke stated that he has not followed this bill. Council Member Puzzello raised the issue of fees, noting that the City of Mishawaka often doubles fees for persons who are not residents of Mishawaka. Mayor Luecke noted that there is a bill downstate which would restrict communications to one, which he opposes. He noted that there is a need for redundancy with regard to public safety. He would send more information to the Committee as it becomes available. Council Member White inquired about the hotel/motel proposed licensing ordinance which has been continued indefinitely at the request of the Administration. She noted concerns with operations like the Wooden Indian. Mr. Leone stated that he has been talking with hotel officials and their concern is that such regulations may become county-wide. He stated that his department is looking into an annual certification process but at this point they are open to suggestions. The first step would be information sharing. The Council Attorney noted that she shared with Council Member White last year a program which some of the California cities are utilizing. It basically is a flow chart which provides structure for an ordinance from its passage, through the implementation process of training enforcement officers to enforcement and collection. Council Member Dieter noted that Chief Boykins will be at a meeting of the NNN on Saturday at 10 am. Council Member White noted that Civic Day is also this Saturday and she will be with the 21St Century Scholars.