09-10-81 Residential Neighborhood

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OImmnnitttre irpnrt can the mammon {IIounril of or alitH of onuo wrnd: Residential Neighborhood Committee The September 10, 1981 meeting of the Residential Neighborhood Committee was called to order by its Chairman. Councilman Beverlie J. Beck in the Council informal meeting room at 4:10 p.m. Persons in attendance included: Councilmen Crone, Beck, Taylor, and Szymkowiak, Capt. Ed Friend, Eugenia Schwartz,Michael Weidt and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. The purpose of the meeting was to continue discussions on Bill No. 75-81 which pertains to the licensing of bicycles. Councilman Beck, the sponsor of the bill noted that this is the second time that her committee will be meeting on this bill, and it is set for public hearing at the September 15th council meeting. She then asked Captain Friend to update the Committee. Captain Friend stated that the purpose of the Bill was to help eliminate the increasing number of stolen bicycles. Approximately 3, 000 are stolen each year in our city. Most are not licensed, and therefore are very difficult to process through the Police Department. He would. like to compile as many numbers as possible on -the computer so that this new system will help cut crime. He estimated that approximately one-half million dollars is lost each year due to bicycle thefts. Because so few bicycles are licensed, it is presently a low priorty with the department. Councilman Taylor was concerned about several aspects of the bill. He stated that if you are going to give away free bicycle licenses, why not give them away for dogs too. He was against this aspect of the Bill, and believes that it is a part of good citizenship to be accountable and comply with the law. He believes that this Bill is trying to do the impossible. Councilman Crone had several questions regarding the Bill. She questions Section 20-33 on the issuance of licenses; Section 20-34 the definition of "satisfactory proof of ownership" ;and Section 20-36 the no fee section. She does not believe that the fee of $1. 00 for three years which the present law requires is hardly a deterrent. She does not understand why the fee would be removed when there would be costs involved to print and distribute the licenses (decals) and the cost of the on-line computer time. Councilman Beck stated that she had requested costs from Mr. Kernan, however he had not responded. Captain Friend speculated that each decal would cost 25 cents each and a similar cost for the computer. Councilman Beck stressed the need for the Bill. She believes that we need a deterrent to stop what has become a large juvenile crime problem. She believes that the public is very much in favor of such a Bill. Councilman Crone noted that she had gotten several telephone calls asking why the City was going to give away free licenses. Councilman Taylor stated that he does not believe that the Bill is an improvement over what we presently have on the books. • Eugenia Schwartz suggested trying a thirty day free licenses period, however Councilmen Taylor and Crone did not believe it would work . •Arc ►Qrrr . . PU•u$HIH co.