03-07-88 Residential Neighborhoods

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Mr. Richard Miller of 226 E. Navarre noted that he is one of several residence who suffers from Emphysema. He showed a device called a "breath-meter" and that a person like Councilman Voorde would be rated at approximately 650 on the meter, whereas, Mr. Miller would have a meter rating of 170. He stressed that the Council cannot let money override the health issues at stake. He further noted that in one year, his hospital bills were over $200,000.00. He stressed that he,as well as, all of the other residents of the South Bend are entitled to breath clean air. Dr. Edward Gergesha,with offices at 720 Cedar, who is a Doctor of Pediatrics, stated that at his home he bags approximately 60 bags per year from his Norway Maples. He noted that approximately 10% of our community has individuals who suffer from asthma or chronic lung diseases. He further noted that for medication alone for a child with asthma would cost approximately $100.00 per month; additionally there would be visits to the emergency room costing anywhere from $50.00 to $200.00 per visit, visits to allergists costing between $25. 00 to $50. 00 each visit during each leaf burning season. He also noted that many residents end up staying in intensive care units for up to 90 days which would cost approximately $100, 000. 00. He concluded by stating that if any individual can rake and burn leaves they are capable of bagging those same leaves. Dr. Romana Primus, an Allergist, with offices at 125 N. St. Peter, stated that at her home they bag approximately 88 bags each season. She noted that during leaf burning seasons she has to change her schedule due to the many people who suffer during that period of time. She noted that it results in additional transportation problems for the individuals since they cannot walk in the open air, that there is a tremendous additional cost due to the changes in life style, that there is a loss of time from employment and that many individuals suffer from a loss of self image. She stressed that bagging would be a "drop in the bucket" compared to the costs of health care during the same period of time. Dr. Primus further noted that she had contacted Mary Welding of the St. Joseph Hospital Emergency Room and studied the emergency visits from October 16, 1987 through November 7, 1987. For that period of time there are 85 individuals who sought emergency assistance related to problems associated with leaf burning. She concluded by stating that Communities have spent many tax dollars positively in assisting those individuals who are handicapped and in wheel chairs with regard to curb cuts, etc. However, the number of individuals who suffer from breathing difficulties is a much larger percentage which should warrant a priority in this Community. 2