08-09-99 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

r_ Committee Zoo t: Personnel and Finance Committee go the t.ommott touitttl of the eitY of South entr: The August 9, 1999 meeting of the Personnel and Finance was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member James Aranowski, at 3:33 p.m. in the Council informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included Council Members: Aranowski, Varner, Ujdak, Kelly, Pfeifer, King and Sniadecki; Ann-Carol Nash, Eugenia Schwartz, Brian Hedman, Brian Nash, Jean-Troutman Poole, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Jones, Richard Hill,Jim Patton,James Guy, John Byorni, Doug Carpender, Ms. Koontz, Chika Nwokah,taxicab drivers and owners,Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand and Terry Bland. Council Member Aranowski noted that the first item, namely Bill No. 51-99 addressing taxicab regulations which was continued for further discussion at the last Committee meeting. Ann-Carol Nash, Assistant City Attorney made the presentation. She noted that the Substitute Bill incorporates many of the amendments discussed in the meetings with the taxicab owners, drivers, Mr. Kevin Butler, former Council Member Gene Ladewski, Council Member Aranowski and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. She noted that the Bill would increased insurance coverage required from $ 100,000 to $ 300,000; noting that Fort Wayne requires$500,000 and Michiana Airport requires$300,000.00. It incorporates a basic dress code, maintains the emergency signal lights and changes the signage regarding minimal amounts of money being carried by the drivers. The drop safe provisions have been removed in light of the growing concern of drivers over their presence and their non-enforcement of the provisions by the City Administration. Council Member Aranow ski noted that there were two (2) large meetings with the taxicab owners and drivers and several smaller meetings. He believes that a proper balance between protecting the public and drivers has been reached with the new proposed regulations. He thanked the Assistant City Attorney and the Council Attorney for their efforts on this measure and all of the taxicab owners and drivers who participated. Mr. Walter Jones stated that he believes that the time line for felonies and misdemeanor background checks may still be too long. Mr. James Guy agrees that there should be base line dress code standards, but voiced concern that many drivers are so large that they can only wear sweat pants. He hope that their would be better promotion of the safety lights with the public and the police. Council Member Aranowski stated that the Police Department has agreed to train all officers in this area. The Council Attorney noted that Captain Shock has agreed to incorporate this into the training sessions for the officers and that announcements would be made at roll call. Chika Nwokah stressed that the ordinance must be enforced by the City in order to be effective. •