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• Zoning and Annexation Committee October 9, 2000 Page 5 scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. that those members of the public who wish to speak in favor of the Substitute Bill No. 00-113 would be provided with ten(10) minutes and that those members of the public who wish to oppose the bill would also be provided with ten (10) minutes; reminding all present that an advisory recommendation by the Committee would be made only and that all persons would have an opportunity to address the Bill at the formal public hearing later this evening before the Common Council. Chairperson White selected Council Member Ujdak to be the time keeper for this portion of the meeting. Council Member Coleman suggested that if those in favor of the proposed Resolution do not use their entire amount of time that those in opposition be entitled to use any time remaining. Dr. Scott Thomas then spoke in favor of the substitute resolution. He noted that he specializes in trauma surgery. He stated that 38 of the 50 states have organized trauma surgery and that he is dedicated his medical career to have Indiana added. He stated that the helistop should be as close as possible to the ER/Trauma Center since it is the nerve center of the hospital. He stated that the service is critically needed and long overdue. Gladys Muhammad then spoke in favor. She noted that her mother was recently critically ill and needed to be taken to Indianapolis. She stated that they went by land and were very anxious in light of speed limits and vehicle delays. She urged the Council to adopt the measure concluding that it is a service which will save lives. The Committee then listened to those speaking in opposition. Mr. Colin Hodson spoke against the measure. He stated that additional time to study the proposal is needed by the neighborhood. He stated that in his opinion the proposed use is illegal. Dr. Ali Henderson questioned the motivation of the proposal, its timing and its location. She requested Memorial Hospital to compromise. Rolanda Hughes stated that the proposal would result in a negative health impact on those living on Lafayette Street. She suggested that the hospital look at other sites which would result in less down drafts from the helicopters. Chairperson White then turned the meeting to the Committee portion. Council Member Varner inquired why the more centralized site was not selected. Mr. Synder noted that the flight path required the site to be moved north and that the design was therefore modified. Council Member Aranowski then directed questions to Mr. Rick Lowrence the pilot of Air Angels. He inquired about the height of the air ambulance upon approach. Mr. Lowrence stated that the helicopter would be at 1,500 feet and then descend to 300-500' to begin his approach. He noted that he has been flying air ambulances for sixteen(16) years. Council Member Aranowski then inquired about the amount of time which the helicopter would spend on the helistop. Mr. Lowrence stated that it would depend on whether it was a "hot unload" or not. He noted that it would average between 30 seconds and 2 minutes for a "hot unload" or "hot load"; and the start up time of 3 1/2 minutes to 4 minutes. He noted that air ambulance helicopters from Fort Wayne would be required to follow the FAA approved flight patterns. He also noted that Air Angels follow Fly Neighborly Program guidelines.