03-23-15 Health and Public Safety

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HEALTH & PUBLIC SAFETY Committee Members Present: Citizen Members Present: Other Council Present: Others Present: Agenda: MARCH 23, 2015 4:35 P.M. Derek Dieter, Dr. Fred Ferlic, Karen White, Valerie Schey Bob Emery Tim Scott, Henry Davis, Oliver Davis, Gavin Ferlic, Dr. David Varner Kathy Cekanski - Farrand, Erin Hansen- SBT Bill 15 -15 "Drive Now, Text 1.811" Campaign Derek Dieter, Chair of the Health & Public Safety Committee called his committee to order to give hearing to bill 15 -15 sponsored by Councilman Henry Davis. The bill would encourage local high school and college students to participate in a "Drive Now, Text 1_811" campaign. Henry Davis articulated the main provisions of the bill. He said this was part of a state -wide effort to curb distracted driving resulting in a significant increase in traffic accidents causing both injury and death especially among the youngest segment drivers. He said the bill was tied to a bill passed by the past Council which banned the use of electronic devices in school zones. Henry cited examples of cities across the land that had banned cell or other electronic devices city -wide. Assisting his presentation were three high school students who had prepared an overhead presentation which illustrated the costly and potentially deadly consequences of distracted driving. Their presentation was developed to compete for a five thousand dollar scholarship, all a part of the effort to stem distracted driving. The students said they hoped to inform, convince, and change the distracted driving habits of young drivers. All the Councilmembers, in turn offered their support to the students effort. Each made suggestions how they might get the word out through social media as well as the usual media outlets. Ultimately Gavin Ferlic made a motion to recommend favorably which was seconded by Karen White and supported by all. Derek adjourned the meeting at 4:54 P.M.