07-13-15 Health and Public Safety

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HEALTH & PUBLIC SAFETY JULY 13, 2015 4:35 P.M. Committee Members Present: Derek Dieter, Dr. Fred Ferlic, Karen White, Valerie Schey Citizen Members Present: Bob Emery (AB) Other Council Present: Tim Scott, Henry Davis (XAB), Dr. David Varner, Oliver Davis (AB), Gavin Ferlic Others Present: SBFD Chief Steve Cox, Mike Schmidt, Randy Wilkerson Agenda: Bill No. 33 -15 Amend Ambulance /Medical Service Fees Bill No. 15 -35 Recommending a Tall Grass /Weed Abatement Pilot Program Focusing on Local Youth with Working Opportunities for the Summer of 2015 Bill No. 18 -15 Hand -held Electronic Device Ban.While Driving Derek Dieter, Chair of the Health and Public Safety Committee, with a full committee present opened the hearing with three items on the agenda. The first, bill 33 -15, was a request from the South Bend Fire Department to increase ambulance user fees. Fire Chief Cox made the presentation. He said the requested increase basically represents the increase in reimbursement amount allowed by Medicare. In response to a question from Councilmember Valerie Schey, the Chief said about 50% of what is billed is collected. After further discussion Valerie motioned for approval. Dr. Ferlic seconded and all affirmed. The next scheduled agenda item bill 15 -35 required acceptance of a substitute bill. This was Ok'd on motions from Valerie Schey and Dr. Ferlic approved by all. This bill sponsored by Tim Scott, Dr. Fred Ferlic, and Karen White would establish a pilot program focusing on youth work opportunities and life skill development while addressing tall grass /weed abatement in the City. Tim Scott, Council President and co- sponsor made the presentation. His presentation was supplemented by Randy Wilkerson, the Director of Code Enforcement and Mike Schmidt, a Deputy City Attorney. It was explained the money to support the pilot program was available. Though the mechanics of the measure were yet to be finalized it was if the pilot effort were successful yet in 2015, the program could be expanded in 2016. Tim went on to point out that the program was designed to be created for youth and a better job of keeping up with overgrown lots would result. Both Dr. Ferlic and Karen White spoke to the advantages of the program designed to address the need to provide youth employment and development of life skills.