07-27-09 Health and Public Safety

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~., ,, . ....... ' ~ :HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY The July 27, 2009 meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee of the South Bend Common Council was called to order by its Chairperson Council Member Karen L. White at 4:03 p.m. in the Informal Meeting Room, 4th Floor County-City Building, 227 W. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, Indiana Persons in attendance included: Committee Members: Ann Puzzello, Vice-Chairperson; Henry Davis; Tim Rouse; Marcus Ellison Other Council Members Present: Derek D. Dieter; Tom LaFountain; David Varner; Oliver Davis; AI "Buddy" Kirsits Others Present: Mayor Steve Luecke; Kathy Cekanski-Farrand; Gary Gilot; Rita Kopala; Martha Lewis; Jeff Parrott Agenda: Bill N0.48-09 -Banning Use of Cell Phone in School Zones Chairperson White began the hearing saying the bill was co-sponsored by Councilmember's Puzzello; LaFountain and herself. She said the bill grew out of discussions with school crossing guards last fall. Councilmember Puzzello noted both Jim Kapsa, the SBCSC School Superintendent of Public Schools, and South Bend Police Chief Darryl Boykins supported the bill. Chairperson White said safety for school children was paramount. Both Councilmember's Puzzello and White acknowledged there were enforcement concerns such as Who? Where? When? How? Councilmember LaFountain also shared enforcement concerns; but said other cities around the country were doing the same. Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand explained the legal basis for the bill and the schedule of fines and penalties. Councilmember Dieter wondered how school zones were to be designated? By Whom? And would they be adequately marked? Gilot said twenty zones would be designated by Board of Public Works and would be adequately marked at a cost of $142.00 per sign installed. Council President Dieter suggested consultation with the school board and the South Bend Police Department. Councilmember Davis asked whether private schools were to be included. The Mayor asked whether the Council would consider acity-wide ban. He also asked that the first dollars in fines be set aside for the costs of the program. Councilmember Henry Davis stated he agreed with the Mayor on acity-wide ban. Further, both he and Councilmember Rouse felt while child safety came first there were many questions that needed to be answered. Councilmember Henry Davis then made a motion to recommend tabling the bill which Councilmember Rouse seconded. The subsequent committee vote resulted in a tie that was broken by President Dieter resulting in a failed action. Councilmember Puzzello said the bill was a good one and at the very least took good 15t steps. Councilmember Rouse said acity-wide bill would be more enforceable. Councilmember Puzzello motioned the bill be sent with no recommendation. It was seconded by Councilmember Henry Davis. All supported.