HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-23-15 Joint Meeting Health and Public Safety & Residential Neighborhoods** JOINT MEETING **
HEALTH & PUBLIC SAFETY
HEALTH & PUBLIC SAFETY
FEBRUARY 23, 2015 P.M. 3:45 P.M.
Committee Members Present: Derek Dieter, Dr. Fred Ferlic, Karen White, Valerie Schey
Citizen Members Present: Vacant
RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS
Committee Members Present: Derek Dieter, Gavin Ferlic, Karen White, Dr. Fred Ferlic
Citizen Members Present: Vacant
Other Council Present: Tim Scott, Henry Davis, Dr. David Varner, Oliver Davis
Others Present: Randy Wilkerson, NCE, Michael Murray, Katheryn Roos,
Jack Smith, Nancy Eide
Agenda: Bill 05 -15 Amend Code — Residential Composting Regulations
Derek Dieter, Chair of both the Health & Public Safety and Residential Neighborhoods Committees
opened this joint committee hearing to consider bill 05 -15 which addresses residential composting
regulations.
The bill is co- sponsored by Councilmembers Valerie Schey and Oliver Davis. Valerie Schey made the
presentation stating that the bill was aimed at the mutual goals of allowing citizens to compost in a
manner that does not create a nuisance for the nearby neighbors. She noted the bill was written with
the help of the Council Attorney the Department of Code Enforcement and the City's Legal staff.
During the Council questions portion of the hearing Derek Dieter had questions about enforcement.
Valerie said the NCE would be responsible, adding it would be complaint driven.
Tim Scott asked about enforcement as well. Randy Wilkerson, Director of Code Enforcement, said
judgment would be a case by case basis. He said most complaints of composting were the odor.
Derek wondered if this bill was an example of overregulation. Randy said complaints had been received
about improper composting that again, generated odor complaints requiring follow -up.
Dr. Fred Ferlic voiced support for the bill. Valerie said there was backyard composting guide from
Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) attached to the bill.
During the public portion Nancy Eide of 1436 Sunnymede spoke in support of the bill. No one spoke
against.
Closing discussion Derek counted unanimous support for a favorable recommendation after motions by
Gavin Ferlic and Valerie Schey to that effect.
Derek Dieter adjourned the meeting at 3:55 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Derek Dieter, Chairperson
Health & Public Safety Committee
Residential Neighborhoods Committee