HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-02-09 Health and Public Safety..
a HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY
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DECEMBER 2, 2009
Karen L. White, Chairperson, Health and Public Safety Committee called the meeting to
order at 4:30 p.m.
Committee Members Present: Ann Puzzello, Valerie Schey, Citizen Member
Other Councilmember's Present: Al "Buddy" Kirsits, David Varner
Other's Present: Mary Wisniewski, Central Services, Captain Jeff Rynearson -SBPD,
Bill Anksorus, Driver City/Checker Cab, Grant Schmidt, Notre Dame Student Body
President, Ann-Carol Nash, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand
Agenda: Initial Discussion on Amendments to the Taxi Cab Ordinance
Chairperson White briefly outlined the need to review the provisions of the taxi
ordinance. Chairperson White then turned the discussion to Ann-Carol Nash, Deputy
City Attorney, who is assigned this topic for her comments.
Ann-Carol recounted the collaborative efforts among the administration, the Council, the
owners and taxi drivers, and the SBPD that produced the 1999 ordinance. Based upon
complaints regarding current compliance including, cleanliness of cabs, availability, and
adherence to rate schedules, and courtesy of drivers, she felt it was time to review the
effectiveness of the provisions. Ann-Carol also alluded to enforcement problems due to
inconsistency, lack of attention, education, and insufficient dedication of resources in the
Legal Department. Responding to Karen White's question about the nature of complaints
Ann-Carol spoke of taxi availability, especially at night, rate variances, and rogue
unlicensed cabs. She also spoke of enforcement successes especially in the background
checks done before licenses are issued.
Kathy Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney, suggested her research of "best practices"
gleaned from other city's experience could be melded into our own standards. Kathy also
indicated that with 11 local cab companies, employing 184 drivers there were only three
citations issued last year for non-compliance with the current bill uneven enforcement of
the current provisions for whatever reason needed review.
Ann-Carol Nash interjected that suspensions or denials of licenses would be more
effective than fines. SBPD night-shift Capt. Rynearson said the majority of complaints
occur during football weekends, there not being a major problem otherwise. Ann-Carol
reinforced her claim that ticket issuance was not the solution. She suggested working
with the taxi companies to get them to accept personal responsibility for compliance.
Threat of license suspension or denial of a license to operate a cab being a better way to
assure responsibility and compliance. Chairperson White wondered how a citizen can
report a problem. Valerie Schey thought clearly posted telephone numbers in cabs to call
and record complaints would help. Bill Anksorus, a driver, said many of the problems
and complaints are due to independent even unlicensed cabs. While the legitimate cab
companies work to comply they are competing with and being undercut by the rogue
cabs. He said six of the 11 licensed companies do not provide night dispatch service as
required by law. Ann-Carol Nash suggested the issuance system be reviewed and also
felt the airport folks needed to be at the discussion table. Kathy Cekanski-Farrand
maintained enforcement, fairly & consistently was the problem. Councilmember Varner
suggested a two tier system of licenses be tried, one for day only and orie for 24 hour
operation. Responding to the enforcement issue Ann-Carol Nash said it all falls on her
and aone-person enforcement approach which just can't get the job done. Notre Dame
Student Grant Schmidt felt better signage in cabs for rates and complaint recourse would
help. Captain Rynearson said rates should be clearly posted on the outside of cabs.
Valerie Schey suggested uniform colors and markings on cabs to help identify companies
would help. Driver training requirements, driver's log requirements, provision of receipts
and ability to use credit cards to pay fares were all discussed. Kathy Cekanski-Farrand
suggested another meeting with all parties concerned by held after the holidays. In the
meantime she would continue to research "best practices" in other locales.
Chairperson White agreed tentatively setting the next meeting for Wednesday, January
20, 2010 at 3:30 p.m.
There being no further business to come before the Committee at this time, Chairperson
White adjourned the meeting at 5:35 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Karen L. White, Chairperson
Health and Public Safety Committee