HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-24-10 Community Relations Committee,,.;
COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE OS-24-10
Committee Members Present: Henry Davis, Jr., David Varner, Karen White, Ann Puzzello
Other Council Present: Derek Dieter; Tim Rouse; Oliver Davis; Tom LaFountain; AI
"Buddy" Kirsits
Others Present: Mayor Luecke, Gary Gilot, Barbara Huber, Dan Herbster, Isaac
Hunt, Charles Watkins, Billy Gene Easton, Tom Bush, Rita
Kopala, Chuck Leone, Jeff Parrot, Curtis Voreis, Dave Ryan
Agenda: Discussion -School Safety Zones - Gilot
Chairperson Henry Davis called the meeting to review school zone signage and street markings.
Mr. Davis stated safety of school children should be our primary concern. As well, Mr. Davis
asked about cell phone "zone" around schools where cell phone use was prohibited by an
ordinance recently passed by Council.
Gary Gilot, Director of Public Works, provided a 50+ page handout (attached) which he outlined
byway of a power point presentation.
He began by pointing out that the city was required to the Indiana State Manual of Uniform Traffic
Control Devices (MUTCD.) This manual is in the process of being revised to reflect new state law
which goes into effect in 2015. Gary stated his goal was to be in compliance by 2014. To that
end the city is currently conducting an inventory of sings already in place, bar coding the
inventory, and updating sign stock.
In addition Gary suggested some basic questions needed to be answered before a great deal of
time, dollars and other resources are spent. For example, shall we invest in school zone no cell
phone signs or support acity-wide cell phone ban while operating a vehicle. Budget restrictions
along with consideration of how limited dollars are best or most effectively spent.
After his summation Derek Dieter and Ann Puzzello both expressed support for acity-wide cell-
phone use while driving restriction.
Councilmember Oliver Davis brought up the safety problems facing the new Xavier School.
Located between South Michigan Street and South Main Street, both heavily traveled streets. He
said new schools should work with the city to ameliorate these problems before they open. Gary
said an overall comprehensive plan needs to be developed. Karen White agreed; but said we
also had to respond to current concerns. Henry Davis wondered if cost-sharing with schools
should be explored. Barbara Huber from Xavier School said this would be difficult in that charter
school do not receive funds for transportation in Indiana. Dan Herbster a County Councilman and
Xavier Board member said long-range planning is needed but current problems require
immediate solution. Isaac Hunt, Xavier Board member, said the school came to the city before it
opened and was told to wait by Jeff Gibney. Karen White recommended a study group be formed
to study safety issues, asking they report back to the Council on June 28tH
There being no further business to come before the Committee at this time, Chairperson Henry
Davis adjourned the meeting at 5:12 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Henry Davis, Jr., Chairperson
Community Relations Committee