HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-17-11 Health & Public Safety Committee '^,,,,k. / �� .
HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY MAY 17, 2011
Health and Public Safety Committee Members Present: Chairperson White; Tim Rouse
Other Councilmember's Present: Derek Dieter
Other's Present: Citizen Member Marcus Ellison; Ann-Carol Nash; Gregg Zientara;, Kathleen
Cekanski-Farrand; Jeff Sanford; Paul D. Smith, Express Cab;Arthur Forbes, Blue Ribbon; Chris
Huff, United; Michael , Michiana Cab; Jean Ntakirutimana; Jim Payton, American Cab; Kerry
Cleus, Blue Ribbon Cab; Mike Speth; Mary Wisniewski, Central Services
Agenda: Tax Cab Regulations; Unreasonable Noise Ordinance;Miscellaneous
Chairperson White began her Health and Public Safety Committee meeting by providing a
handout agenda for all attendees. (Attached) First on the agenda was a discussion after taxi
regulations proposed by the city administration. Chairperson White recounted the background
work leading to these proposals emphasizing her primary areas of concern. She urged the
administration to put together a final draft for consideration in early August with implementation
and enforcement by September 1, 2011. With that sense of urgency Chairperson White
introduced Ann-Carol Nash to explain the essence of her latest draft.
Ann-Carol Nash said the proposed bill was geared to safety for both the public and the cab
drivers. The bill will have a consistent high level of service, transparency, implementation and
enforcement.
Ann-Carol stressed a need for frequent cab inspections for cleanliness, the need for fair, clearly
posted rates both on the cab and on the website.
Chairperson White asked about in-cab video cameras, grandfathering, and compliance and
penalties for violations.
Ann-Carol addressed each issue stressing communication and consistency in application and
enforcement as key to a better ordinance.
Moving to comments from taxi drivers in attendance Chairperson White, heard comments from
four. First, Paul Smith, From Express Cab who was supportive of on-board cameras. Jim
Payton,from American Cab who emphasized the need for standardized, fair, consistent
inspections. Kerry Clear from Blue Ribbon who had concerns about out of state or other"special"
flat rates. Jim Payton also asked for standardized inspection criteria among South Bend, the
airport, and Mishawaka. A representative of the insurance industry supported cameras in cars
and the mandating of passenger seat belts. Kerry Clear asked about drug testing for drivers—
who, what, where, how often.
In closing Chairperson White reasserted to the City her desire to pass a bill by August.
Addressing noise ordinance violations Karen indicated that while Councilmember Henry Davis
was absent today, his concern was a lack of enforcement of the noise ordinance. No one from
the public was present to comment. From the Council attending, only Derek Dieter spoke. He
maintained the Police Department was doing a good job. Tickets have been issued and
violations are down.
There being no further business to come before the committee at this time, Chairperson White
adjourned the meeting at 4:18 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
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Karen L.White, Chairperson
Health and Public Safety Committee