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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-14-89 Public Safety 'nmst#irr annul PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE alp tie (domown Qlounlit of t1 (Aim of Omd lirnh: The August 14, 1989 meeting of the Public Safety Meeting was called to order at 2:50 p.m. in the Council informal meeting room by Committee Chair Person Soderberg. Persons in attendance included Council Members: Puzzello, Niezgodski, Coleman, Duda, Soderberg, Luecke, Voorde, Slavinskas, and Zakrzewski; Chief Luther Taylor, Assistant Chief Rick Switalski, and Ann Zsymslo, members of the news media, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council Member Soderberg noted that the first item that would be discussed was Bill No. 68-89 which would amend Chapter 9, Article 3 of the Municipal Code addressing ambulance and medical user fees and a dedicated fund. Chief Taylor noted that in June of this year it was suggested that increases would be forthcoming to various ambulance charges. He noted that the last increase was in 1985. The recommended charges are as follows: Advanced life support $125. 00 to $140. 00 CPR $ 30. 00 to $ 37 . 50 Defibulation $ -0- to $ 25. 00 Mileage $ 2. 00 to $ 3 . 00 OB deliver $ -0- to $ 35. 00 Body removal $ -0- to $100. 00 The Chief noted that the first three recommended increases are the Medicare maximums where 80% is reimbursed. Rick Switalski noted that the Mayor has raised questions whether there should be a charge for body removal. There are approximately 25 to 50 cases per year which fall into this category. Body removal is necessary when Dr. McNeill or a member of the Coroner's staff requests such services. It was noted that these are requested in suspicious cases, otherwise the funeral homes are involved. It was noted that Dr. McNeill has no money in his budget for such costs. It was also noted that the "chain of evidence" is very important with regard to suspicious deaths. Public Safety Committee August 14, 1989 Page 2 Following further discussion Council Member Niezgodski made a motion seconded by Council Member Puzzello that item no. 14 entitled Body Removal $100.00 be struck from the ordinance. The motion passed. Council Member Zakrzewski then questioned the transfer of $142,000 over a quarterly basis from the Dedicated Fund. The Chief noted that this would increase to $154, 000 after 1989. The Chief stated that he believed that this was a better method as oppossed to the percentage basis and would allow many capital improvements. It was noted that the non-transport fee is suggested to be deleted in light of the fact that it is difficult to charge individuals who do not initiate the call to the City. It was further noted that there is no charge for first aid administered on the scene of an accident. Council Member Voorde questioned the assignment procedure involving Medicare. Rick Switalski noted that in limited cases the City may consider accepting an assignment whereby the 80% reimbursement from Medicare would be accepted and the 20% remaining would be written off by the City. He noted that the City tried this approximately five years ago and it was determined not to be financially responsible. He noted that Ann Zsymslo is charged with determining on an individual case basis extreme hardship cases and whether assignment would be possible in such instances. Following further discussion Council Member Niezgodski made a motion seconded by Council Member Puzzello that Bill No. 68-89 as amended be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. The Committee then reviewed Bill No. 46-89 which would amend Chapter 13 of the Municipal Code addressing defacement and damage to public property. Council Member Slavinskas, the sponsor of the Bill, then highlighted the reasons behind the Bill. He noted that he has received numerous complaints from residents complaining of derogatory graffiti spray painted throughout the City on bridges and various other public places. He anticipates coordinating this effort through. Crime Stoppers. He also noted that the maximum fine would be $50. 00 so that the Ordinance Violations Bureau could be utilized. Council Member Puzzello voiced concern with regard to children who use chalk on sidewalks. Council Member Slavinskas stated that the overall purpose was to get at the more egregious type of graffiti that uses paint, etc. Council Member Soderberg suggested that perhaps the word "sidewalks" could be deleted throughout the Bill. He then made that in the form of a motion seconded by Council Member Public Safety Committee August 14, 1989 Page 3 4 Puzzello. The motion passed. Council Member Luecke questioned whether the Bill should define public property. It was noted that the State definition was being utilized. Council Member Puzzello questioned whether additional time may be needed to coordinate with Crime Stoppers and to make some additional changes. Council Member Slavinskas was receptive to a two week continuance. Following further discussion Council Member Voorde made a motion seconded by Council Member Slavinskas that Bill No. 46-89 be continued to the August 28th meeting. The motion passed. There being no further business to come before the committee the meeting was adjourned at 3:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, William Soderberg, Chair Person Public Safety Committee