HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-11-93 Public Safety Committee Ztport
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
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The January 11, 1993 meeting of the Public Safety Committee was called to order by its
chairperson, Council Member Gene Ladewski at 4:35 p.m. in the Council Informal
Meeting Room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members Luecke, Coleman, Puzzello,
Washington, Kelly, Slavinskas,Duda and Ladewski; attorney Kevin Butler, attorney Mary
Hall Mueller, Glenda Rae Hernandez,Don Porter, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand.
Council Member Ladewski noted that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss Bill No.
121-92 which would amend Chapter 4, Article IV of the South Bend Municipal Code
addressing "Required Vehicle Equipment for Safety of Taxicab Drivers".
Council Member Ladewski, the sponsor of the Bill, stated that work began through a
special committee in September of last year. It involved members of the legal staff as well
as taxicab owners and their legal representatives. He stated that they studied laws from Los
Angeles, Chicago, Miami, and Detroit.
He stated that the vehicle safety equipment would include a drop safe with an approximate
cost of$25.00, a distress signal cost with an unknown cost figure and decals and signs.
Mary Hall Mueller of the City Attorney staff stated that they City anticipated purchasing
such decals and signs and have those provided as the licensing process.
Council Member Ladewski then handed out a letter dated January 10, 1993 form Grady L.
Thompson (copy attached) addressing the safety features. Council Member Ladewski
stated that the "Bullet-proof window glass" is really only bullet resistant and has a cost of
approximately$500.00 each. He stated that the Committee was not suggesting this in light
of its cost and in light of the fact that a potential robbery could take place with bullets being
fired with someone from outside of the individual taxicab.
Mary Hall Mueller stated that the proposed Bill would take effect on March 1, 1993. She
noted that both Courtesy and Yellow Cab Companies, the largest companies in the area,
were in favor of it, and that the two smallest companies were also in favor of the Bill.
Mr. Kevin Butler, an attorney for Yellow Cab, stated that he had worked on the Committee
and was in favor of the proposed Bill. He stated that Mr. Liss would be present at
tonight's Common Council Meeting to speak in favor of the Bill.
It was also noted that Glenda Rae Hernandez was present and that her husband is a taxicab
driver who would have comments at this evening's Common Council meeting.
Council Members Puzzello and Duda voiced concern with regard to the public awareness of
the "trouble light". Council Member Slavinskas suggested that perhaps a green light be
considered which would be different from current lights being used by other emergency
vehicles. He also raised a question with regard to the silent activation to either the
dispatcher or the Police Department which is an optional provision.
Public Safety Committee
January 11, 1993
Page 2
Questions were also raised in light of OSHA regulations and that state law only addresses
this topic for vehicles of twelve passengers or more.
Following further discussion Council Member Kelly made a motion, seconded by Council
Member Duda, that Bill No. 121-92 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion
passed.
Council Member Ladewski stated that upcoming projects would include increasing the
penalty for violations of parking near fire hydrants illegally and that there has been ongoing
discussion with regard to possible gun control regulations.
Council Member Duda stated that she has been working with the Council Attorney and the
Mayor's Traffic Safety Committee with regard to a proposed seatbelt regulation for buses.
She also indicated that she has been requested by Governor Bayh to speak before the
Senate Committee tomorrow on the open container law which is proposed at a state wide
level.
Following further discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 4:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Council Member Eugene Ladewski
Chairperson,Public Safety Committee
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