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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-09-99 Personnel & Finance r_ Committee Zoo t: Personnel and Finance Committee go the t.ommott touitttl of the eitY of South entr: The August 9, 1999 meeting of the Personnel and Finance was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member James Aranowski, at 3:33 p.m. in the Council informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included Council Members: Aranowski, Varner, Ujdak, Kelly, Pfeifer, King and Sniadecki; Ann-Carol Nash, Eugenia Schwartz, Brian Hedman, Brian Nash, Jean-Troutman Poole, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Jones, Richard Hill,Jim Patton,James Guy, John Byorni, Doug Carpender, Ms. Koontz, Chika Nwokah,taxicab drivers and owners,Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand and Terry Bland. Council Member Aranowski noted that the first item, namely Bill No. 51-99 addressing taxicab regulations which was continued for further discussion at the last Committee meeting. Ann-Carol Nash, Assistant City Attorney made the presentation. She noted that the Substitute Bill incorporates many of the amendments discussed in the meetings with the taxicab owners, drivers, Mr. Kevin Butler, former Council Member Gene Ladewski, Council Member Aranowski and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. She noted that the Bill would increased insurance coverage required from $ 100,000 to $ 300,000; noting that Fort Wayne requires$500,000 and Michiana Airport requires$300,000.00. It incorporates a basic dress code, maintains the emergency signal lights and changes the signage regarding minimal amounts of money being carried by the drivers. The drop safe provisions have been removed in light of the growing concern of drivers over their presence and their non-enforcement of the provisions by the City Administration. Council Member Aranow ski noted that there were two (2) large meetings with the taxicab owners and drivers and several smaller meetings. He believes that a proper balance between protecting the public and drivers has been reached with the new proposed regulations. He thanked the Assistant City Attorney and the Council Attorney for their efforts on this measure and all of the taxicab owners and drivers who participated. Mr. Walter Jones stated that he believes that the time line for felonies and misdemeanor background checks may still be too long. Mr. James Guy agrees that there should be base line dress code standards, but voiced concern that many drivers are so large that they can only wear sweat pants. He hope that their would be better promotion of the safety lights with the public and the police. Council Member Aranowski stated that the Police Department has agreed to train all officers in this area. The Council Attorney noted that Captain Shock has agreed to incorporate this into the training sessions for the officers and that announcements would be made at roll call. Chika Nwokah stressed that the ordinance must be enforced by the City in order to be effective. • Personnel and Finance Committee August 9, 1999 Page 2 Jim Patton voiced concern about having to be licensed under different regulations in South Bend and Mishawaka. Ann-Carol Nash noted that the Council Attorney had suggested language regarding being on parole or on probation as part of the background check which would amend two (2) pages. Ms. Nash noted that current drivers would be grandfathered regarding these provisions. Council Member Pfeifer noted that she has worked for many years in the criminal justice fields and hoped that the process being proposed would allow those individuals who have turned their lives around to be considered for gainful employment in the taxi industry. She noted that there is an appeal procedure which should permit letters of reference and character witnesses to present evidence on a case by case basis. Council Member Sniadecki also voiced concern about the background check procedures which include a twenty (20)year and ten(10)years checks. li Council Member Kelly noted that this is a tough call but hoped that the provisions are properly balancing the right of the public and the rights of the individuals wishing to drive a taxi. Council Member Varner questioned Brian Hedman if he was satisfied with the overall changes to the proposed ordinance. Mr. Hedman noted that since taxicab drivers act as "ambassadors" of our City, that many of the provisions will be helpful toward that end such as the dress code, background checks, etc. He offered to have classes for the taxicab drivers with the Visitor and Co nvention Bureau to that they will have current information o n the many offerings s and events of our communities. In response to a question from Council Member Ujdak,Ms. Nash stated that current taxi cab drivers would be exempt from the background checks as part of the grandfathering. The Quick Cab Company representative voiced concern over the suspension procedures and believes that the company should not be penalized when an individual driver is held in violation. He stated that the Administration of the City of South Bend needs to have better communication with the companies in these areas. Council Member Aranowski noted that the Bill has been in review for over 1 1/2 months and believes that it properly balances public safety and driver safety. He stressed that it must be enforced by the City Administration. Council Member Sniadecki inquired as to the penalty for violating the dress code. Ms. Nash stated that Code Enforcement and/or the Police Department would ticket for such violations with fines ranging from$25.00 to$ 100.00. • Pmr-roond and Finance Committee Asgust 9, 1999 Page 3 In response to a questions raised by Council Member King, Ann-Carol Nash then reviewed all of the additional changes to the substitute bill which will affect pages 6, 12, 16, 19 and 20. She stated that she would have those incorporated into the final version and Illr present then at the Council Informal meeting at 6: 45 p.m. li Following further discussion, Council Member King made a motion, seconded by Council Member Varner,that substitute bill no. 51-99 as to be further amended, be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Council Member Aranowski stated that he would like to review this ordinance on an annual basis. He encouraged all interested cab owners and drivers to attend the 7 p.m. Council meeting this evening. There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member Aranowski adjourned the meeting at 4: 17 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member James Aranowski, Chairperson Personnel and Finance Committee KCF:kmf Attachments •