HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-11-13 Health & Public Safety Health& Public Safety March 11,2013
4:26 p.m.
Committee Members Present: Karen White, Dr. Ferlic, Dr.Varner,Tim Scott
Other Council Present: Henry Davis,Valerie Schey,Oliver Davis,Gavin Ferlic, Derek Dieter
Others Present: Judy lee, Chief Ron Teachman SBPD
Agenda: Bill#13-12 Bicycle Passing
Bill#13-22 Violence Against Women's Act
Karen White, Chair of the Health and Public Safety Committee called the hearing to order with two bills
up for consideration.
The first bill#13-12 was primarily sponsored by Gavin Ferlic who along with Judy Lee, President of the
Bike Michiana Coalition made the presentation.
The bill itself would require a three foot wide buffer zone between bikers and passing autos. He went
on to state the bill was actually much more than that. Along with Judy Lee he said it was an opportunity
to educate and engage the general public not only to safety issues; but also encourage healthy living and
a healthy environment. Judy Lee said similar bills requiring the three foot buffer had been passed in 23
states and were pending in 7 others.
Oliver Davis and Derek Dieter both raised objections. Derek questioned the enforceability of the bill,
Police Chief Ron Teachman reminded everyone of the bill was not to be punitive or to raise fines, but
create educational awareness opportunities. Oliver fought signage notifying motorists of the three foot
rule was necessary. Again Chief Teachman disagreed.
Finally the Committee unaminiously sent the bill favorably after a motion by Dr. Ferlic and a second by
Tim Scott.
The second item was a resolution authored by Henry Davis endorsing the recently passed legislation in
Congress decrying"Violence Against Women." The resolution was supported unanimoully upon a
motion by Tim Scott, seconded by Dr. Ferlic.
In the intrest of staying on schedule Karen urged discussion be continued at the 7:00 p.m. meeting.
Karen adjourned at 4:45 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Karen L.White, Chairperson
Health & Public Safety