HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-27-15 Health and Public SafetyHEALTH & PUBLIC SAFETY APRIL 27, 2015 4:00 P.M.
Committee Members Present: Derek Dieter, Dr. Fred Ferlic (4:07), Karen White, Valerie Schey
Citizen Member Present: Bob Emery
Other Council Present: Tim Scott (XAB), Henry Davis, Dr. David Varner, Gavin Ferlic,
Oliver Davis (XAB)
Others Present: Cristal Brisco, Brian Palowski, David Kempel,
Kathy Cekanski - Farrand
Agenda: Bill No. 18 -15 Banning use of hand -held electronic devices
while driving
Derek Dieter, Chair of the Health & Public Safety Committee called the meeting to order noting just one
bill, #18 -15, was scheduled for consideration.
The bill was sponsored by Henry Davis who proceeded to make the presentation. Henry described the
bill as a natural outgrowth of the student driven initiative to stop texting while driving. As well, this
measure to ban all hand held devices while driving is a natural extension of the Council's previous ban of
hand held devices in school zones.
The same high school students who sponsored the texting bill made a brief supportive statement
emphasizing the costs in terms of both lives and economic loss suffered due to distracted driving.
Driving their presentation the students said they had a difficult time getting crash statistics from the
South Bend Police Department.
Derek Dieter interjected that these statistics were available and he would help get them from the Police
Department. Derek had several relevant questions. He wondered who will enforce the bill, who will
educate both police officers and the public about the ban?
Henry Davis thought city officials should have been at the hearing.
Karen White felt there needed to be more discussion about implementation of a ban and a "rollout"
strategy.
Council Attorney Kathy Cekanski- Farrand felt passage was premature. More info was needed as well as
more consideration of exemptions. i.e. ham radio operators.
Gavin Ferlic said the ban was good public policy; but assurances of no conflict with state law was
necessary.
David Kempel, Chief Radio Officer in charge of amateur radio operators, asked the bill not be passed
until licensed radio operators were exempted.
City Attorney Cristal Brisco said the city administration was willing to cooperate with more discussions.
Derek Dieter wrapped up the hearing suggesting a special meeting be scheduled for Monday, May 18th
at 5:00 p.m., then continue the bill until the meeting on May 26th.
Henry Davis made the appropriate motion, Valerie Schey seconded and all supported.
Derek adjourned at 4:30 p.m.
Derek Dieter, Chairperson
Health & Public Safety Committee