HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-22-15 Health and Public SafetyHEALTH & PUBLIC SAFETY JUNE 22, 2015 5:15 P.M.
Committee Members Present: Derek Dieter, Dr. Fred Ferlic, Karen White, Valerie Schey
Citizen Members Present: Bob Emery (AB)
Other Council Present: Tim Scott, Henry Davis (XAB), Oliver Davis, Gavin Ferlic,
Dr. David Varner
Others Present: Chris Darden, Tim Baker, Valerie Mora, Randy Rompala,
John Murphy
Agenda: Bill No. 22 -15 Amend Chapter 19 Addressing Tall Grass
Bill No. 15 -35 Encourage Youth Employment to Cut Grass
Bill No. 18 -15 Ban use of Hand -Held Electronics while Driving
Bill No. 15 -53 Approve First Amendment to PSAP Agreement
The Health & Public Safety Committee was called to order by Chairman Derek Dieter with full
membership attending. Four bills were listed for consideration. The first and second on the agenda,
bills 22 -15 and 15 -35 addressed the tall grass regulations along with abatement measures. The bills
were co- sponsored by Councilmembers Tim Scott, Karen White, and Dr. Fred Ferlic. Generally speaking
these bills could be considered ones that are aimed at improving the quality of life in neighborhoods.
Quality of life issues are a stated priority for the Council. More specifically the pesky recurrent problem
of tall grass is addressed in these two bills. Bill 22 -15 primarily authored by Tim Scott proposed
regulations that place costs incurred by the City for mowing lots not in compliance would be borne by
the property owner not the taxpayers. Any recovered costs would then be applied to other
neighborhood services. Tim who made the presentation (supplements attached) said the fee structure
was designed to be escalating for property owners who ignore non - compliance regulations. This
continuous enforcement approach was drawn from "best practices" of other communities.
After considerable discussion mostly regarding the $250.00 base fine Tim yielded to Karen White to
present bill 15 -35. She explained that this resolution was meant to create summer employment
opportunities and life skills training for City youth.
Business and organizations could be part of a program to hire youth for long grass abatement along with
teaching life skills through youth mentoring.
Tim Baker from the Holladay Corporation spoke in support of the concept. He said youth could earn
$10.00 an hour learning to work hard, while developing a positive attitude and learning responsibility.
All the while lots would be maintained controlling a too often frequent eyesore in neighborhoods.
Oliver Davis has a problem with the concept feeling monies had already been appropriated in the City
budget to address this problem. He implied department heads had either not asked the Council for
enough money or it was not being spent efficiently or equitably city -wide. He went on to fault the Park
Department for not being at the hearing.
After further discussion Dr. Ferlic moved 22 -15 be sent favorably. Karen White seconded and all
affirmed.
Bill 15 -35 was continued until the July 27`n meeting to allow further study not so much to the intent, but
the mechanics of the pilot program.
Moving on to bill 15 -53, Randy Rompala an attorney representing the County gave a brief presentation
of an amendment to the Interlocal Agreement regarding (PSAP) Public Safety Answering Points. After
brief discussion a motion to recommend favorably was made by Valerie Schey. Dr. Ferlic offered a
second. All affirmed.
The last bill on the agenda, bill 18 -15, was continued upon motions by Derek Dieter and Valerie Schey.
This measure addresses the use of hand -held electronic devices while driving. The Council felt issues
raised concerning enforcement and exemptions necessitated the continuance until July 13`n
With that Derek Dieter adjourned the meeting at 6:07 p.m
Respectfully Submitted,
D rek Dieter, Chairperson
Health & Public Safety Committee