HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-27-09 Health and Public Safety~.,
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' ~ :HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY
The July 27, 2009 meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee of the South Bend
Common Council was called to order by its Chairperson Council Member Karen L. White at 4:03
p.m. in the Informal Meeting Room, 4th Floor County-City Building, 227 W. Jefferson Blvd., South
Bend, Indiana
Persons in attendance included:
Committee Members: Ann Puzzello, Vice-Chairperson; Henry Davis; Tim Rouse;
Marcus Ellison
Other Council Members Present: Derek D. Dieter; Tom LaFountain; David Varner;
Oliver Davis; AI "Buddy" Kirsits
Others Present: Mayor Steve Luecke; Kathy Cekanski-Farrand; Gary Gilot; Rita Kopala;
Martha Lewis; Jeff Parrott
Agenda: Bill N0.48-09 -Banning Use of Cell Phone in School Zones
Chairperson White began the hearing saying the bill was co-sponsored by Councilmember's
Puzzello; LaFountain and herself. She said the bill grew out of discussions with school crossing
guards last fall. Councilmember Puzzello noted both Jim Kapsa, the SBCSC School
Superintendent of Public Schools, and South Bend Police Chief Darryl Boykins supported the bill.
Chairperson White said safety for school children was paramount. Both Councilmember's
Puzzello and White acknowledged there were enforcement concerns such as Who? Where?
When? How? Councilmember LaFountain also shared enforcement concerns; but said other
cities around the country were doing the same. Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand
explained the legal basis for the bill and the schedule of fines and penalties. Councilmember
Dieter wondered how school zones were to be designated? By Whom? And would they be
adequately marked? Gilot said twenty zones would be designated by Board of Public Works and
would be adequately marked at a cost of $142.00 per sign installed. Council President Dieter
suggested consultation with the school board and the South Bend Police Department.
Councilmember Davis asked whether private schools were to be included. The Mayor asked
whether the Council would consider acity-wide ban. He also asked that the first dollars in fines
be set aside for the costs of the program. Councilmember Henry Davis stated he agreed with the
Mayor on acity-wide ban. Further, both he and Councilmember Rouse felt while child safety
came first there were many questions that needed to be answered. Councilmember Henry Davis
then made a motion to recommend tabling the bill which Councilmember Rouse seconded. The
subsequent committee vote resulted in a tie that was broken by President Dieter resulting in a
failed action. Councilmember Puzzello said the bill was a good one and at the very least took
good 15t steps. Councilmember Rouse said acity-wide bill would be more enforceable.
Councilmember Puzzello motioned the bill be sent with no recommendation. It was seconded by
Councilmember Henry Davis. All supported.
There being no further business to come before the Committee, Chairperson White adjourned the
meeting at 4:33 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
GZ /l.v
Karen L. White, Chairperson
Health and Public Safety Committee