HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-10-09 Health & Public Safety CommitteeKaren L. White, Chairperson, Health & Public Safety Committee called the meeting to
order at 3:30 p.m.
The following were in attendance:
Committee Members Present: Henry L. Davis, Jr., Vice-Chairperson, Ann Puzzello,
Timothy Rouse, Valerie Schey, Citizen Member
Other Councilmember's Present: Oliver Davis, David Varner, Tom LaFountain
Other's Present: Kathy Cekanski-Farrand, Ed Ronco, Martha Lewis, Beth Leonard,
Catherine Toppel
Agenda: Bill No. 53-09 -Amend Chapter 14, Article 9 -Special Events in Residential
Zone Areas
Chairperson White began the hearing by introducing Valerie Schey as the newest citizen
member of the Health and Public Safety Committee. Turning to the agenda item
Chairperson White called upon Councilmember Rouse one of the bills co-sponsors to
lend some background. Councilmember Rouse explained the amendments to the bill
regulating special event lawn parking were a by-product of meetings called to review the
licensing procedures administered by the Ordinance Violations Bureau (OVB.)
Attending the meetings were the Legal Department, OVB, Code Enforcement, Council
Attorney and the City Clerk. A full football season license discount and fee schedule in
the bill was discussed. Councilmember Puzzello raised questioned about the adjudication
procedure for non-compliance or noise and litter issues. Council Attorney Kathleen
Cekanski-Farrand said normally this would fall to the Legal Department.
Councilmember Rouse felt these were valid concerns needing more specificity regarding
enforcement. Attorney Cekanski-Farrand promised clarification by the evening meeting.
Based on that clarification being satisfactory, Councilmember Rouse motioned favorably.
Councilmember Puzzello seconded and all affirmed pending the adjudication
clarification. Under miscellaneous Councilmember Oliver Davis raised the issue of
problem graffiti on the west side.
AUGUST 10, 2009
Councilmember LaFountain said the east side had problem graffiti as well.
Councilmember Henry Davis said the city should be looking for productive positive
alternatives for kids who were probably the culprits. Councilmember Henry Davis also
raised the unresolved problem of downtown parking for the handicapped, specifically for
the Robertson's Apartment residents. These concerns came from meetings he had with
the residents some time ago. He had informed the administration about the problem; but
had not seen any action taken. Councilmember Oliver Davis said the condition of the
streets on the west side was unacceptable. He asked for a report on whom, how, when
and where a repair program was supposed to work. Chairperson White raised questions
about school crossing guards and signage for cell phone enforcement in school zones.
Again questions centered on where, when, how many, and enforcement issues. In that
the school year begins on August 18, 2009, answers to these concerns carried urgency.
There being no further business to come before the committee at this time, Chairperson
White adjourned the meeting at 3:50 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
~~~
Karen L. White, Chairperson
Health and Public Safety