12-02-09 Health and Public Safety

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assure responsibility and compliance. Chairperson White wondered how a citizen can report a problem. Valerie Schey thought clearly posted telephone numbers in cabs to call and record complaints would help. Bill Anksorus, a driver, said many of the problems and complaints are due to independent even unlicensed cabs. While the legitimate cab companies work to comply they are competing with and being undercut by the rogue cabs. He said six of the 11 licensed companies do not provide night dispatch service as required by law. Ann-Carol Nash suggested the issuance system be reviewed and also felt the airport folks needed to be at the discussion table. Kathy Cekanski-Farrand maintained enforcement, fairly & consistently was the problem. Councilmember Varner suggested a two tier system of licenses be tried, one for day only and orie for 24 hour operation. Responding to the enforcement issue Ann-Carol Nash said it all falls on her and aone-person enforcement approach which just can't get the job done. Notre Dame Student Grant Schmidt felt better signage in cabs for rates and complaint recourse would help. Captain Rynearson said rates should be clearly posted on the outside of cabs. Valerie Schey suggested uniform colors and markings on cabs to help identify companies would help. Driver training requirements, driver's log requirements, provision of receipts and ability to use credit cards to pay fares were all discussed. Kathy Cekanski-Farrand suggested another meeting with all parties concerned by held after the holidays. In the meantime she would continue to research "best practices" in other locales. Chairperson White agreed tentatively setting the next meeting for Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 3:30 p.m. There being no further business to come before the Committee at this time, Chairperson White adjourned the meeting at 5:35 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Karen L. White, Chairperson Health and Public Safety Committee