05-12-14 Common Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING MAY 12, 2014 benefit from. Everything that we are doing will be anti -city not for the entire city. We have an issue of poverty. We need to spread about the wealth, we can't just ignore it. There being no one present wishing to speak to the Council either in favor of or in opposition to this bill, Councilmember Mr. Ferlic made a motion for favorable recommendation to full Council concerning this bill. Councilmember Dr. Ferlic seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of seven (7) ayes, and one (1) nay by Councilmember Henry Davis. BILL NO. 31 -14 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AMENDING VARIOUS SECTIONS IN ARTICLE 10 OF CHAPTER 14 OF THE SOUTH BEND MUNICIPAL CODE ADDRESSING SMOKEFREE AIR REGULATIONS Councilmember Schey requested a motion to hear the substitute bill for 31 -14. Sole moved by Councilmember Scott. Councilmember Dr. Varner seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes. Councilmember Dr. Ferlic, Health & Public Safety Committee, reported that they met this afternoon on this bill and sends it to the full Council with no recommendation. Councilmember Mr. Ferlic- This ordinance will make South Bend and healthier and safer place to live. If we pass this ordinance the county and city of Mishawaka will follow suit. The Evansville Supreme Court passed, this promotes healthier and clean air. In terms of reinforcement there has only been one citation in the city of Indianapolis, most people follow the law. In terms of outreach and education, that will take place over the next 60 days to help during the transition period. Procedures in place to allow a transition period over one year to comply. We also want to make note that if South Bend takes the lead Mishawaka will follow. Carl -1530 College St- Presented on the education outreach program. There will be a90 day transition phase that will help with marketing and campaigning for non - smoking. They will provide literature and signage for businesses. There will be a hotline for employees to call in and report violations. George Strange- 221 E Colfax- My personal experience as a physician, there is an increase in smoking. There are increased risk in health, and blood diseases. There are numerous risks from cancers, to blood diseases, to stroke, and heart attack. He went on to speak on the increased health risks on smokers and second -hand smoke. Council President Davis- Regarding your comments and statistics have you done studies on alcohol, eating ham, lobsters have you partaked in those (George indicated that he has) and have you spoke against the law about the effects on families because alcohol, mothers against drunk driving, and the health effects on the black communities? George responded as far as I know we are focusing on smoking, I'm not at a public forum, I try to abide my healthy living. Council President- do you think we as city Council should regulate your life and personal menu at your house? George responded I don't think I'm an expert enough that I want to get in to that. Council President to Mr. Ferlic, you talked about the education and speaking with the businesses, have you talked to any of the business owners and listened to their recommendations and what proposal have you taken and implemented in this petition? Councilmember Mr. Ferlic, there was extensive outreach. Council President- what I am hearing is that no one has spoken to them and Derek Dieter has asked for a list names and has not gotten one, can you share who you have spoken to? Councilmember Mr. Ferlic- we have sent sufficient notices, did I go to every bar, I spoke with the coalition. We did phone calls. I rather not say specifics. Council President wanted to know how many did he actually sit down and speak with face to face, go into the bars and have a conversation with staff and employees. If you pass then you will put South Bend businesses at jeopardy as customers will cross county lines and go to other cities, what is your plan for business owners? Mr. Ferlic- there are studies that this will increase business, and have a positive impact on businesses. Council President- your studies are on different cities and not the city of South Bend, Evansville and other cities have different situations, in other parts of the city