05-12-14 Common Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING MAY 12, 2014 there life is different. There is a business that has lost business in the past, as they did a local study. I would consider you moving this off after you hear that study. We have not heard from the health department tonight. Can we have them weigh in? Mr. Fertic, they have spoken in the past, we can only control South Bend. We would love to work with other cities in passing the law at the same time. Councitmember Dr. Ferlic- we can ask confusing questions all night, do you have personal experience with cancer. Councilmember Mr. Ferlic- Yes, my mother had cancer. Councilmember Henry Davis- In terms of the studies on other cities, I heard nothing local, where are our local studies? Smoking is bad, but the law is being contradicted if we are making personal decisions. What are the health statistics for South Bend? Councilmember Mr. Ferlic - we have some experts in Public health. Margo Devine- 509 E Manner Hill- I represent the community health system. There was concern since 1964. Second -hand smoke is no longer a personal issue you are effecting a child. She gave a website to where you can find the statistics of what people are dying from and county rankings, and we are 48th in the city out of 92 in Indiana. Having our children start smoking is not something we would like to see. She gave the stats on infant rates, and those who died from second -hand smoke. Councilmember Henry Davis- the other laws are in cities with Universities, is there any correlation to the statistics? Petitoner- 115 W Washington - there are larger city areas, due to the populations. We are looking to make it state wide. Council President - Are you considering grandfather clauses for already established benefits, as people have abided by the county already to abide the law, then you change the law and give them 60 days. Councilmember Mr. Ferlic- We will be giving them a 1 year transition period. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Those wishing to speak in favor: Bruce- 123 LaSalle, Granger -I support healthy air. Second -hand smoke effects the whole city, our citizens, and work environments. Please support this bill. Dan Afelston- 120 N Central Blvd- At the YMCA, we have been advocating for the health of our community. The cost in terms of our healthcare are increased. We need to send a message to new businesses in our community that health is a priority in our community. Angie Madison- 514 Bloomington, IN- I'm a student nursing student at Indiana University. I have several family members that have lung cancer from second -hand smoke. There are many places that you go that you can't control second -hand smoke. It is important that somebody take the first step in clean air. Jamie Murphy - Granger- Part of my job is to talk about public health. Those who are working don't always have the opportunity to work in a smoke free environment. We need to protect our employees and offer them a clean environment. Andrew White- 750 South Bend and Greg Hunter- 2529 Linden Ave: We speak on behalf of young professional in South Bend we would like to live in a healthy community and advocate a healthy work environment. Kelly Green- 115 Woodside- I'm a mother, and a small business owner, a lot of the mothers are not able to say where they work, and they like to work in smoke free environment which effects their kids and future children. I'm not asking anyone to stop smoking but that no one is asked to smoke with you. Pastor John- 203 E Indiana- I'm a father, and veteran. I want to protect those whose environment is effected at their work. Everyone is entitled to have a work place free of any harmful substances. I want to protect those that can't protect themselves. 91