09-30-09 Special Meeting (Police Salary)

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SPECIAL MEETING SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Agent and Spokesperson City Advisory Team Member, stated that this bill reflects the last, best and final offer. She noted that there have been honest discussions between both teams and this tentative agreement is the result of several weeks of negotiating between the teams and several sub-committee meetings. She advised that the bill sets forth the proposed ordinance which would establish the maximum salaries and monetary fringe benefit amounts for the sworn members of the South Bend Police Department. She stated that the tentative agreement allows a one (1) year agreement, for calendar year 2010 only. Freezes all salary amounts at 2009 levels, except those salary classifications involved in departmental rank re- structuring. It freezes all other monetary fringe benefits at 2009 levels. It eliminates the Individual Flexible Spending Account Program that each Police Officer had $500 contributed to an account if the Police Office had been employed by the department as of strd October 1 of the previous year. The bill establishes new salary classifications: 3 Class nd Police Officer (former “entry Level Officer”) and 2 Class Police Officer thereby establishing the structure needed for a two-phase rank restructuring program to take place st in 2010 and 2011. The bill increases the 1 Class Police Officer maximum salary to $47,453 which reflects the first phase of the rank re-structuring with the City making its best efforts to eliminate the rank of Corporal in 2011. Ms. Cekanski-Farrand stated that the final language which will be incorporated into a new 1 year Collective Bargaining Agreement is currently being finalized and will be acted upon separately by the Board of Public Safety. She reiterated that this bill reflects the best offer during these economically challenged times. th Charles Leone, City Attorney and Agent for the Board of Public Safety, 14 Floor County-City Building, 227 W. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, Indiana, advised that during the participation in the negotiating process it became apparent that working conditions were key and making changes so that the Chief would have some flexibility to the work schedule. He noted that the new 1 year Collective Bargaining Agreement is currently being finalized and will be acted upon separately by the Board of Public Safety. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Scott Ruszkowski, President FOP #36, 701 W. Sample Street, South Bend, Indiana, thanked Councilmember’s White, LaFountain and Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski- Farrand for their dedicated commitment to the negotiation process. He stated that he believes that this bill reaches a middle ground between the City, the Police Department and the Taxpayers. He stated that there were many unanswered questions that have since been resolved and those go back thirty (30) years ago when they believed that they were wronged and were going to put the City’s feet to the fire. They brought issues to the table as large as a New York Phone Book. But through trust and confidence which both teams earned as part of the negotiating process they reached a substantial agreement with favorable recommendations. He stated that the last tally on the vote was 3 to 1 to ratify. Mr. Ruszkowski reiterated that this bill is in the best interest of everyone the City, the Police and the taxpayers. Councilmember Puzzello thanked all those involved in this negotiation process. She stated that by reaching this tentative agreement the South Bend Police Department will be able to continue to faithfully serve and protect the citizens of South Bend. Councilmember White thanked everyone for coming together to talk frankly, openly, and with respect. She stated that by prioritizing goals and receiving information they were able to work towards eliminating the rank of corporal and gather more information on when tax distributions and collections will be made available so that they can move forward on future discussions. She stated that it has been a long process, but was time well spent. Councilmember LaFountain made a motion to send Bill No. 70-09 to full Council with a favorable recommendation. Councilmember Varner seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of six (6) ayes. 2