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Committee Chair White asked if the contribution is enough to cover the department's <br />costs for policing home games. <br />James Mueller shared that the University also contributes a payment in lieu of taxes <br />because they're non - profit. <br />Committee Chair White recalled a conversation and letter written by former <br />Councilmember Roland Kelly to address contributions given by Notre Dame toward the <br />costs of home games. She mentioned she'd pull that information from her notes as a <br />resource. <br />James Mueller responded that he'd be happy to have that conversation with the <br />University. <br />Councilmember Broden asked if there's a way to track and record the savings related to <br />the department's transition to CNG fuel. <br />Mr. Glowacki explained that there will be an adjustment to the numbers, he also has a <br />model built that allows him to calculate exact savings. Unfortunately, it's too early to <br />have any reliable data. <br />Councilmember Broden asked for the specific number of cars that are utilizing CNG fuel. <br />Mr. Glowacki shared that there are approximately seventy (70) cars utilizing CNG fuel. <br />Committee Chair White asked if there were any additional Council questions. <br />Committeemember Voorde asked about the current state of morale and job performance <br />of the officers in light of so many structural and administrative changes within the <br />department. Or if they're experiencing any resistance from his officers. <br />Chief Ruzskowski responded that police officers don't like change or stagnation as it <br />relates to structural departmental changes. Chief Ruzskowski recognizes it at as an <br />unprecedented change which has never happened in the history of the police department. <br />It's been a challenge but is a necessary change to dismantle the "good ole' boys" model, <br />promote accountability and inclusion, and gain the trust of the community. <br />Committeemember Voorde asked what if you run into someone who is interested in <br />becoming a police officer. <br />Chief Ruzskowski responded to send them to the Police Department and to make sure <br />that you take their contact information. He highlighted some of the recruitment strategies <br />of the department and mentioned that retention is equally as important to the <br />department's strategy moving forward. <br />An SBPD officer added that officer recruitment and retention is a nationwide challenge. <br />One recruitment strategy looks at attracting already certified officers by offering <br />incentives like career development and other creative strategies in attracting talent. What <br />worked twenty (20) years ago is no longer applicable to recruitment and retention. <br />13 <br />