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REGULAR MEETINGFEBRUARY 22, 2010 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR <br /> <br />Jeffrey Green, 814 E. Jefferson Boulevard, South Bend, Indiana, stated on February 2, <br />2010, Sam Hensley authorized Pete Kaminski to suspend him because of a Police <br />Department video surveillance camera which showed him starting his car at <br />approximately 7:00 a.m. on December 27, 2009. He stated that the video was <br />inconclusive because of the image of the person; car and city truck was unclear. Mr. <br />Green stated that according to the union, video evidence cannot be used for disciplinary <br />reasons and is unaware of anyone being disciplined based on video. He stated that Pete <br />Kaminski stated that if he admitted to the infraction he would get a one (1) day <br />suspension and if he did not admit to the infraction he would get a three (3) day <br />suspension. Mr. Green stated that he took the three (3) days because it was not him. Mr. <br />Green stated that on February 16, 2010, Sam Hensley, Pete Kaminski and John <br />Pemberton, Jr. showed another video from the Police Department surveillance camera <br />(during his suspension) that on February 4, 2010 that showed three examples of trucks <br />and that they were trying to show the difference between the trucks which was also <br />inconclusive because it was dark. Mr. Green stated that on February 18, 2010 he called <br />Internal Affairs and spoke with Lt. Ross and explained his situation. Mr. Green stated <br />that Lt. Ross called him back later and stated that Chief Boykins was the only one who <br />could authorize something like this and was unaware of this. Mr. Green stated that he <br />was told that the Police Department Video man was on vacation and due back on the day <br />he called. Mr. Green stated this is just another case of Sam Hensley abusing his <br />authority. No Crime was committed or laws broken and questioned why this man is so <br />desperate to tarnish his record which really had nothing on it. Mr. Green stated that he <br />has been under retaliation and scrutinized because he stood up for his god given rights. <br />He stated that he has arbitration next week on this matter and asked if anyone from the <br />Council would like to come and attend. Mr. Green stated he was not sure if this would be <br />a conflict of interest or not. Mr. Green stated that he needs support. Mr. Green stated <br />that he doesn’t know who this guy thinks he is and how he can do whatever he wants and <br />be in the position that he has been in for so long with the type of mentality that he has and <br />get away with all the things that he does. Mr. Green stated that Mr. Hensley does what <br />he wants and runs his department however right or wrong and lets it be known. <br /> <br />Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand stated that in light of this being a personnel <br />matter and assuming that Mr. Green is a Teamster that the City Administration is <br />utilizing the proper authority and that proper steps are being taken. She stated that the <br />Council does not have any authority over this matter. <br /> <br />Mr. Green stated that he is aware of this and is letting it be known to all local and outside <br />entities to voice what is going on with him. Mr. Green stated that just working on the job <br />is not good enough and doing the job is not good enough. He stated that for seven (7) <br />years there was no problem and then a situation came about that he had to stand up for <br />himself then got fired, then got his job back and was told that there would be no <br />retaliation and then two (2) years later another situation came up and he had to once again <br />stand up for himself. <br /> <br />Councilmember Henry Davis thanked Mr. Green for keeping the Council informed. He <br />then questioned item #6 on the Council Agenda – Reports from City Offices and what <br />could be discussed at that point of the Council Meeting. <br /> <br />Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand stated that the Council does not have the <br />authority over personnel matters. <br /> <br />Councilmember Henry Davis asked if this could be discussed at an Executive Session of <br />the Council. <br /> <br />Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand stated that there is an exhaustion of <br />remedies that have to be exhausted. She stated that there is a Teamster Bargaining <br />Agreement which addresses this kind of matter and it is clearly spelled out in that <br />agreement how this matter is to be handled. She reiterated that this matter is being <br />properly handled. <br /> 12 <br /> <br />