09-30-10 Special Meeting Minutes

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SPECIAL MEETING SEPTEMBER 30, 2010 Councilmember White, Chairperson, Health and Public Safety Committee, stated that this committee held a joint meeting with the Personnel & Finance Committee and voted to send it to the full Council with a favorable recommendation. Council President Derek D. Dieter disclosed that he is currently a sworn police officer with the South Bend Police Department and has proudly served since 1975. He stated that he has filed his disclosure forms with the Office of the City Clerk as well as with the State of Indiana. He noted that after discussion with Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand it was determined that no conflict exists. Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council’s Agent, City Advisory Negotiating Team Member for Police Negotiations, made the presentation for this bill. Ms. Cekanski-Farrand advised that on behalf of the City Advisory Negotiating Team for Police, they are very pleased to recommend this substitute bill for passage. She noted that on Wednesday, September 22, 2010 the FOP Negotiating Team and the negotiating team representing the City of South Bend reached a tentative agreement. This tentative agreement was the result of many hours of negotiations and meetings which began on th May 26 with an insurance update. The tentative agreement complies with the guidelines established by the Common Council, City Administration and Police Administration. She stated that the proposed ordinance incorporates all of the terms and conditions which were tentatively agreed to last week. She stated that they are very pleased to inform the Council that the entire 2 year wage benefit working conditions package was officially ratified by the rand and file members of Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge No. 36, by a vote of 124 to 17. She advised that there is a two (2) year agreement for calendar year 2011 and 2012. This bill would implement Phase II of rank restructuring which would become effective on 01-01-11 and would eliminate the current rank of Corporal. This bill would continue to freeze salaries at 2009 levels in 2011, except for a rank compression adjustment for Sergeants and any qualified officers assigned to be an Investigator on a continuing basis. It recommends a 2% base salary across the board increase effective 01-01-12. It would authorize a Voluntary Physical Fitness Program in 2011 and 2012 and would amend Health Insurance provisions to be consistent with other City Employees. The bill would make modest adjustments recommended by the Police Administration which are believed to be in the best interest of the South Bend Police Department. She again thanked all the individuals who have contributed their time and talents to the negotiating process. She noted that despite many challenges, the respective negotiating teams bargained in good faith and dedicated their efforts to a fair and affordable total package. She asked the Council for their favorable consideration. Chief Darryl Boykins, 701 W. Sample Street, South Bend, Indiana, thanked everyone involved in this year’s negotiation process. He stated that the fitness program was well received and got a positive response. Chief Boykins stated that they wanted a little more, but this fits for now. th Charles Leone, City Attorney, 14 Floor County-City Building, 227 W. Jefferson Blvd., stated that he is speaking tonight as the Board of Public Safety Agent. Mr. Leone advised that negotiations and the tentative agreement also resulted in proposed changes to five (5) Articles of the current Working Agreement. These articles Article 15 Court Time Pay; Article 21 Personal Days; Article 30 Workweek; Article 33 Drug Free Workplace; and Article 35 Duration of Working Agreement will be formally acted upon by the Board of Public Safety at a later date. Councilmember White thanked the members of the negotiating team. She noted that because of limited resources and tough economic conditions the negotiating team bargained in good faith to reach the most favorable outcome. Councilmember LaFountain thanked the negotiating team for their commitment to working toward the rank restructure. He noted that this is a two (2) year contract and wondered what is going to look forward to next summer since there won’t be any negotiating going on. 2