09-30-10 Special Meeting Minutes

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SPECIAL MEETING SEPTEMBER 30, 2010 Council President Dieter stated from the very beginning of negotiations that he believes in mandatory staffing. He stated that this is in no way a reflection on Chief Boykins or Chief Walters, it just means that with 19 beats there is not enough manpower and it leaves some of those beats short. Therefore, he will not be voting in favor of this bill tonight. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. There being no one present wishing to speak to the Council either in favor of or in opposition to this bill, Councilmember White made a motion for favorable recommendation to full Council concerning this bill as substituted. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of seven (7) ayes and two (2) nays (Councilmember’s Henry Davis, Jr., Derek Dieter) BILL NO. 57-10 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, FIXING THE ANNUAL PAY AND MONETARY FRINGE BENEFITS OF FIREFIGHTERS OF THE SOUTH BEND FIRE DEPARTMENT FOR CALENDAR YEARS 2011, 2012, 2013 AND 2014 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. Councilmember Kirsits disclosed that he is a current member of the South Bend Fire Department. He advised that he has his conflict of interest paperwork on file in the Office of the City Clerk and with the State of Indiana. After discussions with Council Attorney Kathleen Cekansk-Farrand it was determined that no conflict exists. Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council’s Agent, City Advisory Negotiating Team Member for Fire Negotiations, made the presentation for this bill. Ms. Cekanski-Farrand noted that on behalf of the City Advisory Negotiating Team for Fire, they are pleased to recommend Substitute Bill No. 57-10 for passage. On Wednesday, September 21, 2010, the negotiating team representing the South Bend Firefighter’s Association Local No. 362 of the International Association of Firefighters AFL-CIO 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 an excellent exchange of dialogue which began with an insurance update st on May 21. The tentative agreement complies with the guidelines established by the Common Council, City Administration and Fire Administration. She noted that the proposed ordinance incorporates all of the terms and conditions which have been tentatively agreed to, and which was explained and voted on by the rank and file members of the South Bend Firefighter’s Association Local No. 362. She stated that they are pleased to announce that the vote total received today were 193 votes in favor and 4 against. She stated that the salary and monetary fringe benefit package provides for a two (2) year agreement for calendar year 2011 and 2012. It would implement Phase II of rank restructuring which would become effective on 1-1-11 and would eliminate the current rank of Engineer. It would continue to freeze salaries at 2009 levels in calendar year 2011. It recommends a 2% base salary across the board increases effective 1-1-12 and would begin to address compression issues involving the rank of Captain in 2012. She stated that it would amend health insurance provisions to be consistent with other City Employees. It would make modest adjustments recommended by the Fire Administration which are believed to be in the best interest of the South Bend Fire Department. She thanked all the individuals who contributed their time and talent to the 3