09/24/07 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 24, 2007 Councilmember Varner stated that the Committee meeting held last Thursday, by the South Bend Police Department regarding their budget generated concern from people employed by the Police Department. They were concerned about the elimination of positions and in fact it was their very own positions that were being eliminated and they feared that there could be some retribution involved. Councilmember Varner stated that the Council sent a letter to Mayor Luecke, and he has decided to leave those positions as submitted. There was some concern about retribution and perhaps some legal action if necessary being considered, and at that point and time, it sent a flag to the Councilmember'sthct they should be aware of situations like this on an on-going basis as things develop. He hopes that they don't but in fact if they do develop and goes forward as amended, that the Council would want to remain a portion of at least that discussion. He has a feeling that this is not going away any time soon, and that it is the Council responsibility with regards to a potential lawsuit. Councilmember Dieter reiterated that the Council just received the Mayor's letter today. For the record these are the two positions that the people came to the Committee Meeting specifically with questions about the elimination of the civilian position and the civilianization of the Records Bureau Captain. He stated that these were the two positions that were cited that night. He thinks that the letter the Council sent out should have listed those specific jobs, just to clarify it for the record, from what was received back from the Mayor today. Those two positions are what the Council is questioning and will follow up at a later date with information received from these two employees or any other employees. Mayor Luecke stated that obviously when people come to the podium they can say anything that they want. He does not expect any retribution for people speaking before the Council. As he recalls Captain Marciniak said that he had contemplated civilianizing his position a number of years ago, so he was not opposed to the action. What he was complaining about was that he had not been notified ahead of time. Regrettably, Chief Fautz was not aware that the administration was posting the budget online, he felt that he did not want to stir people up about their jobs until the Council was going to take action and so he did not confer with these employees but not out of any mean spirit it was just that he felt it appropriate for the Council to hear the position first and to take action on that before he would inform them, so as was said that there won't be an retribution here, and again the elimination of one civilian position does allow the creation of another civilian position in the evidence area to make sure that they are able to keep up with cataloging all of the evidence and making sure that they have full accounting for that which is an important position for them. Councilmember White stated that she would like to monitor the issues and concerns that were expressed not only at today's committee meeting but also during the budget hearing process. She wanted to make sure that was the feeling of the other Councihnember's and make those particular issues and concerns known as well as the Council begins to take action on this particular bill. Councilmember Dieter made a motion for favorable recommendation to full Council concerning this bill as amended. Councilmember Kirsits seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of seven (7) ayes. BILL NO. 56-07 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND APPROPRIATING MONIES FOR THE PURPOSE OF DEFRAYING THE EXPENSES OF THE DESIGNATED ENTERPRISE FUNDS OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2008 AND ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2008, INCLUDING ALL OUTSTANDING CLAIMS AND OBLIGATIONS, AND FIXING A TIME WHEN THE SAME SHALL TAKE EFFECT