03/26/07 Committee Meeting Minutes

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Health and Public Safety Committee March 2fi, 2007 Page 2 Assistant Fire Chief for Services Richard Switalski made the presentation. Chief Switaiski stated that the River Rescue school began in the 1980's. Annually the department comes to the Council for an appropriation. This year there will be four {4) classes in light of the demand for the school after Hurricane Katrina. Battalion Chief Damiano noted that individuals have come from as far away as Casta Rica for the school in the past. This year individuals who have registered are coming from Kansas, Minnesota, Ohio, Illinois and many from Indiana. He noted that the appropriation will help pay for supplies, fuel, repairs, instruction and equipment. In response to an inquiry from Council Member White, Chief Damiano stated that the River Rescue Schools will be held on: April 30--May 4tn September 24---~-September 28th May 21--May 25 October 1St-October 4tn In response to a question from Council Member Kuspa, Chief Damiano noted that the dive team is involved in trying to locate the missing woman. Following discussion, Council Member Kelly made a motion, seconded by Council Member Dieter that Bill No. 14-07 be recommended favorably. The motion passed. Bill No. 07- 48 Joint Homeland Security_Resolution: Council Member White called for a formal presentation on Bill No. 07-48 which would re-au#horize the city's participation in a Joint Homeland Securi#y Steering Committee and a Joint Homeland Security Planning Committee. Police Division Chief for Community Relations Gary Horvath made the presentation. He noted that he is a representative far the Police Department and Bomb Squad on the Planning Committee. The Steering Commi#tee is composed of the three (3) County Commissioners and the Mayors from South Bend and Mishawaka. The Planning Committee has fourteen members currently and is proposed to expand to include all of the emergency support functions (ESF). 1n this way the committee will be in line with sta#e and federal guidelines and will have twenty {20) members. Chief Horvath noted that Mishawaka and St. Joseph County have adopted similar resolutions to change the names of each committee and enlarge the membership of the Planning Committee. Council Member White requested a list of the current members and proposed members. Following discussion, Council Member Dieter made a motion, seconded by Council Member Puzzelio that Bill No. 07-48 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed.