2018 Legal Department Annual Report

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CITY OF SOUTH BEND LEGAL DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT—2018 The Department instituted several new processes and procedures in its representation of City Boards and Commissions in 2018, enhancing quality of service and efficiency: I Board of Public Works: Developed new procedures for BPW contract review internally, starting with initial review by Department attorneys and commencing with a final review by the BPW attorney.This new streamlined and efficient procedure has led to faster results for our clients. V Pension Board: Worked with the Fire Department to create and implement new pension board procedures that have resulted in a clear,efficient process,newly drafted template forms, and improved procedures for meetings. ✓ Animal Care and Control Commission: Secured a Hearing Officer for the Commission to ensure smooth, fair, and efficient hearing procedures. 2018 STRATEGIC GOALS REACHED The Legal Department reorganized designated practice areas to maximize the ability of our attorneys to be proactive, innovative problem-solvers and risk reducers. To that end, in 2018 we accomplished the following set goals: I Assisted Animal Care and Control in drafting a legally sound and improved animal regulation ordinance; ✓ Assisted Code Department with review and creation of proactive rental housing inspection ordinance and rental restrictions related to lead contamination; I Supported City policy and legislative interests at the regional,state,and national levels; I Successfully implemented and utilized PD Body Cams; ✓ Developed further training initiatives to proactively minimize accidents and liability;and ✓ Continued to demonstrate a diligent and resolute litigation strategy that supports the ability of the City to deliver good government and allows residents to live a safe, healthy, meaningful life in South Bend. 2019 STRATEGIC GOALS The Legal Department aims to achieve the following goals in 2019: • Support City policy and legislative interests at the regional,state,and national levels; • Continue finalizing and implementing Lexipol for the Fire Department; • Develop further training initiatives to proactively minimize accidents and liability;and • Continue to demonstrate a diligent and resolute litigation strategy that supports the ability of the City to deliver good government and allows residents to live a safe, healthy, meaningful life in South Bend. 13 I Page