08-12-02 Health & Publuc Safety - Laserfiche WebLink

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• 4 tommittet . pout: attb and 1Dttbit Softtto toutmittge The August 12, 2002 meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee was called to order by its Vice-Chairperson Council Member Karen L. White at 5:20 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Aranowski, Varner, King, Coleman, Pfeifer, Kirsits, White, and Kelly; Citizen Member Isabel Gonzalez, Mayor Stephen J. Luecke, Public Works Director Gary Gilot, Community Development Director Jon Hunt, Mikki Dobski Shidler, City Engineer Carl Littrell, City Controller Rick 011ett, Fire Chief Luther Taylor, Assistant Fire Chief Rick Switalski, Assistant Fire Chief Howard Buchanon, Police Chief Larry Bennett, Division Chief Rick Kilgore, representatives from DLZ and Zimmerman, Terry Bland of the Uth Otttb eribunt and Kathleen Cekanski Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member White called for a presentation on Bill No. 55-02 which would appropriate $90,000 from the emergency medical services capital improvement fund. Fire Chief Luther Taylor made the presentation. Chief Taylor stated that the$90,000 appropriation would permit the Fire Department to purchase two (2) command vehicles for the 24-hour Riding Chiefs. These vehicles would replace the current command vehicles which were purchased in 1994. Council Member Varner inquired whether Ford Excursions are needed in light of their size and cost. Chief Taylor replied that much equipment is needed in these vehicles, and that currently they are using Chevy Suburbans. Assistant Chief Switalski noted that the proposed vehicles will be 7 inches larger. In response to a question raised by Council Member White it was noted that the new vehicles should have a life cycle of 5-6 years. Council Member Varner inquired about the amount of mileage on the vehicles. Council Member Kirsits noted that the vehicles have at least 80,000 miles on them. They respond to emergencies and are at the scene. He noted that prior to the Suburbans they used Blazers and now they utilize much more equipment than before. Council Member Kirsits also noted for the record that he is a member of the South Bend Fire Department. Although he will be using the proposed vehicles in carrying out his official duties in the fire department, he will not have a substantial conflict of interest, as determined by the Council Attorney. He further noted that he is required to note the disclaimer as of record before he may participate in the discussions and voting on the proposed ordinance. Following discussion, Council Member Pfeifer made a motion, seconded by Citizen Member Gonzolez that Bill No. 55-02 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. The Committee then listened to an update on the Police/Fire Facilities. Mayor Luecke noted that the project has three (3) basic phases: Phase I was moving the Street Department; Phase II is the construction of a new Fire Department building; and Phase III is the renovation of the Police Department building. Mr. Gilot then briefly summarized the process,noting that programming took place first followed