02-26-02 Health & Public Safety - Laserfiche WebLink

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'g ommitte ort: a�Z, 00 IDublit ibaf tt Committees The February 26, 2002 meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee was called to order by its Chairperson Council Member Andrew Ujdak at 4:20 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Aranowski, Pfeifer, White, King, Kirsits, Ujdak, Varner, Coleman and Kelly; Larry Magliozzi, Michael Beitzinger, Fire Chief Luther Taylor, Special Operations Chief James Lopez, Michael Urbanski, Citizen Member Isabel G. Gonzalez, Terry Bland of the goutb Neat Z*,i ►utte and Kathy Cekanski Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member Ujdak noted that the first item on the agenda was to review Bill No. 10-02 which would appropriate $ 9,500 from the Hazmat Fund (Fund#289). Special Operations Chief James Lopez of the Fire Department made the presentation. Chief Lopez noted that revenues are generated by the Hazmat Team when they perform services on responses outside of the city limits. He then reviewed the equipment he believes is necessary to maintain the high standards of the Hazmat Team from purchasing such things as hazmat suits, hard hats, gloves to a utility truck. Council Member Kirsits noted that he is a member of the South Bend Fire Department, and upon the advise of the Council Attorney, he does not have a conflict of interest since he will not personally benefit from this appropriation. He noted that will participate in the discussion and voting on this Bill as well as Bill No. 11-02. Council Member Kirsits added that the purchase of the wind sock and compass for$ 200.00 will be a vast improvement over the"cut-up Clorax bottle that the department is currently using". Following discussion, Citizen Member Gonzalez made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kirsits that Bill No. 10-02 be recommended favorably to the Council. The motion passed. The Committee then reviewed Bill No. 11-02 which would appropriate $21,900 from the Indiana River Rescue Fund #291. Special Operations Chief James Lopez made the presentation. Chief Lopez noted that revenues are generated by the City's River Rescue instructors who teach a minimum of two(2)40-hour classes each year. He then reviewed a listing of necessary equipment which is needed to maintain the high quality of standards needed for the program. Some of the equipment includes two(2) zodiac boats,ropes, two(2) Mercury motors,and various tools. Citizen Member Gonzalez inquired about the maintenance of life vests. Battalion Chief Lopez noted that in 2001, 12 vests were replaced; in 2000, 12 vests were replaced;and in 1999, 40 vests were replaced. Revenue generated by the Indiana Rescue Program is reported yearly in the budget detail. Council Member White inquired about the cost per student and the number of students which attend each year. Battalion Chief Lopez stated that each student is charged$ 280 plus the cost of a manual. He noted that there are usually 35 students per class, however last year there were a total of 75 students. So far this year they have turned away 200 students, however two (2) additional classes will be held this year of 24 students each for the Indiana State Police and police officers from Marion County.