03-10-03 Health & Public Safety - Laserfiche WebLink

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Qtommittu . port told) antt ub i *altar Qommtt tu The March 10, 2003 meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Roland Kelly at 3:37 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Varner, Aranowski, Pfeifer, Kelly, Kirsits, Coleman, and Kuspa; Citizen Member Isabel Gonzalez, Fire Chief Luther Taylor, Assistant Fire Chief for Services Richard Switaiski,Battalion Chief for EMS Randy Magdalinski,Battalion Chief for Special Operations James Lopez, Marc Nelson of the St. Joseph County Health Department, Michael Beitzinger,Terry Bland of the *nth Vattlf tttbuttt and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member Kelly noted that the Committee members included Council Members Pfeifer, Kuspa,Kirsits and himself and Citizen Member Isabel Gonzalez. Marc Nelson of the St. Joseph County Health Department requested that Bill No. 03-25 which would authorize the City's participation in a joint terrorism steering committee and a joint terrorism preparedness and response committee be continued until March 24th. Citizen Member Gonzalez made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kirsits that Bill No. 03- 25 be continued until the Council meeting of March 24th at the request of the Petitioner. The motion passed. Council Member Coleman voiced concern over the proposed names of the committees to Mr. Nelson. Council Member Kelly then called for a presentation on Bill No. 16-03 which would appropriate $125,672 from the Emergency Medical Services Capital Improvement Fund. Assistant Chief Richard Switalski made the presentation. He noted that the funds are from the reimbursement from the U.S. Fire Administration 2003 Firefighters Assistance Grant which provides 70% of the funding with a local 30% match. The monies would be used to purchase Clear Command Portable Radio Communication Systems for all members of the South Bend Fire Department, Council Member Kirsits noted that he is a member of the South Bend Fire Department, however based on the legal opinion issued by the Council Attorney, that he would not have a conflict of interest but is required to provide this information before participating in the discussion and vote. He noted that the South Bend Fire Department has been doing well in getting grant monies for the department. He then demonstrated how the communications are without the use of the Clear Command Portable Radio Communications Systems. He noted that this voice communication device in the breathing apparatus will be extremely helpful and a safety improvement for all members of the Fire Department. Following discussion, Council Member Pfeifer made a motion, seconded by Citizen Member Isabel Gonzalez that Bill No. 16-3 be recommend favorably to Council. The motion passed. Under miscellaneous business, Council Member Aranowski inquired about the article which appeara n Sunday's edition of the South Bend Tribune regarding the lack of Homeland Security funding for equipment and training of first responders. He inquired whether the firefighters are