11-08-04 Health & Public Safety - Laserfiche WebLink

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r 1 { Q Health and Public Safety Committee South Bend Common Council The November 8, 2004 meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Ann Puzzello at 3:45 p.m. in the Council's Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Dieter, Pfeifer, Kelly, Puzzello, Varner, Kuspa, Coleman, Kirsits and White; Mayor Stephen J. Luecke, City Clerk John Voorde, City Attorney Charles Leone, Community and Economic Development Executive Director Sharon Kendall, Public Works Director Gary Gilot, Rita Kopola, a member of the news media, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member Puzzello noted that the Committee members include Council Members Dieter, Kelly,Kirsits and herself. Council Member Puzzello noted that she is the sponsor of Bill No. 70-04 which would amend Chapter 2, Article 5 of the South Bend Municipal Code by the inclusion of revised Section 2-50 entitled Board of Public Safety and a new section 2-50A entitled Board of Public Works. The Bill basically addresses two (2) major items, namely: it would create a five-member Board of Public Safety and address its provisions, and would retain a 3-member Board of Works which are currently addressed in the same section of the Code. Council Member Puzzello then summarized portions of the Bill. She has proposed that the Board of Public Safety would have a former public safety official as one of the five members. She stated that she believes this is important because the board deals with important public safety matters. She noted that she has a copy of the swearing in sheet of Jack Bland who is a retired member of the South Bend Fire Department who served with distinction for many years on the Board of Public Safety. She noted that the proposed ordinance is also aimed at making sure that the Council and the Mayor are better informed and so that the community is better informed. She proposed a straight-forward application process which would assist in that process. The Mayor and the Council would meet to discuss the applicants, with the Mayor making the actual appointments to the Board. Council Member Dieter inquired about"former" and"retired"members of the police and fire departments. Council Member Puzzello noted that"former"would refer to those individuals who left by choice and in good standing. Council Member Kelly noted that he respectfully has problems with the proposed ordinance. He voiced concern that having a former public safety officer on the Board of Public Safety would "fly in the face of a termination or reprimand". He added that he is "fuzzy" as to why the city would want to do that. Council President White questioned what greater detail and better communication is needed; and questioned how it would be enhanced and at what levels. She noted that there has been communication. She noted that Council Member Puzzello did contact her prior to filing Health and Public Safety Committee November 8,2004---page 1