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

Home Browse Search

c , Health aed Public Safety Committee South Bend Common Council the Bill, and that she voiced some initial concern. She added that she does not support requiring that one of the five positions on the Board of Public Safety be a person from public safety, in light of the "current climate". She questioned what would be sent as a "message to the community". She noted that she supports a citizen review board. Council Member Puzzello noted that there is nothing behind the bill other than what is addressed within it. She noted that the power of the Board of Pubic Safety was "brought into play earlier this year", and when the Mayor suggested that the Board be increased from three members to five members, she thought that the timing would be appropriate. She noted that a public safety official has knowledge and could provide information so that there are better choices. At least one person would have had experience and knowledge which would assist the Board. The board would still have their own attorney,as they do now. Council Member Kirsits noted that the Board of Public Safety exists as a result of state law. He has thought for a long time that having only three (3) members on the Board, were too few. He noted that he was professionally embarrassed when a member of city government had to be sworn in, in order to have the rookie firefighters sworn in as new members of the South Bend Fire Department. He stated that having five (5) members would help give more accountability; and that having a former public safety officer would only bring stability and credence to the Board. He knows of at least two (2) people from the South Bend Fire Department, one who works in the Mayor's Office as an Administrative Assistant and the other who bring professionalism and have a great deal of respect from the members of the department. He stated that there has been a decline in things going to the Board of Public Safety, noting that the day he was sworn in as a firefighter was the same day that the Board of Safety gave a three (3)day suspension to a firefighter for not having a telephone number on file with the department. Council Member Kirsits stated that there are many other for public safety officials who would add a good dimension to the board such as former US Marshal Mike Carrington, Jack Reed, Luther Taylor,just to name a few. He concluded his remarks by stating that the ordinance is a good idea. Mayor Luecke stated that he had a meeting with Council Member Puzzello approximately a week ago. He stated that the Board of Safety is expanding to five (5) members as of January 1,2005,in light of the passage of the 2005 budget which appropriated the funds for the five (5) board members. He stated that he believes the bill is unnecessary and would put restrictions on him. He stated that he does not object to having a public safety oriented person on the Board,but does not believe it should be a requirement. City Attorney Charles Leone stated that he believes the bill raises separation of powers issues. He noted that it would establish 4-year terms for board members which may constrain the Mayor from removing a member if that member did not show for meetings. He questioned whether the 30-day application process would impact a quorum of the Board and whether the Board could take action if the public safety official was absent from a meeting. He stated that there could be problems down the road. Health and Public Safety Committee November 8,2004---page 2