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

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' r t Health and Public Safety Committee South Bend Common Council Council Member Puzzello asked the Council Attorney to address some of Mr. Leone's points. The Council Attorney noted that the Council was given a memo dated November 4, 2004 along with a cover letter from Council Member Puzzello (copy attached). That memo briefly summarized the governing state laws which enable the Council to establish regulations which they believe are need for the "effective operation of government as to local affairs". She noted that several other 2nd class city Board of Public Safety regulations were briefly summarized. Many have established criteria for their boards and the areas inwhich they would operate, and she cited Evansville as an example. As to the quorum issue, it is specifically governed by state law. She noted that Mr. Leone's question as to what would happen if the public safety official would not be present would be similar to asking whether the Common Council could take action when one of its District members would be absent. If a quorum of the body is present, business can take place. She noted that setting criteria for the Board would not be "plowing new legal ground". Mayor Luecke noted that Board Members serve now at the will of the Mayor. The Council Attorney noted that that procedure would continue. Dr. Varner stated that he believes the ordinance is a good idea, and in particular the proposals for the Board of Public Safety. Having one (1) of five (5) members on the Board of Public Safety with a public safety background "makes sense". That person's professional expertise could be shared with the other board members. Dr. Varner stated that he believes that having one person with experience in the public safety arena would be"good and reasonable". Council Member Pfeifer stated that she likes having a 5-member Board of Safety and likes items aimed at better communication and sharing more information. She stated however that her concern is "making it permanent and therefore it would be inflexible". She noted that perhaps because of the neighborhood in which she lives, and the 20-year history of the community, things have not gotten any better. Efforts have been under way to get a citizens review board. There are issues related to the "community of color" and the police department, and sometimes the fire department. She questioned what message would be sent to the community since they are continuing to struggle with the police department. She stated that she has a problem of the requirements being mandated. Council Member Puzzello stated that state law governs the rights and responsibilities of the Board of Public Safety. If there was a citizens review board, it would not take the place of the Board of Public Safety. Council Member Pfeifer stated that she is concerned about inappropriate behavior and not being respectful to others concerns. She added that she is not mixing a citizen review board with the Board of Public Safety. Health and Public Safety Committee November 8,2004--page 3