10-24-94 Health & Public Safety - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

tommitttt 2tport:. Health and Public Safety Committee g0 the Common touttal of t Je eiti of ibo ut j 140: The October 24, 1994 meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Gene Ladewski at 4:10 p.m. in the Council informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included Council Members: Slavinskas, Kelly, Coleman, Duda, Zakrzewski, Luecke,Puzzello, Washington, and Ladewski; Chief Ron Marciniak, Don Porter, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council Member Ladewski noted that the purpose of the meeting was to continue discuss Bill No. 96-94 which addresses the "Operation Safe Neighborhoods Program". Council Member Ladewski noted that at last week's meeting there were suggestions made by the Council Members present that a substitute Bill be prepared. The Committee then reviewed the substitute Bill. The major changes included the elimination of the twelve month requirement at the request of the FOP President Tom Leszcz, to include language with regard to insurance and potential liability in light of the concerns raised by Council Member Washington, and to have a copy of the Ordinance and the map posted in the classroom at the South Bend Police Department. Chief Ron Marciniak noted that he had redrafted the map referred to as exhibit"A" at the request of the Committee. The map includes the street names. He noted that he has doubled checked his figures and 29 current officers are sworn members and currently live within the proposed boundaries. Council President Puzzello and Council Member Zakrzewski thought that the additional monies would be well spent. Council Member Kelly stated that the Council should appropriate enough money to anticipate additional officers joining the program in the coming year and suggested that funding should be in place for at least 35 officers. He also recommended that we should look at a take home car policy for officers living within the City. Police Chief Marciniak noted that 5 of the 29 officers currently have take home cars however not all of them are marked. Council Member Slavinskas stated he is fully supportive of the program however believes that visibility with regard to take home cars for officers living within the City should also be reviewed carefully. The Chief noted that exhibit "A" incorporates studies made of arrests made and reports taken throughout the City on a Citywide basis. Council President Puzzello questioned the policy with regard to take home cars and the Police Chief noted that only the officer can drive the vehicle. Council President Puzzello urged that a insurance rider be mandatory especially if the City allows family members within the vehicle. Council Member Ladewski noted that the Police Chief's map incorporates the new areas of Beacon Heights on Ardmore and Blackwood apartments.He also credited Council Member Luecke for bringing the concept of "Operation Safe Neighborhoods" to the attention of the Wage Committee earlier this year.