01-06-95 Health & Public Safety - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commfttts Zeport: Health arriPublic Safety Committee ZO die QCOmmon Council of the City of boutb Vtntr: The January 6, 1995 meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Tom Zakrzewski at 4:05 P.M.in the Council informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Coleman, Slavinskas, Zakrzewski, Kelly, Puzzello, Ladewski, Luecke, and Duda; Chief Luther Taylor, Chief Ron Marciniak, Corporal Tom Leszcz, Sgt. Dave Hecklinski, Don Porter, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council Member Zakrzewski noted that the Health and Public Safety Committee for 1995 is composed of Council Members Kelly, Puzzello, and Slavinskas with himself as Chairperson. Council Member Zakrzewski then called upon Council President Ladewski to present Bill No. 121-94. Council President Ladewski noted that he introduced the Bill so that it would reflect policies which the Police and Fire departments would implement with regard to retirement gift policies. Fire fighters upon 20 years of service would receive their helmets upon retirement in good standing and Police officers with 20 years of service who retire in good standing would receive the weapons which are issued to them by the City. I Council Member Coleman then reviewed the substitute Bill (attached) which he stated presents an alternative to honor members of the Police and Fire Departments. He stated that he hoped that there would be a consensus for this as an alternative.He noted that this is not a discussion of what should or should not be given but what City Government should or should not be doing as a practice.He stated that the City should not be in the gun give away program or the gun sale business and that he believes that it is inappropriate in principle.He further noted that he voted against the current policy in 1988 which passed by a 5 to 4 margin. He stated that he believes that his alternative is fair and equitable and that he would appreciate support of it. Council President Ladewski then provided a copy of a memorandum prepared by the Council Attorney dated January 6th, 1995 (copy attached) which highlighted the fact that the Indiana State Police, the Alcoholic Beverage Law Enforcement Officers, and the Conservation Officers receive their service weapons upon retirement after 20 years of service to the State of Indiana. Corporal Tom Leszcz, the President of the Fraternal Order of Police stated that in response to Council Member Coleman's Bill that he took opposition that all that an officer is worth is $700.00 after taxes upon retirement. He stated that the Police want their guns upon retirement. Sgt. Dave Hecklinski, the secretary of the FOP voiced the same concern on behalf of the FOP. •