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

Home Browse Search

Committee report Health and Public Safety Committee January 6, 1995 page 4 Both Council Member Ladew ski and Council Member Duda questioned where the $1,000.00 figure came from. Council Member Coleman stated that in fairness to the consideration that the Council should focus either on whether the amount is $700.00 or $1,000.00 if it was to be considered at all. Council Member Duda stated that the option of the value of the weapon or money should be one that is proposed. She further proposed that an axe should be given along with the helmet. Chief Taylor noted that an ax is not given to a Fire fighter as part of the department issue. Sgt.Dave Hecklinski stated that he would not be in favor of the option. Council Member Coleman thanked the Committee for the opportunity to present his substitute Bill.He stated that he proposed the substitute as a matter of principle and stated that in 120 years there have been no exceptions that the gun belongs to the citizens and that the symbol should be the badge of preserving and protecting the citizens and not the gun. He further noted that anyone can carry a gun but few can wear the badge. Following further discussion, Council Member made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kelly that original Bill No. 12-94 proposed by Council President Ladewski be recommended favorably to Council. Council Member Slavinskas noted that he has received between 18 to 20 calls on this issue.He further noted that in his district he has a high concentration of retirees.He stated that although his position is somewhere between the two Bills currently considered, that in light of the consensus received who have contacted him that he would be voting in favor of the original if required to choose today. Following further discussion the Committee then voted by a 4 to 0 margin in favor of the Bill. The Council Attorney stated that if the Common Council acts favorably on original Bill No. 121-94 at next Monday's Council meeting, that the Council should consider an amendment to the Bill making it retro-active so that any Fire fighter or Police officer who has retired since the policy was put on hold that the Chiefs of the respective Departments could give the appropriate retirement gift. Chief Marciniak and Chief Taylor agreed with this recommendation. Following further discussion the meeting was adjourned at 5:15 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Tom Zakrzewski Chairperson,Health and Public Safety Committee Attachments