08-22-00 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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Personnel and Finance Committee August 22,2000 Page 2 Mr. Pinckert noted that all new police officers are under the 1977 plan with eighteen (18) officers being hired this year to date. He noted that the City is required to pay 21$ of the Patrolman First Class salary for pension purposes, with the salary for this salary classification increased by 8 % or $ 2,700 for year 2001. Health insurance is proposed at a$ 98,000 increase for an 8 % increase in this line item. In the supply area, gasoline is proposed at a $ 110,000 increase calculated on $ 1.50 per gallon costs for over a 300-vehicle fleet. Most police vehicles are out of warranty thus the budget is proposed at a$50,000 increase for vehicle maintenance. Computer equipment is up by approximately $ 60,000. The computer system was purchased three(3)years ago and is off warranty. Video cameras are being installed in squad cars. $600,000 additional is being proposed for the police pension fund. Council Member King inquired about the police officers in the various South Bend Community Schools. Mr. Pinckert sated that there are four(4) School Resource Officers(SRO) in the high schools,which are funded by an $ 80,000 federal grant which runs out in 2000. There is a contract with the South Bend Community School Corporation which requires them to pay 75 %. In 2001, the split between the City and the School Corporation will be a 50/50 split with each paying $ 100,000. Council Member King suggested further discussion should take place as to whether this position should be a sworn police officer, and he also raised this same concern with regard to DARE officers. Council President Pfeifer inquired about the training budget and the percentage of such training devoted to cultural diversity. It was noted that this topic is addressed annually at the refresher academy as well as at the City's academy. Fifteen(15) people per class for one(1)week of training is a summary of the training which was started this year. Council President Pfeifer requested to see the curriculum on the training program, noting the conflict resolution was essential. Council Member White inquired as to whether the training budget is adequate with regard to the depth and scope necessary to have a properly trained professional police force. Chief Bennett stated that he would continue to monitor this area closely, noting that the 5th Citizens Police Academy would soon be underway. Dr. Varner questioned the number of vehicles comprising the vehicle fleet and whether it could be reduced in light of the additional costs of insurance, maintenance, etc. Division Chief Kilgore stated that the department averages two (2) squad cars out of service on a regular basis. The vehicle fleet is being reduced overall with ten (1) vehicles not being replaced, however the number include the SWAT truck and vehicles, motorcycles, etc. Between 50-60 vehicles will be replaced this year. Division Chief Kilgore noted that Impalas are being tested but are too small for some of the officers and there appears to be equipment problems on them such as the siren switch. Dr. Varner suggested looking at the bumpers on the vehicles. Council Member King inquired about the bicycle patrols noting that in the Spring Division Chief Larry Blume informed him that there was no funding for the bike patrols along the East Race. Chief Bennett stated that there are no police bicycle patrols on the East Race this year. The Department would have been required to recall officers for the three (3) details needed. He noted that two (2) corridors, South Gateway and Lincoln Way West each received $ 20,000 of cDBG money and requested bicycle patrols. Additionally at HUD grant is used for bike and foot patrols. In another corridor makes a similar request for bicycle patrols, the City does not have .Rokilk