05-10-00 Health & Public Safety - Laserfiche WebLink

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• . Head and Public Safety Committee South Bend Common Council The May 10,2000 meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Andrew Ujdak at 3:00 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included: Council Members Aranowski,Pfeifer,Kelly, King,Varner, Ujdak, Coleman,Kirsits, and White;John Broden,City Attorney;Luther Taylor,Fire Chief; Larry Bennet,Police Chief;Richard Switalski,Assistant Fire Chief; Randy Magdalinski, Assistant Fire Chief; Thomas Broden,Deputy Attorney,M. Catherine Roemer, City Controller; Fred Jaroniak of the Fire Department, Sam Walsh,Firefighter Wage Committee members, Terry Bland of the South Bend Tribune, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member Ujdak that called upon members of the South Bend Fire Department to update the committee on the proposed physical ability testing to be used in the department. Chief Taylor then showed a fifteen(15)minute video. It highlighted eight(8)events which must be completed in 10 minutes and 20 seconds(current time is 6 minutes 30 seconds on a ranked basis) which would be on a pass/fail basis. The events include: ladder drills,hose drag, equipment carry,ladder raise&extension,forcible entry,tunnel event search,rescue event,and ceiling breach and pull. The events have been developed over a two-year period. The test is designed to be a valid and legitimate reflection of the job. It includes recruitment and training mentoring. Both the safety of the firefighters and the public are instrumental in its development. Chief Taylor noted that he has shown this film to the Board of Public Safety and to the Mayor. A facility would be needed for proper set-up. An area of 100' by 150' would be necessary. In response to a question from Council Member Kelly, Chief Taylor noted that of the 275 applicants 75%dropped out and between 65 to 75 made the final list. The Chief noted that their legal counsel,Mr. Bodnar has been involved in reviewing the test. The fire department has sent two firefighters to Indianapolis where the system will soon be in place. Council Member Kelly suggested that such a system be used after a firefighter is on the department for overall health and public safety concerns. Chief Taylor noted that advancements have been made in the department on fitness and wellness issues. Council Member Varner suggested that it be made available to current firefighters but not be a requirement. Council Member Kirsits noted that validation studies have been made under Chief Nowicki and that testing has been moved from the Central Fire Station to Station# 11 almost 12 years ago. Assistant Chief Richard Switalski then highlighted portions of the handouts(copy attached). The testing would be pass/fail. Current testing is 50%written and 50%agility with the current written test basically being an IQ test. The Institute for Public Safety Personnel, Inc. under the direction of Dr. Jeffrey C. Savitsky has developed the testing procedures being cognizant of their legal defensibility,the integrity of the testing materials,being consistent and fair, and their job Health and Public Safety Committe Meeting Minutes of May 10,2000 Page 1