10-17-01 Public Works and Property Vacation & Health & Public Safety

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Joint Committee Meeting of the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee and the Health and Public Safety Committee October 17, 2001 Page 3 Ms. Gonzalez inquired whether a revenue study had been conducted and inquired about its impact. Mayor Luecke stated that this project is a"work in progress". Council President Pfeifer inquired about wellness including mental wellness, stress, etc as part of the training programs and facilities. She stressed the need for trained mental health professionals and social workers in addition to Police and Fire Chaplains and adequate space for such operations. The Council Attorney inquired about the impact on 911 Communications since in the past when the issue of separating the police and fire operations, this issue was raised and used as a reason not to separate such operations. The Council Attorney also suggested that perhaps a questionnaire be sent to all of the surrounding fire departments including volunteer fire departments to see if they would participate in a regional training center in South Bend if the City had such facilities. Chief Taylor stated that this issue has been discussed and that currently it is more a matter of convenience then necessity. He noted that an option to move Communications was concerned but was considered too expensive, therefore option # 4 includes this operation to remain as a part of the Police operations. Mr. Sabinash noted that separating the departments would not negatively impact responding to emergency calls. Chief Bennett stressed the need to have as secure an operation as possible and especially the 911 Communications facilities. Chief Bennett also stressed on the buildings affect the morale of the departments. He noted that with Community Oriented Policing that more public comes to the department and space must include those operations. There are five (5) police academies carried out each year and training is paramount. The building will also affect recruitment. He noted that he has been in the same building for 33 years from a 1st Class Patrol Officer to now as Chief. He noted that need for night training operations also and the appropriate facilities to carry out such training. Assistant Chief Prawat noted that several communities were visited including Milwaukee. The reductions did not reduce efficiency. In response to a question from Dr. Varner, Police Chief Bennett stated that there would be a savings in overtime from the $ 50,000 currently spent since training could take place while working with a special effect on the midnight shift officers. Dr. Varner requested that there be regular updates from the Administration on this project as we move through the various phases. Mr. Gilot then discussed Station#2. He noted that there has been significant growth on the south and northwest portions of the city which also impacts the relocation of Station#2. He noted that the 1996 study conducted by DLZ made recommendations on Station#9 also. Bruce Hudson of DLZ made the presentation on Station#2 and showed a series of maps with