02/20/13 Board of Public Safety Minutes

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PUBLIC AGENDA SESSION FEBRUARY 20 2013 18 The Board of Public Safety met in the Public Agenda Session at 8:08 a.m. on Wednesday, February 20, 2013 in the 13`l' Floor Board Conference Room, County -City Building, 227 West Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, Indiana, with Board President Patrick D. Cottrell and Board Members Eddie Miller, John Collins, and Luther Taylor present. Board member Laura Vasquez was absent. Also present was Fire Chief Stephen Cox, Police Chief Ronald Teachman, and Attorney Andrea Beachkofsky. ADDITION TO THE AGENDA Ms. Beachkofsky noted the addition to the agenda of the Findings of Fact regarding Charges No. 2013 -02, Patrolman Jeff McKee. Board members discussed the following agenda items: - Letter from Common Council Ms. Beachkofsky informed the Board that she distributed a copy of the Whistleblower Ordinance for their review. She stated the Board needs to respond to Councilman Davis's letter regarding their position on this process. - Permanent Promotion — Fire Department Fire Chief Stephen Cox stated the Fire Department started doing Captain promotions the same as the Police Department last year. The process is to promote to Special Assignment for one year, after which time a review is done. He noted that former Fire Chief, Howard Buchanon, promoted Rob Rose to Special Assignment without going through the Board of Safety last year. Mr. Rose has requested that his promotion now be approved by the Board of Safety and will be present for the pinning of his badge along with Mike Schmuhl, Chief of Staff, Mayor's office, Ms. Beachkofsky stated Mr. Rose filled a vacancy that occurred a year ago. Chief Cox noted Mr. Rose has done an exemplary job. - Monthly Statistical Analysis — January 2013 — Fire Department Fire Chief Stephen Cox noted that the property damage statistics show a tremendous difference from 2012 to 2013. He explained that this is due to a large commercial fire at the Jefferson Apartment complex, which incurred over $1,000,000.00 in damage. - Annual Statistical Analysis — 2012 — Fire Department Fire Chief Stephen Cox stated 2012 property damage statistics were notably higher due to a couple of commercial fires including the Jefferson Apartment Complex, Hurwich Farms Apartment Complex, and the Plumrose Meat Packaging Plant. He noted, however, that the numbers of EMS calls are almost the same numbers as 2011. Chief Cox stated that the pattern over the last ten (10) years has been a significant climb in these statistics, so this is fantastic for the City. He noted that they are utilizing the same number of EMS people and equipment. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board, Mr. Cottrell declared the meeting adjourned at 8:23 a.m. BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY atrick -)Cottrell Me ber Laura A. Vasquez, Member Eddie Miller, Member Jq Collins, Member Luther Taylor, Member