03-22-04 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING MARCH 22, 2004 WHEREAS, the South Bend Common Council proudly acknowledges that approximately 32 years ago Luther Taylor began a remarkable career of public service on the South Bend Fire Department and quickly became known for his caring attitude and leadership qualities; and WHEREAS, for the past eighteen (18) years, Luther Taylor has been the Fire Chief, serving with distinction and earning respect throughout the state for many innovative programs; and WHEREAS, some of the many awards bestowed upon Fire Chief Luther Taylor include being designated "Chief Fire Officer"by the Commission on Chief Fire Officer Designation in 2003 in recognition of demonstrating the highest level of professional, educational, technical and community service while surpassing the standards of performance required for such a designation; and WHEREAS, that under Fire Chief Luther Taylor's leadership the South Bend Fire Department's 248 sworn firefighters provide a variety of services which include fire suppression, emergency medical services,public education, prevention services and special operations consisting of a Water Rescue Team, Hazmat Team, Tactical Rescue and Indiana Rescue Team who utilize 6,000 fire hydrants and operate under an annual budget of approximately$17 million in protecting our community of 107,789 while living in the city's twelve fire stations. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AS FOLLOWS: Section I. On behalf of all of the residents of the City of South Bend, Indiana, the Common Council is especially proud to acknowledge Fire Chief Luther Taylor for his close to 32 years of distinguished service on the South Bend Fire Department. Section II. The Council wishes Fire Chief Luther Taylor much success during his sabbatical leave from the South Bend Fire Department so that he may serve the citizens of the State of Indiana as the Executive Director of the State Emergency Management Agency; and hopes that he and his wife, Gwen, will be back in South Bend on many occasions including the grand opening of the new Central Fire Station and Headquarters Building later this year. Section III. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption by the Common Council and approval by the Mayor. s/Derek D. Dieter, 1st District s/Ervin Kuspa, 6th District s/Charlotte D. Pfeifer, 2nd District s/Sean Coleman, At Large s/Roland Kelly, 3rd District s/A1 "Buddy"Kirsits, At Large s/Ann Puzzello, 4th District s/Karen L. White, Council President s/Dr. David Varner, 5th District s/Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney ATTEST: John Voorde, City Clerk Mayor Stephen J. Luecke Councilmember Al "Buddy" Kirsits made the presentation for this Resolution by reading it in its entirety and presenting it to Chief Luther Taylor. A Public Hearing was held on the Resolution at this time. Mayor Stephen J. Luecke spoke in favor of this Resolution. Mayor Luecke congratulated Chief Taylor on his appointment as the Executive Director of the State Emergency Management Agency. -2-