04-28-03 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING APRIL 28, 2003 Councilmember Al "Buddy" Kirsits, 722 Marquette Boulevard, South Bend, Indiana, made the presentation for this Resolution. Fire Chief Luther Taylor and Mr. Ken Marks, President, South Bend Firefighters Local No. 362, joined Councilmember Kirsits at the podium. Councilmember Kirsits noted that based on the advice of Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski- Farrand, he would like to disclose that he is the son of a firefighter and is currently a firefighter with the South Bend Fire Department and has proudly served since 1979. Councilmember Kirsits thanked Councilmember White for allowing him to present this Resolution which he read in its entirely and which he presented to both Chief Taylor and Mr. Marks. A Public Hearing was held on the Resolution at this time. Fire Chief Luther Taylor, 701 West Sample Street, South Bend, Indiana, thanked Councilmembers for increasing wages over the years. He thanked Executive Board members who joined him tonight noting that they have taken a very aggressive lead in making sure something is done to recognize the Fire Department on their 150th year. Chief Taylor observed that progress has been made over the years particularly in terms of safety. It is their number one goal to strive for safety and he thanked the Council for all that they have done to assist in that effort. Mr. Ken Marks, 1122 South Main Street, South Bend, Indiana, President, South Bend Firefighers Local #362, thanked the Council for this Resolution. He noted that the members of the union are very proud, professional men and women and they thank the Council for their support. Mr. Marks noted that the salary has improved since 1865 and they would like to see the salaries get better over time. Mayor Stephen Luecke, 14th Floor, County -City Building, South Bend, Indiana, thanked and recognized the Fire Department for 150 years of fine service. He stated that they have a proud tradition and a proud future ahead of them because of the skill and the dedication of the officers. He further stated that the community can feel safer because of the special teams that the Department has including Haz Mat, River Rescue and Confined Space Rescue teams that are ready, willing and able to assist in any emergency. Councilmember Kirsits noted that the Fire Department has a lot of sons of former firefighters including Battalion Chief Robert Sanders who was present this evening. He further noted that Chief Sanders father, James R. "Chip" Sanders, was appointed to the South Bend Fire Department when the Department celebrated one hundred (100) years of service. There being no one else present wishing to speak to the Council in favor of this bill and no one present wishing to speak in opposition to this Resolution, Councilmember Coleman made a motion to adopt this Resolution by acclamation. Councilmember Aranowski seconded the motion which carried and the Resolution was adopted by acclamation. President White and Councilmember Kirsits presented to Chief Taylor two (2) cardboard displays depicting the Fire Department past and present and equipment worn by a firefighter.