06/19/13 Board of Public Safety Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING TUNE 19, 2013 52 to the South Bend Fire Department as an employee, after completing his sabbatical. In a letter to Fire Chief Stephen Cox, dated June 1, 2013, Firefighter Chris Bennion, confirmed his intent to return to the South Bend Fire Department once his educational sabbatical is over. Upon a motion by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Collins and carried, the Board accepted the letter for filing, and confirmed their previously approved unpaid sabbatical with Firefighter Bennion's intent to return to the Fire Department at the end of the sabbatical. APPROVE REQUEST TO REMOVE BOARD -UP CONTRACTORS FROM EMERGENCY BOARD -UP LIST — TOWNE FIRE AND WATER AND SERVICE MASTER Fire Chief Stephen Cox submitted two letters to the Board informing Towne Fire and Water, and Service Master that due to their failure to respond to emergency Board -ups, after being notified by the South Bend Fire Department, he was requesting the Board's approval to remove these companies from the Board -Up list. Chief Cox stated he read the Resolution regarding Board -Up Companies and the section regarding the removal process. He noted the Resolution allows for removal of a company that fails to respond to three (3) or more calls. Chief cox noted both companies are in violation of this section and it is a big problem for the Fire Department. He stated after a fire, the Fire Department must remain at the scene until the property has been secured. When the companies fail to respond, it keeps that Fire station out of service for an extended period of time, delaying response time at other emergencies. Chief Cox noted that Service Master's statistics show their refusal rate at 50 %. Upon a motion by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Miller and carried, the Board approved the Chief to send certified letters to Towne Fire and Water, and Service Master, notifying them they would be removed from the Board -Up list, unless they appeal the decision with the Clerk of the Board of Safety in writing within ten (10) days after the mailing of the certified letter of notification to them. FILING OF MONTHLY STATISTICAL ANALYSIS REPORT — MAY 2013 Fire Chief Stephen Cox submitted to the Board the Monthly Report for the month of May, 2013 compiled by the PreventionAnspection Bureau of the Fire Department. Chief Cox noted there is a small decline in all numbers, except fires which shows a large decrease. Chief Cox stated that is due to a large commercial fire last year at Hurwich Apartments, Mr. Cottrell stated if there were no objections, the Board would accept the report for filing as presented. A summary is as follows: May May 2012 2013 STRUCTURE FIRES Property Damage -- Buildings & Contents (Estimates) $214,996.00 $42,901.00 INSPECTIONS (Fire Prevention /Inspection Bureau) 318 Inspections 308 Inspections 126 Re- Inspections 89 Re- Inspections INVESTIGATIONS (Police /Fire Arson Bureau) 19 14 Investigations Investigations 4 4 Arson Arson PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR Mr. Mario Sims, Mr. Greg Brown, and Mr. Jessie Davis spoke regarding the alleged actions of Police Chief Ronald Teachman, and additional complaints regarding this issue, and requested the Board do their own investigation and give a response to the community. Ms. Beachkofsky requested if they have additional complaints, they submit them to the Board so they can review them. She noted the incidents they were talking about are cases currently under investigation, and therefore not for public discussion. Police Chief Ronald Teachman confirmed that his department is currently coordinating their investigation with the Legal Department. Ms. Beachkofsky stated she would follow -up and give the Board of Safety an update on the status at their next Regular Meeting. Mr. Todd Stuhl, Bestway Towing, requested the Board get the issues resolved with the Towing Resolution, stating it has been going on too long. ADJOURNMENT