01/15/14 Board of Public Safety Minutes

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PUBLIC AGENDA SESSION JANUARY 15, 2014 unsuccessful, officers are not encouraged to think outside the box. He noted the Police Department needs to encourage it. Chief Teachman informed the Board that roll -call training continues to increase and improve. - Application and Declaration for Retirement — Fire Department Fire Chief Stephen Cox stated Captain Robert Severeid is retiring after eighteen (18) years on the department. He noted his is a disability retirement, and he is retiring in good standing. Chief Cox stated there are three more individuals currently signed up for the drop program over the next several months, and a significant amount of seniority is being lost. Chief Cox stated training will be moved to the new Fire Training Center once it is completed. He informed the Board the next recruit training class will have ten (10) recruits in it. Chief Cox explained that the Fire Department doesn't have an academy like the Police Department and all training is done in- house. He added there have been many discussions about creating a regional training center here, but the financial contributions never materialized so it is being kept as the South Bend Fire Training Center. The intent, he noted, is to build it and see if they come. Chief Cox stated he has had discussions with the Common Council on creative financing to create a regional center, but his priority is that this is a place to provide excellent training to individuals risking their lives to save lives. Chief Cox noted the City is providing a valuable service to the citizens of the community with the Fire Training Center. Mr. Taylor agreed and stated it will save funds to not have to send individuals out for training, and bringing in trainers to get training will also save money. He noted the State has offered to help funding for CPAT training. Chief Cox added the State Fire Marshall is looking at other ideas to bring in training that has the potential to be a money maker and offers the opportunity for the Fire Department to take part in this training. Chief Cox concluded that the new Training Center could potentially change the culture of the entire department, noting that in the past the Fire Department had no facility to train at. - Commendation — Fire Department and Police Department Chief Cox stated that on Christmas Eve a call came in of a man down on the floor on the 9th floor of an apartment building. He noted dispatch forced entry to the locked door and found a despondent man on the balcony wanting to end his life. When he leaned out, Captain Dave Pritz and Patrolman Kyle Dombrowski acted quickly, grabbing him and pulling him in, saving his life. Assistant Chief Scott Ruszkowski noted this was on an icy balcony and the gentleman was very large. Chief Cox added it was a recipe for disaster with a parking lot down below. - Quarterly Travel and Training Report — Fire Department Chief Cox explained that this report includes travel out of town to inspect and pick -up an apparatus, not just travel for training. He also made note of Ambulance Billing training in Pennsylvania for Kelly Nardini, who is in charge of the office for EMS billing. Chief Cox noted the training and leadership of Ms. Nardini has increased ambulance reimbursements tremendously, and all of the ladies in the office have gone through national certification which provides them information on how the Fire Department can improve their recovery. He stated they rotate training, sending one or two employees at a time. Chief Cox informed the Board that the Fire Department has been updating their Fire apparatus fleet, which has not been done since 2003. He stated two trucks being replaced are over thirty (30) years old. Chief Cox stated they are replacing one with a very slightly used ladder truck at a third of the cost of new ladder truck, saving over $600,000.00. He added the Board of Works approved another used truck purchase at their meeting yesterday, saving the Fire Department $100,000.00. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board, upon a motion by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Collins and carried, Ms. Vasquez declared the meeting adjourned at 9:15 a.m. BOARD; OF PUBLIC SAFETY Laura A. Vasquez, Member