08-18-2014 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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SOUTH BEND BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 18,2014 The Board of Park Commissioners of the Park District of the City of South Bend, Indiana met on Monday August 18, 2014 at the O'Brien Administration &Recreation Center, 321 E. Walter St., South Bend, Indiana for its regular meeting. Notice of the date,time and place of the meeting were duly given as required by law. Park Board members present were as follows: Mr. Robert Goodrich, President Ms. Amy Hill, Vice President Mr. Garrett Mullins Mr. Bruce BonDurant Park Board members absent were as follows: None Staff members present: Phil St. Clair,Director of Parks; Bill Carleton,Director of Financial Services; Susan O'Connor,Deputy Director; Randy Nowacki, Director of Golf Operations; Mark Bradley, Marketing Director;Paula Garis, Special Events Supervisor; Steve Orlowski, Park Ranger Foreman; Cheryl Greene, Park Board Attorney I. The meeting was called to order by Board President Robert Goodrich at 4:00 p.m. H. The first order of business was the interviewing of interested citizens. 1. Councilpersons Valerie Schey and Dr. Fred Ferlic Ms. Schey and Dr. Ferlic were present to address the Board regarding the policy change that reconfigured the Park Police as Park Rangers. This change took them out of police style uniforms and removed their firearms. Ms. Schey asked that the Board provide their rationale for the change to her and other Council members and if they would consider reversing the policy. She read a letter she addressed to Deputy Mayor Neal that expressed her opposition to the change. She asked that the Board consider changing the decision. Attorney Greene replied that this decision was not made by the Park Board. It was an administrative decision made by the City Administration and does not rest with this Board. President Goodrich explained that the Board has not addressed this issue. Individually, they have expressed their concern for the safety of the employees as they do their jobs. Personally, he was concerned that the decision was made without consulting the Park Board in that it affects the Board and was disappointed that they were not afforded this courtesy. His concerns were the level of training they received, if they could attend the police academy to receive the same level of training as officers, and if in the fixture an employee was hired that had this training, would the policy change? Dr. Ferlic spoke in favor of the Mayor's decision to change the in policy. He felt that the liability issue was a major factor. Additionally, he felt that only police officers should be - - I - -