05/20/2015 Board of Public Safety Meeting

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REGULAR MEETING THEFT ARSONS GRAND TOTAL FIRE DEPARTMENT MAY 20, 2015 43 2 3 + 1 4 8 + 4 451 459 + 8 1359 1552 + 193 RESET HEARING OF DISCIPLINARY CHARGES NO. 2015-01 FD MICHAEL BROWN Upon a motion by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Taylor and carried, the Board reset the hearing of Charges No. 2015 -01, Michael Brown, for June 26, 2015. APPROVE CHANGE FROM PAID ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE TO UNPAID ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE — MICHAEL BROWN In a letter to the Board, Fire Chief Stephen Cox stated on February 26, 2015 he placed Firefighter Michael Brown on administrative leave with pay in connection to an investigation regarding allegations of misconduct stemming from his actions on an EMS call on February 20, 2015. in his letter, Chief Cox referenced IC 36 -8 -3 -4 (c), which states "...the Safety Board shall determine if a member ofthe Police or Fire Department who is suspended in excess of five (5) days shall continue to receive the member's salary during the suspension." Chief Cox stated he is asking, therefore, that the Board convert Firefighter Brown's status to unpaid leave at this time. Upon a motion by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Taylor and carried, the Board approved the change of status to unpaid administrative leave for Firefighter Michael Brovm. FILING OF MONTHLY STATISTICAL ANALYSIS REPORT APRIL 2015 Fire Chief Stephen Cox submitted to the Board the monthly report for April 2015 compiled by the PreventionAnspectlon Bureau of the Fire Department. Mr. Collins stated if there were no objections, the Board would accept the report for filing as presented. A summary is as follows: APRIL APRIL 2014 2015 STRUCTURE FIRES Property Damage -- Buildings & Contents Estimates) 576,251.00 1 $140,704.00 INSPECTION DIVISION 301 Inspections 332 Total Inspections (106 Re-Inspections) (93 Re-Inspections) INVESTIGATION DIVISION 12 12 Investigations Investigations 4 Incendiary 0 Incendiary 4 Accidental 5 Accidental 0 Natural 1 Natural 4 Undetermined 6 Undetermined PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR Officer Theodore Robert asked the Board when the Chief recommends something that has direct effect on an officer's employment, can it be appealed to the Board? He noted he was speaking of the Board's approval of the change of his status to unpaid leave. Attorney Elliot Anderson stated the request is granted by the Board subject to Indiana Code. Mr. Robert stated the recommendation came from the Chief so his question is does he have a right to contest the decision. Attorney Anderson reiterated it's within the Board's authority to make the recommendation. Mr. Collins requested Mr. Robert have his attorney draft his motion of his objection to the City Attorney, adding that the matter that was discussed at hand was the motion that was brought before the Board. He stated it is up to the Board's discretion to grant paid or unpaid leave and due to Mr. Robert's current situation, the Board has carefully reviewed and made the decision. He added it was based on the statute. Mr. Collins noted the Chief has the authority once a situation arises greater than an administrative issue; the Board has the authority to grant either paid or unpaid administrative leave. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 9:38 a.m.