HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/26/07 Committee Meeting MinutesHealth and Public Safety Committee
2007 South Bend Common Council
The March 26, 2007 meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee of the South
Bend Common Council was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Karen
L. White at 3:50 p.m. in the Council's Informal Meeting Room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members Dieter, Puzzello, Varner, Rouse,
Kuspa, White, Kelly, and Kirsits; Building Commissioner Dan Fazo, City Clerk Jahn
Voorde, City Controller M. Catherine Fanello, Police Chief Thomas Fautz, Assistant Fire
Chief for Services Richard Switalski, Battalion Chief Michael Damiano, Police Division
Chief for Community Relations Gary Horvath, Jamie Loa of the South Bend Tribune and
Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney.
Council Member White Hated that the Committee Members include Council Members
Puzzello, Kelly, Dieter and herself.
Bill No. 13-07 $10,000 Haz-Mat Proposed Appropriation:
Council Member White called for a formal presentation on Bill No. 13-07 which 15 a
proposed $10,000 appropriation from Fund # 289, the Haz-Mat Fund,
Assistant Fire Chief for Services Richard Switalski made the presentation. Chief
Switalski stated that the revenues generated by the South Bend Fire Department Haz-
Mat Team when responding outside the city limits are very useful in defraying the costs
of operating the team. The fees charged are done pursuant to an ordinance passed by
the Council. Chief Switalski then introduced Battalion Chief Mike Damiano who heads
up Special Operations to provide additional information.
Battalion Chief Damiano noted that the various equipment is necessary for the haz-mat
team. The appropriation would also cover equipment repair, A & B suits, radio
batteries, lumber for truckltrailer renovations and miscellaneous tools.
Following discussion, Council Member Dieter made a motion, seconded by Council
Member Kelly that Bill No. 13-07 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion
passed.
Bill No. 14-D7 77 40D River Rescne Pro osed A ro riation:
Council Member White called for a formal presentation on Bill No. 14-07 which is a
proposed $77,400 appropriation from Fund # 291 River Rescue to train personnel and
purchase equipment.
Health and Public Safety Committee
March 2fi, 2007
Page 2
Assistant Fire Chief for Services Richard Switalski made the presentation. Chief
Switaiski stated that the River Rescue school began in the 1980's. Annually the
department comes to the Council for an appropriation. This year there will be four {4)
classes in light of the demand for the school after Hurricane Katrina.
Battalion Chief Damiano noted that individuals have come from as far away as Casta
Rica for the school in the past. This year individuals who have registered are coming
from Kansas, Minnesota, Ohio, Illinois and many from Indiana. He noted that the
appropriation will help pay for supplies, fuel, repairs, instruction and equipment.
In response to an inquiry from Council Member White, Chief Damiano stated that the
River Rescue Schools will be held on:
April 30--May 4tn September 24---~-September 28th
May 21--May 25 October 1St-October 4tn
In response to a question from Council Member Kuspa, Chief Damiano noted that the
dive team is involved in trying to locate the missing woman.
Following discussion, Council Member Kelly made a motion, seconded by Council
Member Dieter that Bill No. 14-07 be recommended favorably. The motion passed.
Bill No. 07- 48 Joint Homeland Security_Resolution:
Council Member White called for a formal presentation on Bill No. 07-48 which would
re-au#horize the city's participation in a Joint Homeland Securi#y Steering Committee
and a Joint Homeland Security Planning Committee.
Police Division Chief for Community Relations Gary Horvath made the presentation. He
noted that he is a representative far the Police Department and Bomb Squad on the
Planning Committee. The Steering Commi#tee is composed of the three (3) County
Commissioners and the Mayors from South Bend and Mishawaka. The Planning
Committee has fourteen members currently and is proposed to expand to include all of
the emergency support functions (ESF). 1n this way the committee will be in line with
sta#e and federal guidelines and will have twenty {20) members. Chief Horvath noted
that Mishawaka and St. Joseph County have adopted similar resolutions to change the
names of each committee and enlarge the membership of the Planning Committee.
Council Member White requested a list of the current members and proposed members.
Following discussion, Council Member Dieter made a motion, seconded by Council
Member Puzzelio that Bill No. 07-48 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion
passed.
Health and Public Safety Committee
March 26, 2007
Page 3
Miscellaneous Business:
Council Member Kirsits inctuired of Chief 1=autz on the medical condition of Corpora[
Waite, and asked the Chief to express the Council's best wishes to him for a speedy
recovery.
Chief Fautz stated that Corpora( Waite has been released from the hospital and that he
would be happy to extend the Council's regards.
Council Member White noted that she will be scheduling another meeting with Susan
Hancock of Project Roots, noting that the issue of compliance with the Building
Commissioner's cease and desist order and related matters need further discussion.
There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member White
adjourned the Committee meeting at 4:03 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
~~ Oa..e.~~.-`
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Council Member Karen L. ite, Chairperson
Health and Public Safety Committee
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