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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/16/12 Board of Public Safety MeetingAGENDA SESSION MAY 16, 2012 30 The Board of Public Safety met in the Public Agenda Session at 8:05 a.m. on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 with Board President Patrick D. Cottrell, and Board Members Laura Vasquez, Eddie Miller, John Collins, and Luther Taylor present. Also present were Police Chief Charles Hurley, Fire Chief Steve Cox, and Board Attorney Andrea Beachkofsky. The meeting was held in the Board of Public Works Conference Room, 13th Floor County City Building, South Bend, Indiana. ADDITION TO THE AENDA Ms. Beachkofsky noted the addition to the agenda of an update for the City Towing Resolution. Board members discussed the following items from the agenda: - Employees of the Month — Police Department Chief Hurley stated that Lieutenant Stephen Smith was. selected as employee of the month for March for his response, on the way in to work, to a burglary in progress in a garage and subsequent arrest of the suspect. The suspect was later found to be responsible for numerous other burglaries. Patrolman James Maxey was selected as employee of the month for February for his help in the conviction of a known gang member. Chief Hurley told the Board a letter was received from the Deputy Prosecuting Attorney recognizing Patrolman Maxey for his testimony against the individual that helped with their conviction. The Chief noted that three other officers were also involved in the arrest, Sergeant Gene Eyster, Detective Jennifer Gobel, and Corporal Daniel Lawecki, but Patrolman Maxey was nominated due to his testimony. - Monthly Statistical Analysis Chief Hurley informed the Board that in the last two (2) weeks, there have been nine (9) arrests for robbery and five (5) arrests for burglary. He stated the arrests cleared up over forty (40) other burglaries. Chief Hurley noted that he reviewed the statistics for the last five years and found that all the numbers have decreased in general, except for homicide. - Review Towing Resolution Ms. Beachkofsky stated she looked into allegations that the Police Department was going off the City Towing List and using a Mishawaka towing company. She stated she found this not to be true. The Police Department records indicated the only time the Mishawaka company or any other company not on the list was used was during an emergency due to a blizzard, or at the vehicles owner's request. She noted any other company would be used only at the owner's request. She stated she found that the number of tows per towing company set at 1,200 is just an arbitrary number used as an aid to accurate reporting. Ms. Beachkofsky stated she would like to propose the Board look at the current resolution. She noted ASAP Towing has a compelling complaint; the Police state there is a problem with the response time on the part of the towing companies. She stated she would like to review all of the statistics and open up the list to everyone that is on the current waiting list for a period of three (3) months beginning June 1, 2012. After that time, there would be a review of performance and response and the list would be re- allocated based on the review. Mr. Collins asked if the Board could then allow ASAP Towing to be placed on the list. Ms. Beachkofsky stated yes, plus any other companies currently on the waiting list that are in compliance with the licensing laws. She noted she will need to ask the Board of Works to suspend the Resolution in its current state and look at amending it. She stated she would like to hold a special meeting with all of the towing companies to talk about what we are doing and get their feedback. Mr. Cottrell noted the Board will need Sergeant Goen, Traffic Division, to come up with an evaluation of the towing companies' response time. Mr. Collins suggested that could be coincided with dispatch records of time called, time arrived, and time called off. Ms. Beachkofsky stated her recommendation would be a fifteen (15) to twenty (20) minute response time. Ms. Beachkofsky stated she will recommend the suspension of the current resolution regarding the number of towing companies on the list and opening up the list to those on the waiting list for three (3) months, after which a review of all companies will be performed. She added that will give her time to put them on notice. She stated a meeting will be held with all of the tow companies at which time they will be informed what the standards are going to be based on the results of the review. Mr. Collins stated this will provide a fair and equal process. Chief Hurley stated one of his concerns is if there is a storage fee being charged from the time of the tow. He noted someone going to pick up their car on a Saturday and can't get in because the tow company is closed is then charged for the entire weekend. AGENDA SESSION MAY 16, 2012 31 He stated no fees should be charged for storage, the towing fee is enough. Mr. Collins stated the towing companies charge an impound fee plus storage fees from the time of pick -up. He noted they shouldn't be charged storage until twenty -four (24) hours after the time of the impound. Chief Hurley noted towing companies are also charging accident clean-up fees and they shouldn't be doing that. Ms. Beachkofsky stated she needs to re- evaluate the resolution; the board could require the companies to have twenty -four (24) hour access. Chief Hurley stated if someone needs to get something from their car that was not removed before it was towed, they are being charged $50.00 to get access to their car. Mr. Collins agreed that some of the stories are true of the fees being charged. He noted the Board needs to have a clear practice of how to do business. Ms. Beachkofsky stated the first thing is to change the resolution to forbid storage fees in the first twenty -four (24) hours. The other issue is what they can retrieve from their car. Ms. Martin, Clerk of the Board, questioned if it would be feasible as part of the resolution, to require that the section of the resolution laying out the fees be posted in the office of the companies, visible to the public retrieving their vehicles. The Board agreed that would be effective and Mr. Collins added that they could be posted on the tow trucks; much like taxi companies post their fees in their cabs. - Monthly Statistical Analysis — Fire Department Chief Stephen Cox stated arsons are up from last year and noted that three (3) of them were car fires. He stated that as the weather becomes warmer, fires tend to increase. Chief Cox stated that total fires were actually down for this year. Mr. Taylor noted that Medic No. 2 had a very large number of runs in comparison to low numbers of other medic units. He asked if adjustments can be made to help with this imbalance. Chief Cox stated the runs showing are all City runs, the other medic units have substantial runs in the County that aren't included in the statistics. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board, Mr. Cottrell declared the meeting adjourned at 8:45 a.m. BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY Patrick D ottrell, President aura A. Vasquez, Member Eddie Miller, Member J4 Collins, Member Luther T , M ber ATTEST: 64M.M_ain, Cl rk EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY 16, 2012 The Board of Public Safety met in the Executive Session on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at 8:48 a.m. The meeting was held in the Mayor's Conference Room, 14th Floor, County City Building, South Bend, Indiana, for the purposes specified in I.C. 5- 14- 1.5- 6.1(b)(2)(A)6(A) and 7 regarding Disciplinary action, extended Medical Leave, and Union Negotiations. Board President Patrick Cottrell and Members Laura Vasquez, Eddie Miller, John Collins, and Luther Taylor were present. Also present were Police Chief Charles Hurley, Fire Chief Steve Cox, and Attorney Andrea Beachkofsky. Board members did not discuss any subject matter other than the subject matter as specified in the Public Notice. The meeting adjourned at 9:15 a.m. EXECUTIVE SESSION ATTEST: i da M. Martin, Cl rk MAY 16, 2012 BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY Patrick ottrell Pr s'dent /f i Laura A. Vasquez, Mem er Eddie Miller, Me ber 32 REGULAR MEETING MAY 16, 2012 The Board of Public Safety met in the regular meeting at 9:20 a.m. on Wednesday, May 16, 2012, with Board President Patrick Cottrell and Members Laura Vasquez, Eddie Miller, John Collins, and Luther Taylor present. Also present were Police Chief Charles Hurley, Fire Chief Steve Cox, and Attorney Andrea Beachkofsky. The meeting was held in the Board of Works Conference Room, 13th Floor, County City Building, South Bend, Indiana. ADDITION TO THE AGENDA Mr. Cottrell stated the Board added one item to the agenda during the Agenda Session, an Update to the City Towing Resolution. ACCEPT MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS President Cottrell stated the Board would accept the Minutes of the Public Agenda Session, Executive Session, and Regular Meetings of the Board held on April 18, 2012 and the Special Meeting of April 25, 2012 as presented. POLICE DEPARTMENT APPROVE REQUEST FOR EXTENDED PAID MEDICAL LEAVE — SERGEANT CHARLES STOKES In a letter to the Board, Chief Charles Hurley stated that Sergeant Charles Stokes requests the Board of Public Safety grant him a paid, extended medical leave of approximately forty -two (42) calendar days effective June 10, 2012 to July 21, 2012. Chief Hurley noted Sergeant Stokes was eligible for sick buy back in 2011. Upon a motion made by Ms. Vasquez, seconded by Mr. Collins and carried, the paid, extended medical leave was approved effective June 10, 2012. APPROVE SPECIAL POLICE COMMISSION — BLOCK BY BLOCK 2012 In a letter to the Board, Police Chief Charles Hurley recommended that a Special Police Commission be issued for the following individual for the purpose of Block by Block on- street patrol parking enforcement personnel: - Jada Clark This commission does not include the carrying of a weapon, nor the powers of arrest. 1 1 1 REGULAR MEETING MAY 16, 2012 33 Police Chief Hurley stated that the aforementioned individual has met the Commission requirements of the South Bend Police Department. Upon a motion by Ms. Vasquez, seconded by Mr. Collins and carried, the above Special Police Commission was approved. ACCEPT AND APPROVE RETIREMENT — LIEUTENANT RICHARD POWERS In a letter to the Board, Chief Charles Hurley stated that Lieutenant Richard Powers submitted his Application and Declaration for Retirement effective June 1, 2012. Chief Hurley noted that he has served the Department in good standing during the last twenty -two (22) years, eight (8) months and nineteen (19) days. Chief Hurley stated that Lieutenant Powers served for seven (7) years prior with the State Police. He noted also that Lieutenant Powers worked on the Police Academy and the Volunteers for Police Service, and was well thought of in the community. Chief Hurley stated he will be missed; Lieutenant Powers has done a lot for the good image of the Police Department. Chief Hurley joined the Board in thanking him for his commitment, dedication and years of distinguished service to the South Bend Police Department and the citizens of South Bend. Upon a motion made by Ms. Vasquez, seconded by Mr. Collins and carried, the retirement was accepted and approved. ACCEPT AND FILE RECOMMENDATION FOR EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTHS — FEBRUARY AND MARCH 2012 In a letter to the Board, Chief Hurley stated that Patrolman James Maxey was selected as Employee of the Month for February, 2012 and Lieutenant Stephen Smith was selected as Employee of the Month for March, 2012. The award is to recognize officers, civilian employees, on the South Bend Police Department who have demonstrated actions noted by supervisors or citizens from both a professional law enforcement position and in support of the community policing efforts with citizens of South Bend. Chief Hurley noted that three other officers should also be recognized for their assistance in the conviction of a gang member in February. He stated that Sergeant Gene Eyster, Detective Jennifer Gobel, and Corporal Daniel Lawecki also took part in the apprehension. He read a letter from the Deputy Prosecuting Attorney commending all four (4) of the officers for their work on this case, and in particular Patrolman Maxey. The letter stated that Patrolman Maxey's testimony made the difference between a conviction and an acquittal and the Traffic Department's records provided the evidence that was needed for a conviction. There being no further discussion, Mr. Cottrell stated the Board would accept the recommendation of Chief Hurley for filing. FILING OF MONTHLY STATISTICAL ANALYSIS REPORT — APRIL 2012 Chief Hurley stated he is not happy with the murder and burglary rate, but a review of the last five (5) years shows that burglary rates are the same as previous years. He noted most of the burglaries are from garages and a recent arrest has cleared up a lot of those. Chief Hurley noted that based on that review of the past five years, all other crimes are down. President Cottrell indicated that unless there were questions or objections by members of the Board, the statistical analysis report for the month of April 2012, as submitted by the Police Department, would be accepted for filing. There being no objections, the following report was accepted for filing: FILING OF QUARTERLY REPORT FOR SPECIALIZED TRAINING JANUARY FEBRUARY, AND MARCH 2012 Captain Dave Hecklinski, Director of Training, South Bend Police Department, submitted to the Board a written Quarterly Report for Specialized Training for the period of January, February, and March 2012. The report indicated the specialized training attended; the names of the officers who attended; and the costs involved. There being no questions concerning this report, the Quarterly APRIL APRIL YEAR TO DATE PART I OFFENSES 2011 2012 CHANGE f U1 (12) CHANGE MURDER 2 0 - 2 3 5 + 2 RAPE 2 4 + 2 19 13 - 6 ROBBERY 30 32 + 2 98 76 - 22 AGGRAVATED ASSAULT 16 13 - 3 79 64 - 15 BURGLARY RESIDENT 102 122 + 20 430 388 - 42 BURGLARY NON RESIDENT 38 48 + 10 120 170 + 50 LARCENY 286 238 - 48 949 893 - 56 MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT 22 21 - 1 77 76 - 1 ARSONS 4 7 + 3 14 8 - 6 GRAND TOTAL 502 485 - 17 1789 1693 - 96 FILING OF QUARTERLY REPORT FOR SPECIALIZED TRAINING JANUARY FEBRUARY, AND MARCH 2012 Captain Dave Hecklinski, Director of Training, South Bend Police Department, submitted to the Board a written Quarterly Report for Specialized Training for the period of January, February, and March 2012. The report indicated the specialized training attended; the names of the officers who attended; and the costs involved. There being no questions concerning this report, the Quarterly REGULAR MEETING MAY 16, 2012 34 Report for Specialized Training was accepted and filed as submitted. UPDATE ON TOWING RESOLUTION Ms. Beachkofsky stated at the last Board of Safety meeting she promised she would have an update on the Towing Resolution. She said she looked over the numbers and concluded that the limit of 1,200 tows per towing company is an arbitrary number and there is no reason to set that as the limit. She stated that allegations that the Police Department used other towing companies not on the list were found to be exaggerated. She found the Police Department used other companies during an emergency snow storm, and otherwise only when requested by the vehicle owner. She noted it is perfectly legal for the owner to request a specific towing company. Ms. Beachkofsky stated that upon reviewing the statistics she has concluded that she would like to propose a suspension of the current towing list number regulation for three months and allow the companies on the waiting list to be added to the current towing list. After that period of time, an evaluation will be done of all of the companies on performance and response, and the numbers will be re- evaluated. The companies will be placed in order of their performance, based on the re- evaluation. Ms. Beachkofsky stated she will schedule a meeting with all of the towing companies to lay out the rules and changes in policies and discuss fees being charged. The Board of Safety will meet on May 25, 2012 at 8:00 a.m. for a Special Meeting, at which time they will suspend the current towing list. She noted she will advise at that time on how to proceed. Mr. Cottrell stated no action was necessary by the Board until May 25, 2012 at the Special Meeting. FIRE DEPARTMENT BOARD OF SAFETY REPRESENTATION AT 2012 -2013 SOUTH BEND FIREFIGHTERS LOCAL 362 UNION NEGOTIATIONS Mr. Cottrell stated the Board of Safety received a letter from the Local 362 of the International Association of Firefighters requesting the opening of negotiations and representation by the Board of Safety. Mr. Cottrell stated the Board has decided to table this request until their next meeting. Therefore, upon a motion by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Taylor and carried, the Board tabled the request until their next meeting. FILING OF MONTHLY STATISTICAL ANALYSIS REPORT — APRIL 2012 Fire Chief Steve Cox submitted to the Board the monthly report for the month of April, 2012 compiled by the Prevention/Inspection Bureau of the Fire Department. Chief Cox stated that arsons are up for the month of April by three (3) but he noted that the trend is for the department to be busier in warm months. He stated the property damage in 2011 was substantially higher due to a large commercial fire, but the number of fires is actually higher this month due to more small fires. He stated the statistics show that the department is doing a good j ob of knocking down fires quickly. Mr. Cottrell stated if there were no objections, the Board would accept the report for fling as presented. A summary is as follows: April April 2011 2012 STRUCTURE FIRES Property Damage -- Buildings & Contents (Estimates) $1,067,800.00 J $100,535.00 INSPECTIONS (Fire Prevention/Inspection Bureau) 440 Inspections 326 Inspections 392 Re-Inspections (100 Re-Inspections) INVESTIGATIONS (Police /Fire Arson Bureau) 20 21 Investigations Investi ations 4 7 Arsons Arsons PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR Police Chief Charles Hurley stated he would like to make note that Donald Pinckert, Director of Financial Services, is retiring on June 1, 2012 after forty -four (44) years on the department. The Chief stated that Mr. Pinckert has done an outstanding job and asked the Board members to thank him for his outstanding service if they run into him. 1 1 C REGULAR MEETING MAY 16, 2012 35 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board, President Cottrell declared the meeting adjourned at 9:40 a.m. 4EAT ST: M. Martin, Clerk 1 BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY Eddie Miller, Member a Jo Collins, Member Luther Taylor, Mem r