HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-22-12 Health & Public SafetyHEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY
3:30 P.M.
AUGUST 22.2012
Committee Members Present: Dr. Fred Ferlic, Henry Davis, Karen White, Tim Scott
Citizen Members Present: Kyle Chamberlin
Other Council Members Present: Dr. David Varner, Oliver Davis, Gavin Ferlic, Derek Dieter
Others Present: Andrea Beachkofsky, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Robert Wasserman, Eddie Miller,
Laura Vasquez, Mike Schmuhl, Pat Cottrell, John Murphy, Rev. Brown
Agenda: Update on Search Process for Police Chief
Dr. Fred Ferlic, Chairperson, began this 30 minute meeting to hear an update from the Mayor on
his search for a new Police Chief.
The Mayor said he welcomed this opportunity. He proceeded to introduce Mr. Bob
Wasserman who the Mayor had appointed to identify candidates for the position of Chief
of the South Bend Police Department. Mr. Wasserman who was said to have conducted
similar searches for major metropolitan cities around the country had offered his services
gratis. He said he recently took up residence in South Bend and had heard of the
controversy surrounding the removal of the prior chief and resultant community discord.
Under later questioning it was learned fees not exceeding $6,500.00 would be paid to Mr.
Wasserman firm. Other expenses would no doubt be incurred related to the search. i.e.)
costs to bring in finalists.
Mr. Wasserman proceeded to describe the search process. This would involve
identifying issues locally to be addressed, reviewing the job requirements, refining them,
and posting the position locally and nationally online and with the help of national police
associations. This process would take an estimated four weeks. The interview process
would consider maybe a dozen candidates ultimately reducing that number to four for the
Mayor to consider.
Perhaps as a result of the community discord surrounding the Chief s removal and related
federal investigation of illegal phone recordings that prompted it and subsequent lawsuits
filed against the city, The Council's follow -up questions were quite contentious.
David Varner emphasized the need for transparency and for local input.
Derek Dieter wanted specific information regarding timelines, costs, contract specifics,
and credentials of Bob Wasserman.
Tim Scott and Oliver Davis both probed the contract specifics as well as past search
success claims.
Karen White cited a need for community input, possibly involving a town hall meeting of
all stakeholders and other interested groups. Mr. Wasserman, in turn, asked Karen's help
in identifying these stakeholders.
Oliver Davis emphasized the need for diversity questioning Wasserman's "track record"
of diversity in past searches Oliver went on to describe a "community in crisis" charged
with racial and political "issues."
Wasserman responded saying listening, collaboration, and communication had always
been vital to his process and would be vital to this process as well.
Before adjourning Henry Davis under miscellaneous asked the Mayor if hiring an outside
consultant was necessary for the Mayor to find candidates. Further he asked if this was
clearly an executive decision to make the final selection, why the Council was being
involved. He added that the real issue is not just who is chief but whether more
minorities were recruited and moved up in rank.
The Mayor said everything was being done in a spirit of collaboration.
There being no other business to come before the committee at this time, Chairperson Dr.
Fred Ferlic adjourned the meeting at 4:07 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Dr. Fred Ferlic, Chairperson
Health & Public Safety Committee