HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-25-05 Health & Public Safety Health and Public Safety Committee 2005 South Bend Common Council
The April 25, 2005 meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee was called to order at
4:55 p.m. by its Chairperson, Council Member Karen L. White, in the Council's Informal
Meeting Room.
Persons in attendance included: Council Members Dieter, Pfeifer, Puzzello, Varner, Rouse,
Kirsits,Kelly,Kuspa and White;Mayor Stephen Luecke, Sharon Kendall, Executive Director of
the Department of Community and Economic Development;Police Division Chief Gary Horvath
and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand,Council Attorney.
Council Member White noted that the Committee members include Council Members Rouse,
Varner,Kuspa and herself.
Council Member White then called for a presentation on Bill No. 05-45 which would approve an
interlocal agreement concerning the 2005 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant(JAG)Program Award
(copy attached).
Division Chief Gary Horvath made the presentation. He noted that he recently sent an email to
the Council which provided background information on this grant. The monies would be split
between the county, Mishawaka and South Bend in the amounts indicated in the resolution and
the agreement, with South Bend using$97,265. The city will use their share for officer safety
and technology programs which will utilize Wi-Fi,plus it will purchase 15 tasers.
In response to a question from Council Member White,Asst. Chief Horvath confirmed that all of
the money will pass thru with South Bend utilizing$97,265,
Council Member Varner made a motion, seconded by Council Member Rouse that Bill No.
05-45 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed.
Under miscellaneous business, Council President Pfeifer passed out a letter from Scott A.
Ruszkowski, President of FOP Lodge # 36 (copy attached) requesting to start wage/contract
negotiations. She noted that she has had discussions with the Mayor and that the City would go
forward in a joint manner. She recommended that Council Members Kelly, White and Kuspa
and the Council Attorney represent the Council. Council President Pfeifer added that she and
the Mayor are further suggesting that a Saturday session be held on May 14,2005, 10 am to noon
for the police and fire on"Budget 101".
Council Member White inquired the date of Mr. Ruszkowski's correspondence. Mayor Luecke
stated that it came by email and that he has not received a hard-copy. He stated he would
double-check the date.
Council Member White also noted that she believes that the Board of Public Safety has
scheduled a resolutions for negotiations and that she would like the Council's resolution to be in
sink.
April 25,2005 Health and Public Safety Committee of the 2005 South Bend Common Council -page 1-
Division Chief Horvath then passed out two (2) handouts (copy attached) one entitled "Bully
Defense"noting that a free 2-hour seminar will be held at the Century Center on April 26th from
7:00 pm to 9:00 p.m.; and the second one dealing with"Stop the Violence"community gathering
on April 30,2005 from 2-4 pm.
Council Member Dieter noted that there is a $100,000 grant for Cease Fire. Division Chief
Horvath stated that the amount is $98,000 from the Department of Justice.
Council Member White requested more information on Cease Fire at a future meeting, voicing
concerns about the locations. Division Chief Horvath stated that he could provide a power point
presentation.
The Council Attorney reminded the Council that the 2nd Annual Community/Public Officials
Meeting on Anti-Terrorism will be held this Wednesday at 7 pm in the Council Chambers.
Council Member Dieter inquired about gasoline procedures, noting that several employees take
city vehicles outside of the city limits.
Division Chief Horvath stated that Police Chief Fautz is looking at gasoline procedures and
regulations, in light of gasoline prices increasing.
Dr. Varner recalled that the city budgeted$1.79 per gallon.
Council Member Rouse inquired the percentage of city vehicles leaving the city.
There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member White
adjourned the Committee meeting at 5:13 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
z ice.
Council Member Karen L. ite, Chairperson
Health and Public Safety Committee
KCF:kmf
Attachments
April 25,2005 Health and Public Safety Committee of the 2005 South Bend Common Council -page 2-