HomeMy WebLinkAbout03162021 Board of Public Safety Special MeetingSPECIAL MEETING MARCH 16, 2021 21
The Board of Public Safety met in a Special Meeting on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at 11:08am. The
meeting was held in the Community Common Room of the Technology Resource Center in Ignition
Park, located at 1165 Franklin Street, South Bend, IN 46601, and was streamed live to the public via
Microsoft Teams. Board President Luther Taylor and Board Members Daniel Jones, Melissa
Colpitts, and Darryl Heller were present. Also present were Hearing Officer Roland Chamblee,
Attorneys Jeff Haupt, Danielle Weiss, and Thomas Dixon. Firefighter Willamowski and Chief Carl
Buchanon were also present. Clerk Anne Fuchs was in attendance, virtually. The meeting was
recorded and posted to the City’s website under “Virtual Meeting Recordings:”
https://www.southbendin.gov/board/public-safety/
FIRE DEPARTMENT
RECONVENE HEARING OF CASE 2021-01 REGARDING THE CAPTAINCY OF
FIREFIGHTER MICHAEL WILLIAMOWSKI
This was the date set for the continuation of the Hearing of Case No. 2021-01 in the matter of the
Captaincy of Firefighter Michael Williamowski. The meeting was streamed live to the public via
Microsoft Teams and recordings of the meeting were uploaded subsequently to the City’s website
under “Virtual Meeting Recordings:” https://www.southbendin.gov/board/public-safety/
The parties reached a mutual agreement prior to the start of the hearing, which was recited to the
Board Members as follows:
Firefigher Willamowski’s Captain in Special Assignment rank will be extended for
six months from today’s date. During the six-month time period, at least two formal
evaluations will be provided. Firefighter Willamowski will also receive backpay for
the period of time he was removed from the Captain in Special Assignment rank,
which extends back to January 21, 2021. At the end of the six-month extension, a
final determination will be made regarding Firefighter Willamowski’s rank. Upon a
motion from Board Member Jones, seconded by Ms. Colpitts, the Board approved
the agreement of the parties.
Mr. Taylor commended the parties for working through this matter and coming to an agreement.
Chief Buchanon asked to make a brief statement. He first thanked the Board for the job that they
do. He next stated he does not take his role as Chief lightly and that he took his role to make
changes for the good of the department, which will affect the entire department. Chief
Buchanon stated he recognizes that some of these changes are a deviation from what his
predecessors put in place, so the changes he is making will be formalized and communicated to
ensure that individuals know what is expected of them.
ADJOURNMENT
Board President Taylor adjourned the meeting at 11:23am.
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Luther Taylor, President
Eddie Miller, Member
______________________________
Daniel Jones, Member
Melissa Colpitts, Member
______________________________
Darryl Heller, Member
ATTEST:
______________________
_Anne Fuchs, Clerk