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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-12-02 Health & Publuc Safety • 4 tommittet . pout: attb and 1Dttbit Softtto toutmittge The August 12, 2002 meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee was called to order by its Vice-Chairperson Council Member Karen L. White at 5:20 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Aranowski, Varner, King, Coleman, Pfeifer, Kirsits, White, and Kelly; Citizen Member Isabel Gonzalez, Mayor Stephen J. Luecke, Public Works Director Gary Gilot, Community Development Director Jon Hunt, Mikki Dobski Shidler, City Engineer Carl Littrell, City Controller Rick 011ett, Fire Chief Luther Taylor, Assistant Fire Chief Rick Switalski, Assistant Fire Chief Howard Buchanon, Police Chief Larry Bennett, Division Chief Rick Kilgore, representatives from DLZ and Zimmerman, Terry Bland of the Uth Otttb eribunt and Kathleen Cekanski Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member White called for a presentation on Bill No. 55-02 which would appropriate $90,000 from the emergency medical services capital improvement fund. Fire Chief Luther Taylor made the presentation. Chief Taylor stated that the$90,000 appropriation would permit the Fire Department to purchase two (2) command vehicles for the 24-hour Riding Chiefs. These vehicles would replace the current command vehicles which were purchased in 1994. Council Member Varner inquired whether Ford Excursions are needed in light of their size and cost. Chief Taylor replied that much equipment is needed in these vehicles, and that currently they are using Chevy Suburbans. Assistant Chief Switalski noted that the proposed vehicles will be 7 inches larger. In response to a question raised by Council Member White it was noted that the new vehicles should have a life cycle of 5-6 years. Council Member Varner inquired about the amount of mileage on the vehicles. Council Member Kirsits noted that the vehicles have at least 80,000 miles on them. They respond to emergencies and are at the scene. He noted that prior to the Suburbans they used Blazers and now they utilize much more equipment than before. Council Member Kirsits also noted for the record that he is a member of the South Bend Fire Department. Although he will be using the proposed vehicles in carrying out his official duties in the fire department, he will not have a substantial conflict of interest, as determined by the Council Attorney. He further noted that he is required to note the disclaimer as of record before he may participate in the discussions and voting on the proposed ordinance. Following discussion, Council Member Pfeifer made a motion, seconded by Citizen Member Gonzolez that Bill No. 55-02 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. The Committee then listened to an update on the Police/Fire Facilities. Mayor Luecke noted that the project has three (3) basic phases: Phase I was moving the Street Department; Phase II is the construction of a new Fire Department building; and Phase III is the renovation of the Police Department building. Mr. Gilot then briefly summarized the process,noting that programming took place first followed Health and Public Safety Committee August 12,2002 Page 2 by design scenarios which were provided in March of this year. Design Option#4 was selected of a total of six(6) options. This update is coming before the projects to public bids. Representatives from DLZ and Zimmerman then reviewed proposed site plans for the development. It was noted that a tentative agreement has been reached with Ivy Tech for the location of the new Fire Department building on Michigan Street. Brick and block is being suggested for "long life" of the buildings. The Fire Department will have office space below ground along with fitness and training rooms and classrooms, the 1st floor will have offices and Administrative offices, and the 2nd floor will have dormitory areas. Council Member Aranowski suggested that the traffic light on Michigan be addressed so that the emergency vehicles would have easy and ready access. In response to a question raised by Council President Kelly, Fire Chief Taylor stated that he is proud of the design being proposed. Each shift was invited to provide input. Police Chief Larry Bennett noted that they have had meetings each Tuesday on the proposed building project. All police administrators were invited to provide input, as well as the FOP. Chief Bennett noted that the current and past FOP Presidents declined to offer input. Council Member White inquired about the discussions with the neighborhood which will be affected. Chief Taylor stated that there will be a public forum at Ivy Tech Tuesday night and that he met with the Pastor of the church located near the building site. Chief Taylor added that being located so close to Ivy Tech will provide a great opportunity for training. The last recruit class had meetings at Ivy Tech. He also noted that the project is supported by the Gateway Association. Discussion then focused on cost estimates with the Committee being advised to review the material at Tab#6 which revealed: Fire: Preliminary Estimate: $8.2 million Current Estimate: $8.4 million Police: Preliminary Estimate: $8.5 million Current Estimate: $10.6 million Mr. Gilot noted that "value engineering" will review "program, space and value"; and an outside 3rd party will also be reviewing the cost estimates. Dr. darner noted that the soft costs are estimated at 12.5 % for fire and 20% for police. It was noted by Mr. Gilot that part of the reason for the police being higher is that the police building area will be remodeled and that it will be constructed in the 2d year. Mr. Gilot requested the Council to participate in the"value engineering". It was also noted that $50,000 per acre was the estimate for the Ivy Tech location, however Ivy Tech was interested in parking rather than cash so that they could have 70-80 more parking spaces. The Public Works Service Center will be complete in approximately two (2) weeks for occupancy and about two(2)months away from completing the entire project. The Fire Department bids may go out first,however they are considering budgeting both the fire • Health and Public Safety Committee August 12,2002 Page 3 and police at the same time which may result in a savings of approximately$750,000. Bids should go out by December 2002 with the Fire Department building being completed by December 2003 and the Police Department building being completed by December 2004. They are trying to minimize the inconvenience of moving the departments as much as possible. Brief discussion then took place on the base bid and the add alternatives with cost containment. Financing is in the process of being lined up which may take approximately three(3) months. Dr. Varner inquired whether a project labor agreement will be involved. Mayor Luecke stated that all who participate must pay prevailing wages. Council President Kelly suggested that if there are monies to be saved that the projects should be considered together. He noted that furnishing public safety services is the most important service provided by the city. Mr. 011ett noted that they are considering using COIT for the cash flow. Approximately$2 million per year for at least nine years would be needed, however they are considering financing the approximate$18.5 million project for twenty(20) years. Citizen Member Gonzalez urged the City officials to move forward on both the fire and police buildings, since she believes they are long overdue. She agreed with Council President Kelly that they should be budgeted together. Mr. Gilot noted that since 9/11,additional costs to address security are necessary. Mayor Luecke thanked the Council for the opportunity to provide this update. He stated that the Administration would be back to the Council to discuss financing the projects. There being no further business to come before the Committee, Vice-Chairperson White adjourned the meeting at 6:28 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Karen L. White, Vice-Chairperson Health and Public Safety Committee KCF:kmf Attachments