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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-24-03 Health & Public SafetyOCommittlC3C Uport 19010 40 loublir gbafletv Commute The March 24, 2003 meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Roland Kelly at 3:30 p.m, in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Varner, Pfeifer, Coleman, Kelly, Kirsits, Aranowski, King, Kuspa and White; Jim Frick, Marc Nelson, Alan Feldbaum, Ann Koiata, Assistant Fire Chief Randy Magdalinski, Battalion Chief for Special Operations James Lopez, Terry Bland of the *4utb *tt� ZVO itt and Kathleen Cekanski- Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member noted that the first item on the agenda was to review Substitute Bill No. 03 -25 which is a resolution which would authorize the city's participation in a Joint Anti - Terrorism Steering Committee and a Joint Anti - Terrorism Preparedness and Response Committee (copy attached). Marc Nelson of the St. Joseph County Health Department, along with Assistant Fire Chief Randy Magdalinski and Battalion Chief for Special Operations James Lopez made the presentation. Mr. Nelson noted that the Steering Committee would be composed of the Mayors of South Bend and Mishawaka, as well as the County Commissioners. St. Joseph County, the City of South Bend and the City of Mishawaka would each have four (4) appointments to the Joint Anti - Terrorism Preparedness and Response Committee. It was noted that last week four (4) notices were received by the St. Joseph County Health Department with regard to concerns with regard to water, etc. Much work has been done and with the formal creation of these two (2) committees much more work can be done for these three (3) communities. He provided a two-page handout to the Committee (copy attached). Council Member King noted that the committees will focus on "communication and coordination ". It was confirmed that any costs would be outside the existing budgets for these governmental entities. Council Member Pfeifer inquired why this area may have a potential for a higher safety concerns. Mr. Nelson stated that in light of the presence of the University of Notre Dame, there is a high profile status. Additionally in the county there is a high concentration of population when taken into conjunction with Elkhart County. A high rate of foreign travel has also been noted. Mr. Nelson noted that if a biological agent was released in Chicago or Indianapolis that this area may be affected. He noted that the illness in Hong Kong has affected several countries. In light of intelligence indicating that the "Heartland of America." may be a target, we must be prepared. Dr. Varner noted that in light of I -80, that "spent rods" could be transported across the northern part of the state. Following discussion, Council Member Kirsits made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kuspa that Substitute Bill No. 03 -25 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Council Member Kelly then called for a presentation on Bill No. 21 -03 which would authorize the issuance of bonds to evidence a loan from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management Brown - Fields Cleanup Revolving Loan Fund administered by the Indiana Development Finance Authority and pledging a portion of the City's County Option Income tax revenues to secure such bonds. Health and Public Safety Committee March 24, 2003 Page 2 Ann Kolata of Community and Economic Development made the presentation. He noted that Alan B. Feldbaum , an attorney, was also present and available for questions. Ms. Kolata noted that the resolution would approve a loan up to one million dollars. The bond would be payable over twenty (20) years with no more than a 3% interest rate attached. The City's goal for closing is March 31st. The proceeds would be used to remediate the Fredickson Park area. Dr. Varner inquired whether part of the loan would be forgivable. Ms. Kolata stated that 10% has been proposed however the city is attempting to negotiate a higher amount. Following discussion, Council Member Kirsits made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kuspa that Bill No. 21 -03 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Council Member Kelly then called for a presentation on Bill No. 19 -03 which would appropriate $18,900 from Fund # 291 addressing Indiana River Rescue. Fire Battalion Chief for Special Operations James Lopez made the presentation. He noted that the source of funding was from the tuition payments paid to attend the school in South Bend. He reviewed the proposed ten (10) categories of costs with the Committee (copy attached). Council Member Pfeifer inquired about the cost of the school. Battalion Chief Lopez stated that the cost is $280 for the 3 -day school which includes lunch but does not include the book fees. The Fire Department has turned away over 300 people this year for the school, with students coming form South America, Alaska and throughout the United States. There are 35 students per class with 3 students being booked over this number. There are eight (8) students per instructor. In light of the city being able to control the depth of the water of the East Raceway Waterway, it makes an excellent training area for such a school. Dr. Varner inquired whether the costs of the lunches were an approved expense under this fund. Battalion Chief Lopez stated that he has been advised that it was a proper travel expense by the Administration. In response to a question from the Council Attorney, Battalion Chief Lopez stated that the school would be held on June 4th thru 8th, and again on September 2nd thru 6th. Council Member Kirsits noted that he is a member of the South Bend Fire Department. Based on a legal opinion from the Council Attorney, he does not have a substantial conflict of interest and can therefore participate in the discussion and voting on Bill Nos. 19 -03 and 20 -03. Council Member Kirsits stated that the Fire Department personnel who run this school have done an excellent job. He specifically commended Battalion Chief Lopez for separating out and building equipment for the program. He noted that South Bend's River Rescue Team is a true resource for the state of Indiana. Battalion Chief Lopez noted that they are part of the national FEMA Response Team Health and Public Safety Committee March 24, 2003 Page 3 Council Member Kirsits then }Wade a motion, seconded by Council Member Pfeifer that Bill No. 19 -03 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Council Member Kelly then called for a presentation on Bill No. 20 -03 which would appropriate $ 8,624 from Fund # 289 addressing the Hazmat Fund. Battalion Chief Lopez stated that this appropriation is necessary to maintain current equipment in good working order. Fees paid when the Hazmat Team respond outside of the city provide some of the revenue needed. He then reviewed the seven (7) categories of proposed expenditures, many of which are necessary if there was a biological and/or chemical disaster. Following discussion, Council Member Mrsits made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kuspa that Bill No. 20 -03 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Battalion Chief Lopez stated that Assistant Chief Magdalinski will make the presentations on both of these bills at the evening Council meeting. There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member Kelly adjourned the meeting at 4:53 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Roland Kelly, Chairperson Health and Public Safety Committee KCF: kmf Attachments