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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09152021 Board of Public Safety Meeting67 I.EXECUTIVE SESSION The Board of Public Safety met in Executive Session on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at 8:33 a.m. with Board Members Luther Taylor, Daniel Jones, Darryl Heller, and Attorneys Danielle Weiss, Sandra Kennedy and Tom Panowicz. Board Member Melissa Colpitts joined the meeting at 8:52 a.m., and Attorney Sandra Kennedy left the meeting at 8:47 a.m. The meeting was held virtually via Microsoft Teams for the purposes specified in I.C 5-14-1.5-6.1(b)(2)(A) regarding collective bargaining negotiations and I.C.5-14-1.5-6.1(b)(6)(A) to receive information concerning alleged misconduct and to discuss before a determination, the individual’s status as an employee. The meeting ended at 9:04 a.m. BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY Luther Taylor, President Daniel Jones, Member ______________________________ Darryl Heller, Member ATTEST: ___________________________ Anne Fuchs, Clerk I. REGULAR MEETING September 15, 2021 The Board of Public Safety met in the Regular Meeting at 9:18 a.m. on Wednesday, September 15, 2021, with Board Members Luther Taylor, Daniel Jones, Melissa Colpitts, and Darryl Heller present. Also present were Board Attorney Danielle Weiss and Board Clerk Anne Fuchs. The meeting was held virtually via Microsoft Teams at the following link: https://tinyurl.com/BPS09152021 Attorney Weiss asked that everyone mute their microphone when not speaking and reminded attendees that comments from the public should be saved for the Privilege of the Floor portion of the meeting. Attorney Weiss then read through the agenda to note any additions or corrections. With none being noted, the meeting moved forward. Board President Luther Taylor welcomed the public, called roll, and confirmed the presence of Board Members. A.APPROVE MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Upon a motion by Dan Jones seconded by Darryl Heller and carried by roll call, the Board approved the Minutes of August 15, 2021 as presented. B.POLICE DEPARTMENT 1.APPROVE SPECIAL POLICE COMMISSIONS Chief Ruszkowski submitted to the Board the Recommendation that Chyna McBride and Cornelius Johnson of the Department of Code Enforcement be issued Special Police Commissions. This Commission is issued for the purpose of writing citations for Ordinance Violations where such violations have fines set by Superior Court Judges. This Commission also empowers the listed individuals to enforce the Snow Route and Residential Snow Emergencies and to tow vehicles found to be in violation of these Ordinances. This Commission does not authorize the powers of arrest nor the carrying of or use of a weapon. REGULAR MEETING September 15, 2021 68 Upon a roll call, President Taylor stated the Special Police Commissions were approved. 2. APPROVE RESCISSION OF SPECIAL POLICE COMMISSIONS Chief Ruszkowski submitted a letter requesting the rescission of the Special Police Commissions for Tom Anderson, Jeff Downey, and Rhonda Richmond from Code Enforcement effective immediately, stating these individuals are no longer employed by the City of South Bend and would no longer require the commission. President Taylor asked the Chief if the operation was fully staffed. Chief stated he has authorized Code Enforcement them because they are short staffed, and they are also have Commissions with the Animal Control as well as other agencies within the City. Upon a roll call, President Taylor stated the rescissions were approved. 3. FILE MONTHLY STATISTICAL ANALYSIS REPORT – AUGUST 2021 Chief Ruszkowski noted a decrease of 36% in Part One crimes from August of last year to August of this year. He stated overall throughout the year, there is still an 11% increase in Part One Crimes and noted that page 2 lists all Part One Offenses. President Taylor thanked Chief Ruszkowski for the update and accepted the monthly report for filing. REGULAR MEETING September 15, 2021 69 C.FIRE DEPARTMENT 1.APPROVE PROMOTION TO CAPTAIN FOR MICHAEL WILLAMOWSKI Assistant Chief of Services, Todd Skwarcan, spoke on behalf of Chief Buchanon. He stated that Chief Buchanon submitted a letter recommending the promotion of Michael Willamowski to Captain, no longer in special assignment. President Taylor stated that Firefighter Willamowski had been before the Board previously this year and asked if the 6- month extension went well and as the Fire Department intended. Chief stated that Captain Willamowski in Special Assignment was reviewed by Chief James Jones and had some additional time and review and was successful, and that Chief Buchanon was comfortable to move forward with the recommendation for the formal promotion. Upon a roll call, the promotion to Captain Michael Willamowski was approved. 2.ACCEPT LETTER OF RESIGNATION OF FIREFIGHTER DEVREESE Chief Skwarcan stated that Chief Buchanon submitted a letter of Resignation for Firefighter DeVreese. He stated that this matter involved Devreese’s timeline to achieve his EMT Advanced Certification, a matter that was before the Board last month. Firefighter Devreese did not achieve that certification. Chief stated on the 30th of August they received his resignation. President Taylor thanked Chief Skwarcan and stated in reviewing this at the last meeting, there was adequate time for Firefighter Devreese to get his certification. Chief Skwarcan added they wish Andrew the best of luck in his future endeavors and stated it is important for the Fire Department to maintain the integrity of those timelines and appreciates the Board’s action on the matter. President Taylor accepted the Letter of Resignation on behalf of the Board. 3.FILE MONTHLY STATISTICAL ANALYSIS REPORT FOR AUGUST 2021 Chief Skwarcan asked the Board to accept the Fire Department’s monthly statistical report. President Taylor stated he did review the report. There being no further questions, President Taylor accepted the report on behalf of the Board. REGULAR MEETING September 15, 2021 70 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board, upon a roll call, the meeting was adjourned at 9:31 a.m. BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY Luther Taylor, President ______________________________ Daniel Jones, Member ______________________________ Darryl Heller, Member ATTEST: ______________________ Anne Fuchs, Clerk