HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-12-04 Health & Public Safety 4
Health and Public Safety Committee
The April 12, 2004 meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee was called to
order by its Chairperson, Council Member Ann Puzzello at 4:27 p.m.
Persons in attendance included Council Members Dieter,Pfeifer,Kelly,Puzzello,
Varner,Kuspa,Coleman, and Kirsits;Mayor Stephen J. Luecke, Battalion Chief for Special
Operations James Lopez,Assistant Chief for Inspections and Prevention Howard Buchanon,II,
Terry Bland of the South Bend Tribune,and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney.
Council Member Puzzello noted that the first item on the agenda was to review Bill No.
21-04 which would appropriate $16,000 from Fund#291 addressing the Indiana River Rescue
Fund.
Battalion Chief for Special Operations James Lopez made the presentation. He noted
that the revenues in this fund are generated by the City's River Rescue Instructors teaching a
minimum of two(2)40-hour classes each year to public safety officers throughout the country.
The funds would be used for travel,instruction and the equipment outlined on the attachment to
the Bill.
Battalion Chief Lopez noted that this year there would be three(3)schools in light of
demand for the programs. Each program has thirty-five(35)students and 8-12 instructors.
Approximately$1,000 is spent by each person who comes to the schools,which revenue benefits
the entire community.
Chief Lopez noted that they have taught over 2,000 students since the program began in
1987. This year there were seventy(70)spots available,and they were all taken in 57 minutes.
There are currently over 400 people on the waiting list for this year's three(3) schools.
In response to a question from Council Member Puzzello,Chief Lopez noted that the
balance in the account is approximately$27,000.00. It is anticipated that the year-end balance
will be between$25,000 to$30,000. Eleven(11)South Bend Firefighters will participate as
Instructors,and Instructors from Indianapolis and the Department of Natural Resources will
participate.
Council Member Puzzello noted that the South Bend Fire Department has won many
awards. Chief Lopez noted that the fire department was recently awarded the Higgs-Langley
Award as the best in the country.
Council Member Kelly stated that the South Bend Fire Department is"doing a great job".
Assistant Chief Howard Buchanon,II, spoke in favor of the Bill. He noted that the
program has two(2)of the best instructors around,namely Battalion Chief James Lopez, and
Battalion Chief Al "Buddy"Kirsits.
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Council Member Kirsits noted that he is a member of the South Bend Fire Department.
He has been advised by the Council Attorney that he must make this disclosure. She has
determined that so long as there is a proper disclosure that he may participate in the discussion
of this Bill and Bill No. 22-04,and may also vote on each Bill.
Following discussion, Council Member Kelly made a motion, seconded by Council
Member Kirsits that Bill No. 21-04 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed.
Council Member Puzzello then called for a presentation on Bill NO. 22-04 which would
appropriate$5,000 from Fund# 288 the EMSCIF Fund.
Assistant Chief Howard Buchanon,II made the presentation. He noted that last year the
South Bend Fire Department received a$5,000 donation from State Farm to promote fire safety.
Several items have been identified to be used as part of the Juvenile Firesetter Public Education
program which are listed on the attachment to the Bill. He noted that the money will be useful
in the purchase of videos, a lap top computer,DVD's. He attended a similar program in
Indianapolis and will work closely with Madison Center,Family and Children Center and Judge
Nemeth and JJC.
Council Member Dieter inquired whether they were working with any one in the police
department. Chief Buchanon stated that they are not,but welcomed the opportunity.
In response to a question from Dr. Varner,Chief Buchanon noted that programs of this
type help alot to get all of the parties involved.
Council Member Kirsits stressed the importance of the program and how it will benefit
other fire departments around the area.
In response to a question from Council Member Puzzello, Chief Buchanan noted that
they got a call from LaPaz recently about a youth who needed professional help.
In response to a question from Council Member Dieter,Chief Buchanon noted that they
would be working with a pool of individuals at JJC, and that they are having their first meeting
this Friday with the JJC personnel.
Following discussion,Council Member Pfeifer made a motion, seconded by Council
Member Kirstis that Bill No. 22-04 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed.
There being no further business to come before the Committee,Council Member
Puzzello adjourned the meeting at 4:43 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Council Member Ann Puzzello,Chairperson
Health and Public Safety Committee
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