HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-24-94 Health & Public Safety tommitttt 2tport:.
Health and Public Safety Committee
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The October 24, 1994 meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee was
called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Gene Ladewski at 4:10 p.m. in the
Council informal meeting room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members: Slavinskas, Kelly, Coleman,
Duda, Zakrzewski, Luecke,Puzzello, Washington, and Ladewski; Chief Ron Marciniak,
Don Porter, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand.
Council Member Ladewski noted that the purpose of the meeting was to continue
discuss Bill No. 96-94 which addresses the "Operation Safe Neighborhoods Program".
Council Member Ladewski noted that at last week's meeting there were suggestions made
by the Council Members present that a substitute Bill be prepared. The Committee then
reviewed the substitute Bill. The major changes included the elimination of the twelve
month requirement at the request of the FOP President Tom Leszcz, to include language
with regard to insurance and potential liability in light of the concerns raised by Council
Member Washington, and to have a copy of the Ordinance and the map posted in the
classroom at the South Bend Police Department.
Chief Ron Marciniak noted that he had redrafted the map referred to as exhibit"A"
at the request of the Committee. The map includes the street names. He noted that he has
doubled checked his figures and 29 current officers are sworn members and currently live
within the proposed boundaries.
Council President Puzzello and Council Member Zakrzewski thought that the
additional monies would be well spent. Council Member Kelly stated that the Council
should appropriate enough money to anticipate additional officers joining the program in
the coming year and suggested that funding should be in place for at least 35 officers. He
also recommended that we should look at a take home car policy for officers living within
the City. Police Chief Marciniak noted that 5 of the 29 officers currently have take home
cars however not all of them are marked.
Council Member Slavinskas stated he is fully supportive of the program however
believes that visibility with regard to take home cars for officers living within the City
should also be reviewed carefully.
The Chief noted that exhibit "A" incorporates studies made of arrests made and
reports taken throughout the City on a Citywide basis.
Council President Puzzello questioned the policy with regard to take home cars and
the Police Chief noted that only the officer can drive the vehicle. Council President Puzzello
urged that a insurance rider be mandatory especially if the City allows family members
within the vehicle.
Council Member Ladewski noted that the Police Chief's map incorporates the new
areas of Beacon Heights on Ardmore and Blackwood apartments.He also credited Council
Member Luecke for bringing the concept of "Operation Safe Neighborhoods" to the
attention of the Wage Committee earlier this year.
Health and Public Safty Committee
Committee Report
October 24, 1994
Page 2
Following further discussion, Council Member Kelly made a motion, seconded by
Council Member Coleman that substitute Bill No. 96-94 be recommended favorably to
Council.The motion passed.
There being no further business to come before the Committee, the meeting was
adjourned at 5:05 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Council Member Gene Ladewski
Chairperson,Health and Public Safety Committee
Attachments