HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-09-95 Health & Public Safety CommtttUs Z port:
Health and Public Safety Committee
"eo tfjY Common CountUY of tljt City of 0outb lettan
The January 9, 1995 meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee was called
to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Tom Zakrzewski at 4:00 P.M. in the Council
informal meeting room.
Council Member Zakrzewski noted that the members of the Committee include
Council Members Kelly,Puzzello, Slavinskas, and himself.
Persons in attendance included Council Members: Puzzello, Kelly, Slavinskas,
Zakrzewski, Washington, Coleman, Luecke, Duda, and Ladewski; John Oxian, Don
Porter, Members of the News Media, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand.
Council Member Zakrzewski noted that at the Health and Public Safety Committee
meeting held d 1 ast Friday, Bill No. 121-94 was recommended favorably ybya 4 too
vote. Council Member Ladewski noted that the discussion took place on both Bills
submitted , one by himself and a substitute Bill proposed by Council Member Coleman.
Council Member Zakrzewski noted that he sponsored the Bill in 1988 and that the intent
was to give a memorable item to each officer which is often called their"Partner"however
it was never discussed as a matter of dollars and cents.
Council Member Slavinskas proposed that an option of $1,000.00 be added to
Section C of the proposed Ordinance. Council Mem be r Ladewski stated that he believes it
would negatively impact the negotiation process with other entities. Council Member Duda
stated that she would prefer a choice if at all possible.
Council Member Puzzello stated that she could not vote for the dollar option. She
stated that it would be brought up at negotiations even if it was not supposed to. Council
Member Kelly agreed with Council Member Puzzello's position that there should be no
cash gifts.
The Council Attorney stated that a retro-active date should be incorporated into the
final version of the proposed Bill and she would consult with both the Fire and Police
Chiefs for an exact date.
Council Member Luecke stated that there is a sentimental value involved however
he feels strongly about this issue and suggested that perhaps disabling the weapon would
be a possible alternative.
Council Member Kelly stated that the protection argument is a real argument and
that he would appose such an amendment. Council Member Ladewski stated that to disable
the weapon may add further credence that the officers are"Irresponsible" and he could not
support such a measure.
Committee Report
Health and Public Safety
January 9, 1995
Page 2
Council Member Slavinskas stated that he did not want to disarm the Police,that he
believes that they deserve more, however he is concerned that Police officers do not live
forever and he is uncertain as to where such weapons would end up.
Following discussion, Council Member Zakrzewski adjourned the meeting at 4:15
P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
p Y
Council Member Tom Zakrzewski, Chairperson
Health and Public Safety Committee
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