HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-07-00 Health & Public Safety atommitttt .sport.
Health and Public Safety Committee
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The February 7, 2000 meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee was called to
order by its Chairperson, Council Member Andy Ujdak, at 3:35 p.m. in the Council
informal meeting room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members: Aranowski, White, Kirsits, Ujdak,
Pfeifer,ad Kelly; Police Chief Larry E. Bennett,Assistant Fire Chief for Operations Robert
Quinn III, Assistant Fire Chief for Services Richard Switalski,Battalion Chief for E.M.S.
Randy Magalinski and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand.
Council Member Ujdak welcomed all present to the Committee meeting. He noted that
Council President Charlotte Pfeifer has encouraged all Committee Chairpersons to have
Committee meetings with the departments over which they have jurisdiction. Today's
meeting is the first of this type with a review of the police and fire departments. Council
Member Ujdak requested information both on personnel and capital needs for the next 3-5
year period. It is his hope that meetings of this type would promote dialogue and better
communication.
Police Chief Bennett welcomed the opportunity to meet with the Committee. He thanked
Council Members Aranowski and Ujdak for riding with the police officers. He encouraged
all Council Members to ride stressing that it would be appreciated by the officers and the
department so that the Council Members could see first had the services provided by the
Police Department. Riding also sends a positive message to the rank and file.
Chief Bennett then reviewed the changes which he has implemented in the past four (4)
months. He noted that he had disbanded the 4th and 5th details and has gone back to beat
responsibility. He stated that officers become better aware of the good and the bad by this
concept and have a better opportunity to meet the people they serve. He agrees with the
Community Oriented Police concept and sees the beat policy as an integral part of it. The
lack of consistency and continuity was evident before the change.
Chief Bennett now has two (2) officers in Internal Affairs instead of one, a black officer
and a white officer. One of his goals is to win back trust and respect. He noted that in the
early 1990's,IUSB conducted a poll which showed that the police department had an 88 %
approval rating. He stressed that the department must have the support of the public to be
effective.
Chief Bennett then reviewed his "triple-prong attack"which the department is implementing
against crack houses. The department will focus on approximately forty (40) crack houses.
1st prong is utilizing SOS which will send'a weekly list to Nest of locations where
additional assistance is needed; the 2nd prong is to utilize NEST; and the 3rd prong is to
utilize the 3 to 8 extra police cars in innovative ways.
Council Member Kelly inquired into the conviction rate in this area. Chief Bennett cited
examples of low bail being set by the judges and how it negatively affects morale of the
department.
Health and Public Safety Committee
February 7, 2000
Page 2
Council President Pfeifer noted that the Superior Court judges hold monthly meetings and
suggested a forum with them on this topic. She applauded the emphasis on crack houses
since many of her constituents have voice increasing concern about them. She noted that
the residents have voiced concern about how the City Attorney's Office explains the City's
policy on crack houses.
In response to a question from Council President Pfeifer, Chief Bennett noted that he has
received good cooperation from Code Enforcement and the County Prosecutor's Office.
He has had three(3) meetings with Prosecutor Toth with the last two having the Mayor in
attendance. The Community Prosecutor's Operation is still being developed with
cooperation of all entities being needed.
Chief Bennett stated that Herceg & Associates is doing a building study. The Street
Department will have a new building by 2001, with remodeling and additions being
considered to the present police/fire complex. Chief Bennett stated that the# 1 issue is that
the current building does not have enough space. The City is looking at a multifaceted
complex. He noted that the parking area is needed in order to properly stage emergency
responses in the event of a major emergency.
Council Member Aranowski stated that something has to be done. Police officers need
locker rooms. He also noted that the officers are fighting for the use of three(3)computers
and one(1)printer which he finds unacceptable. He voiced concern over the delays on the
computer software upgrades.
Assistant Fire Chief Switalski stated that he met with Herceg&Associates. He gave them
a copy of the Cole Associates study of five(5)years ago. He stated that the first step is to
relocate the Street Department. He stressed the need for a free-standing training facility.
Design phase is to be in the year 2000 and construction is to begin in 2001 for the Street
Department facility.
Chief Bennett stated the the computer system is not where it should be. The system was
designed so that the officers would not have to go into the Police Station,yet because of the
software problems each officer with a laptop computer in his or her car must still come to
the station. He stated that if the problems are not addressed soon, that the problems will
escalate. Chief Bennett rode on the afternoon shift last week and cited numerous examples
of computer problems being experienced by the department. He has been told that the
problem is in the hands of the Legal Department.
Council President Pfeifer questioned whether the fire and police operations could be
separated. She noted the Communications Center but believes that for the good of the
community and the departments that all avenues should be pursued.
Council Member Kelly stated that the top priority should be serving the public and not
trying to save money. If the Police Department should be moved then the City should look
at a new facility.
Council Member Aranowski questioned Chief Bennett about a training facility. Chief
Bennett does not believe that one(1)training facility can adequately address the needs and
Health and Public Safety Committee
February 7, 2000
Page 3
therefore the training needs should not be combined. Daily training is ongoing and an
increasing need of the department.
Assistant Fire Chief Switalski stated that the software provider is over two (2)years late in
providing upgrades for the Fire Department. Software should have been here in 1998.
In response to a question from Council Member Aranowski, Chief Bennett stated that his
department needs a computer specialist of their own. He cited examples of CAD, police
reporting, etc where he wanted to retrieve information and was unable to do so. The
Internet capability is not enough. Crime statistics to the Board of Public Safety have been
delayed because his department needs more personnel in this area.
In response to a question from Council Member Ujdak, Chief Bennett stating the staffing
needs are sufficient at the present time, however his department is budgeted at 257 but he
only has 249 officers currently. Seventy (70) officers could retire today and he anticipates
a large number to retire in 2001.
In response to a question from Council Member White, Chief Bennett stated that major
recruiting efforts are underway to attempt to avoid bigger problems in the future. An added
emphasis is currently underway to attract Black and Hispanics to the department, however
recruiting is currently a nightmare both locally and nationally. The# 1 problem is the low
pay in light of the dangers involved with a police career.
In response to a question from Council Member Ujdak, Chief Bennett stated that the
average educational testing is 12.9. The problems of recruitment now focus on results of
polygraphs addressing theft, drugs, etc.
Council President Pfeifer suggested that the Chief consider placing a picture of the first
Black,the first Hispanic and the first woman police officer in the Police Department foyer.
The Chief welcomed any assistance the Council could provide in this area.
Council Member Kelly noted that he has ridden with the police officers in the past and
would do so again. He said if a new facility is needed that he would work and take action
to see that it was pursued.
Chief Bennett stated that the building continues to poise a morale problem to the
department. He also cited a morale problem which resulted when the Detective Bureau and
DARE officers were not included in receiving new police vehicles. Several officers are
driving junk and he does not understand why seniority on the department does not merit
better cars for such officers. Chief Bennett stated that he would need an additional twenty
(20) police units to properly address the current problems. He noted that fifty-five (55)
police units are slated to be purchased in 2001,but those are for the Uniform Division.
In response to several questions from Council Member Ujdak, Chief Bennett stated that he
would be changing the upper echelon of the department and would be implementing a Gang
Investigator position. The Chief stated that there is significant associated crime related to
adult businesses and cited numerous examples of problems related to the ongoing series of
articles currently appearing in irbt 3Jflr Zriblttt . Road rage and traffic
problems are the 2d and 3rd tier complaint area for residents. Horrendous driving habits
Health and Public Safety Committee
February 7, 2000
Page 4
are resulting in more road rage incidents. The Chief plans to utilize two(2)officers per day
using radar guns and rotating them to areas throughout the city for a very limited period of
time which will cost approximately $ 20,000. This is a limited attempt to address an
increasing problem in his $ 19 million budget. The Chief would like to bring back the
Traffic Division,but due to budgetary restraints he must first focus on the crack problems.
Council President Pfeifer stated that the business corridor revitalization projects should be
implementing traffic calming devices on an ongoing basis.
Council Member Aranowski cited numerous examples of drivers running red lights even
when he was riding with an officer. He sees the problem increasing.
Council Member Ujdak inquired whether the police station must be located next to the jail.
Chief Bennett stated that he does not believe it has to be,however cautioned that the county
officials may have a different opinion.
Chief Bennett summarized the new standards for physical fitness mandated by the state.
The 16"vertical jump requirement has been the stumbling block for several candidates.
In response to a question from Council Member Kirsits, Chief Bennett stated that four (4)
persons are assigned to Special Crimes currently. The Chief believes that the best people
should be placed there and that this assignment was not appreciated in the past. Council
Member Kirsits noted equipment problems where he personally saw the Special Crimes
van being jump started at a crime scene. Chief Bennett believes that Special Crimes should
be off-site in light of the sensitive nature of the information.
Chief Bennett noted that Captain Wanda Shock s doing crime prevention exclusively and
that her training duties have been reasssigned to another officer. Council President Pfeifer
encouraged beat officers to attend neighborhood association meetings for even 5 to 10
minutes. The Chief stated that he is attending all such meetings first and then will have beat
officers attend thereafter. Council President Pfeifer also noted the numerous locations
where officers could receive training in Spanish. Chief Bennett noted that all officers
receive basic Spanish training as a first step. He stated that he would post listings of
locations at the police station.
In response to a question from Council Member White as to how the Council can be more
supportive to him and the Police Department,Chief Bennett concluded by stressing that all
Council Members should contact him so that each rides with a beat officer and the
opportunity for more discussions and continuing dialogues of this type.
Assistant Chief Switalski noted that Chief Taylor and Assistant Chief Prawat were in
Indianapolis on a legislative item and could not be present. He stated that the# 1 priority
for the fire department would be a training facility. The site location and funding was their
goal by the year 2001. He noted that in 1997 when the department expanded by 28
firefighters that the South Bend Fire Department had to go to the Clay Township facilities
for training which they found embarrassing for a city our size. He noted that the
department had met with Bob Case of Economic Development for site location information.
They are currently pursuing land west of the airport and looking at a lease arrangement with
the airport authority. They are looking at a joint regional concept which would open
additional funding sources for the building of such a free-standing facility. He cited morale
Health and Public Safety Committee
February 7, 2000
Page 5
as a chief factor that would be affected by prioritizing this need. The current classroom has
room for 25 persons and is overused.
Assistant Chief Switalski noted that nine(9)recruits were sworn in today but had to go to
Fire Station #10 because space was not available at Central. In light of the growing
IOSHA AND OSHA training requirements the need for training will only increase. He
noted that a separate training facility was a paramount need.
Battalion Chief Randy Magalinski noted that firefighters and paramedics need to develop
and maintain their skill levels on an ongoing basis. Rescue skills, life-saving skills, etc
were cited as just some of the critical training that must take place. He noted that several
other cities send their firefighters her for training and would continue to do so. Additional
revenue may come to the city if this need is addressed properly.
Assistant Chief Switalski then reviewed the five-page handout (copy attached) addressing
the capital improvement program for the fire department. He noted that in light of the
Walmart annexation that the need for renovating old Fire Station # 10 and additional
personnel not reflected in the Fiscal Plan for that area will be necessary. The Fire
Department has asked the Mayor to permit' Cole Associates to update the fire study
conducted five(5)years ago.
Assistant Chief Switalski noted that a top priority for this year will be the wage/benefit
negotiations with Local Union #362. A new vice-president will be elected tonight. Leon
Stein as President of the Union is permitted by the by-laws to sit at the table during
negotiations. He noted that currently an increase of$ 1.00 on the base salary for the
firefighter 1st class results in a cost of$ 131.00 on the pension base to the City.
Assistant Chief Switalski noted that under the Nemeth Administration in 1976 the
patronage system was abandoned and a merit hiring plan was implemented. The
International Firefighters Association has endorsed the use of a new "physical ability test"
on a pass/fail basis which has been approved by the Department of Justice. Currently the
city uses a system of 50% written testing and 50% agility testing. The department is
looking at material from Phoenix and Toledo. The new program will be implemented in
June of this year. The new testing should assist the city in attracting qualified female
candidates to the Fire Department.
Assistant Chief Quinn stated that the department wants to avoid favoritism and therefore
believes that the merit system should continue. Council Member Aranowski voiced
support for continuing the merit system.
Battalion Chief Magalinski reviewed the ambulance responses in the districts. They are
attempting to reduce the response times. Station sizes are restricting the location of
ambulances. A 7-8 minute response in the south end of the city is currently being
reviewed. He believes that the AVL(available vehicle locator) computer system will assist
in reducing response times. He noted that the City can refurbish three (3) quints for the
price of purchasing one(1) new one.
Assistant Chief Switalski noted that the pension base discrepancy between the police and
fire departments will be a hot issue during this year's negotiations.
Health and Public Safety Committee
February 7, 2000
Page 6
In response to questions from Council Member Ujdak, Assistance Chief Switalski noted
that 100 firefighters have twenty (20) years of service currently. Of that number sixty (60)
are 52 years or older and could retire today. Nine(9) firefighters are projected to retire in
2000.
Assistant Chief Switalski noted that in 1999, the department changed its system of hiring
and now begins with a recruit; training and state certifications take place first and then
recruits are sworn in before the Board of Safety. The new system is working quite well.
Council Member Aranowski inquired about the two-in-two-out policy. Assistant Chief
Quinn stated that it began as a safety issue. Currently firefighters do not go into a building
unless a life is in danger. If a rig with three (3) firefighters arrive, they would not go in
until a second rig arrives unless a life is in danger and that must be documented. Chief
Quinn noted that the minimum requirements would go from three(3) firefighters to five(5)
firefighters on a rig if there was not flexibility and common sense involved.
Battalion Chief Magalinski noted that NFPA regulations were reviewed and with the
assistance and guidance of Isabelle Gonzalez, former Safety and Risk Manager for the City
of South Bend, the current department procedures were approved at the federal and state
levels. The City of South Bend is one of the few cities having such approval.
In response to a question from Council Member Ujdak, Assistant Chief Switalski noted
that staffmg needs are currently being met. Annexation will require more staffing however
which are not addressed in the current numbers.
Battalion Chief Magalinski noted that the drawing power for new paramedics is done. He
noted that this is a problem at the local and national level. There are ten percent (10%)
fewer paramedics then there were two (2)years ago in Indiana. Many individuals want to
do both firefighting and paramedic duties, but currently cannot because of the growing
staffing problems. The national average for the service years of a paramedic is currently
five(5)years but will soon drop to three(3)years. The medical directors at Memorial and
St. Joseph Hospitals want two (2) paramedics per ambulance. He does not see how the
City can maintain these staffing needs without cutting back on service. The current contract
with the county continues through 2002. They average 7-8 calls per day. Paramedic
personnel are rotated there which is helping to add to the longevity of our paramedics. He
attends monthly township department meetings and the program is operating well.
In response to a question from Council Member Ujdak it was noted that increased
difibulators should be a priority. The overall cost is approximately $3,000 per unit. Golf
courses should have them in the opinion of Battalion Chief Magalinski. Council Member
Ujdak noted that in light of the growing risk management emphasis that this will be a
bigger issue and should be reviewed. It was noted that the Engine Companies began
carrying defibulators in 1992. The American Heart Association is pushing the need for
defibulators in many sectors to help save lives.
In response to a question from Council Member Ujdak it was noted that several meetings
with Chief Tom Hurdle and the Centre Township Fire Department have taken place. The
City will assist with manpower on structural fires. The City will also be the primary
Health and Public Safety Committee
February 7, 2000
Page 7
responder if the Centre Township Fire Department is already out on a call. A summary of
the plan was requested to be sent to Council Members Varner and Ujdak.
Chief Bennett noted that for the Walmart Annexation area there were 18 fires,29 accidents
and 18 EMS calls, which results in additional fire and police personnel to properly cover
this area. It was also noted that there is an increasing need for the"jaws of life" and other
equipment needs in light of the activity in this area.
Discussion on being more pro-active in the risk management area then took place.
Council Member Ujdak thanked Chief Bennett and Chiefs Switalski,Quinn and Magalinski
for coming to the meeting. He noted that there would be ongoing meetings of this type
with follow-up action by the Committee and the Council to properly addressed the needs of
both departments.
There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member
Aranowski adjourned the meeting at 5:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Council Member Andy Ujdak, Chairperson
Health and Public Safety Committee
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