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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-26-01 Health & Public Safety r tonultttt Up t: fit] anti ipublit if.afttv Commttte The February 26, 2001 meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Andrew Ujdak at 4:07 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members: Aranowski, Pfeifer, King, White, Coleman, Kelly, Varner, Ujdak, and Kirsits; Citizen Member Isabelle Gonzalez; Assistant City Attorney Aladean DeRose; Fire Chief Luther Taylor; Public Works Director Gary Gilot; Bob Mathia, Michael Giulioni; Deputy City Attorney Thomas Bodnar, Len Grummell, Bob Kruzmatich,Terry Bland of the 00110 1III U CVibuft, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member Ujdak noted that the first item on the agenda was to discuss the Downtown Commercial Delivery Permit Pilot Program. Michael Giulioni provided a multi-page handout on addressing the final recommended program guidelines (copy attached). He highlighted key points of the program which has been in effect for the past ninety (90) days and now is under a ninety (90) day extension by the Board of Public Works. He has been advised that if there is to be a permanent program that it will need to be approved by the Common Council. Council Member White inquired about a proposed fee. Mr. Giulioni stated that a processing fee of approximately $ 50.00 was being considered. Council Member King stated that there must be a systematic method of gathering user responses beyond the temporary business permit holders. He stressed the need for a much broader response base to assess the pros and cons of having such a system. Council Member Ujdak noted that it is a test program and thanked Mr. Giulioni for the presentation and wished him good luck as he returns to Canada. Council Member Ujdak then called for further presentation on Bill No. 01-6 which is a proposed Interlocal Agreement between the City and Centre Township for fire protection services. Fire Chief Luther Taylor noted that he was not available at the last Council meeting when this item was heard since he went home ill. He noted that the concern over an adequate water supply to the newly annexed area of the city and response times were primary concerns. Chief Taylor stated that currently the water supply is approximately 200 feet away. At the time that the Interlocal Agreement was proposed he was unaware that the firefighters worked on week days until 5 pm and did not work on the weekends. He noted that currently the County Medic Unit is responding. The City's Medic Unit will begin responding on March 6th. He wanted to have a comfort zone on the west side of US 31 with regard to adequate service. Chief Taylor noted that the mutual aid agreements are over ten(10) years old and they are currently working on them. He proposes to sit down with the Union this Thursday so that there will be a better working relationship. He anticipates starting up the labor/management meetings once again. Chief Taylor then provided two (2) handouts to the Committee. The first was a news release from the International Association of Fire Chiefs which approved a motion to support NFPA 1710 addressing"Standards on Organization and Deployment for Career Fire Departments"which may Health and Public Safety Committee February 26,2001 Page 2 require 4 to 5 firefighters per apparatus. The second handout addressed the $ 100 million FEMA grant for various fire services. He noted that Assistant Chief Switalski will be the point person for submitting a grant request. Council Member White inquired as to what the basis of the proposed monthly cost was in the proposed interlocal agreement. Chief Taylor stated that the City had requested a per call basis initially. He noted that he believes the monthly amount is excessive, however the City Administration wished to error on the safe side. Dr. Varner inquired as to why the interlocal agreement was even contemplated. Mr. Bodnar stated that the timing was not perfect with the last offer being made on December 21st. Dr. Varner speculated that he sees the agreement as a direct result of the annexation and the time table which is dictated by state law. He voiced concern with regard to the proposed costs and the various contractual issues and questions which have been raised. Mr. Bodnar stated that the agreement would represent a good faith effort to provide services. Council Member White inquired about the service which would be provided in light of the price and inquired whether the price could be re-negotiated. Chief Taylor noted that the price is for a short period of time. Council Member Aranowski inquired as to what made up the $ 4,200 fee. Mr. Bodnar stated that the township totalled up the number of responses and divided that number. Council Member King voiced concern noting that Captain Stein and Captain Damiano of Local # 362 made inquiries back in November and that their concerns were never properly addressed. He questioned whether we are being as responsive as we should be. He voiced concern about good faith and respect being missing from this exchange involving the interlocal agreement. Chief Taylor stated that he met with Captain Stein in December noting that the agreement would be for a short period of time. The Union proposed that an additional company be added in the south end of the City and that a reserve pumper be used. Chief Taylor stated that such a proposal was not a part of the budget and that it had a potential cost of$ 100,000. Council Member Kirsits inquired as to why we were not servicing the area with our own fire apparatus. He asked why Centre Township was dictating all terms and conditions, since he believed that the South Bend Fire Department could cover 99 %of the calls excepting crop fires. Chief Taylor stated that there would be joint responses beginning March 6th. Council Member Kirsits stressed that living in the City has always meant better services for its citizens, however now the newly annexed area only receives volunteer services. He stated that those residents should receive a tax rebate.Council Member Ujdak inquired whether Mr. Bodnar had had the opportunity to review the Health and Public Safety Committee February 26,2001 Page 3 Council Attorney's memo. Mr. Bodnar stated that he had and believes that the State Fire Marshals guidelines do not apply. Council Member Kelly noted that in light of the circumstances he believes that the City should move forward since the agreement will be short-term. Following discussion, Council Member Kelly made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kirsits that Bill No. 01-6 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. The Council Attorney inquired as to when the agreement would be recorded and asked what would be the triggering mechanism to terminate the agreement. Mr. Gilot stated that once the water mains and hydrants become operational that the agreement would be terminated. He stated that this should be completed by the end of June. Mr. Bodnar agreed to record the agreement and to provide notice to the Council as to when the agreement will be terminated. Council Member Ujdak noted that the next item on the agenda was to continue discussion of the Administration initiated Bill No. 133-00 addressing firearms. Council Member Kelly stated that the proposed bill has been discussed for many hours. He believes that in its current form it is unenforceable and requested the City Administration to withdraw the bill from further Council consideration. Mr. Bodnar requested that Bill No. 133-00 be withdrawn. Council Member Ujdak stated that he agrees with Council Member Kelly. The Committee then reviewed Bill No. 01-13 which urges the Indiana State Legislature to pass legislation addressing pension relief fund distribution for police and fire pensions. Council Member Ujdak noted that the proposed Resolution is similar in nature as the one proposed by Council Member Aranowski's addressing local road and street financial assistance. The Council Attorney noted that the Indianapolis Mayor is requested action on a user fee for not- for-profit corporations and entities to help supplement police and fire pensions. Council Member King stressed the need for as much pressure as possible on the Indiana State Legislature with regard to the police and fire pension costs. He noted that it is a huge unfunded liability. Following discussion, Council Member White made a motion, seconded by Citizen Member Gonzalez that Bill No. 01-13 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Under miscellaneous business, Chief Taylor stated that Memorial Hospital has proposed to take over Station#2 and to build a new fire station at their cost for the City. Council Member Aranowski stated that he sees this proposal as a "win-win" and urged the City Administration to move forward quickly on Memorial's proposal. f 1 ► l Health and Public Safety Committee February 26,2001 Page 4 There was a favorable consensus on the Memorial Hospital proposal. There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member Ujdak adjourned the Committee meeting at 5:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Andrew Ujdak, Chairperson Health and Public Safety Committee KCF:kmf Attachments