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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08302023 Board of Public Safety Special Meeting MinutesSPECIAL MEETING AUGUST 30, 2023 54 I. SPECIAL MEETING The Board of Public Safety met in a Special Meeting at 9:15 a.m. on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, with Board President Daniel Jones (arrived at 9:17 a.m.), and Board Members Darryl Heller, Lee Ross, Al Kirsits and Pamela Claeys were present. Also present were Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski, Attorneys Danielle Weiss, and Board Clerk Theresa Heffner. The meeting was held at the Auditorium, South Bend Police Department, 701 West Sample Street, South Bend Indiana AND virtually Microsoft Team at the following link: https://tinyurl.com/2023BPSHybrid Attorney Weiss asked that everyone mute their microphone when not speaking, Attorney Weiss then read through the agenda to note any additions or corrections. A. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS Board Member Lee Ross welcomed the public, called roll, and confirmed the presence of the Board Members. B. POLICE DEPARTMENT 1. APPROVE HIRING OF PROBATIONARY POLICE OFFICERS Kassandra Davis Robert Neufer Quentin Phillips Faith Quintana Andre Mathews Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski requested the Board approve the hiring of the above Police Officers on a probationary basis effective August 30, 2023. Chief Ruszkowski stated the above officers have met the requirements of the application process of the South Bend Police Department and graduated from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy on Friday, August 18, 2023. Chief Ruszkowski stated Officer Andre Mathews was a sworn officer on the East Chicago Police Department from November 1, 2021, to August 10, 2023. Sergeant Stewart provided biographies of the officers highlighting their talents, achievements, education, and interests. Therefore, upon a motion by Pamela Claeys, seconded by Lee Ross, and carried by a roll call, the Board of Public Safety approved the hiring of the above listed probationary officers. 2. SWEARING IN OF PROBATIONARY OFFICERS City Clerk Dawn Jones administered the oath, followed with the badge pinning. The Board Members thanked and congratulated the officers. 3. ACKNOWLEGEMENT OF COMMENDATION BRADLEY SADILEK Chief Ruszkowski submitted a Letter of Commendation for Officer Sadilek and commended Officer Sadilek for a life saving award for his quick response and medical action. President Jones presented Chief Ruszkowski with a commendation coin to give to Officer Sadilek. 4. ACCEPT LETTER OF RESIGNATION ZACHERY WELLS Chief Ruszkowski submitted a Letter of Resignation for Officer Wells. Chief Ruszkowski Stated Officer Wells was sworn into the Department December 7, 2022, and his effective date was August 27, 2023. President Jones accepted the Letter on behalf of the Board. 5. APPROVE SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER (SRO) AGREEMENT Attorney Kylie Connell submitted the School Resource Agreement at the August 16, 2023, Regular Board Meeting for approval. This item was tabled for further review. Attorney Connell stated this is a renewal of the agreement and only had minor changes. Board Member Al Kirsits asked if the SRO Officers are involved in the EMPOWERMENT ZONE that the South Bend School Corporation created. Chief Ruszkowski stated the SRO Officer does still visit those schools but is not assigned to them. SPECIAL MEETING AUGUST 30, 2023 55 Board Member Pam Claeys asked if the training is provided by the Police Department. Chief Ruszkowski stated the school resource officer training qualification certification comes from a nationally accredited course that is one (1) to two (2) times a year in various locations. Pam Claeys asked how the application process works. Chief Ruszkowski stated that every three (3) to four (4) years, applications are accepted for SRO positions from within the Department. Attorney Connell stated this provides an opportunity for all officers to apply for the positions as well as current SRO officers to reapply. Pam Claeys stated the section regarding the distinction of clothing for males versus females is redundant and asked for the phrasing to be adjusted. Board Member Darryl Heller stated he does not support SROs in the schools. He clarified that his opposition is not about any particular officers or the Department, but rather his belief in other programs that support students better than SRO programs. Upon a motion by Pam Claeys, seconded by Al Kirsits, and followed by a roll call, the Board approved the SRO Agreement. Darryl Heller opposed the agreement. Attorney Connell noted that the approval would be subject to the change that Pamela Claeys noted regarding clothing. B.ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board, upon a motion by Darryl Heller, seconded by Pam Claeys, and carried by roll call, the meeting was adjourned at 9:50 a.m. BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY Daniel Jones, President Darryl Heller, Member ______________________________ Lee Ross, Member Al Kirsits, Member ______________________________ Pamela Claeys, Member ATTEST: ___________________________ Theresa Heffner, Clerk