HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025 02-19 Board of Public Safety Meeting MinutesFEBRUARY 19.2025 20
I. REGULAR MEETING
The Board of Public Safety met in the Regular Meeting at 9:15 a.m. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025
with Board President Dan Jones, and Board Members Darryl Heller (not present), Lee Ross, Al
Kirsits, and Pamela Claeys were present. Also, Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski, Fire Chief Carl
Buchanon, and Attorneys Danielle Campbell Weiss, Adam Taylor, Kylie Connell (virtual), and
Board Clerk Theresa Heffner. The meeting was held in the Council Chambers 4th Floor, County -
City Bldg., 227 W. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, Indiana and virtually via Microsoft Teams at the
following link: https://tipyurl.com/2025BPSHybrid
Attorney Weiss asked that everyone mute their microphone when not speaking and reminded
attendees that comments from the public should be saved for the Privilege of the Floor portion of
the meeting. Attorney Weiss then read through the agenda to note any additions or corrections.
A. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS
Board President Dan Jones welcomed the public, called roll, and confirmed the presence of the
Board Members.
B. APPROVE MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Upon a motion by Pam Claeys, seconded by Al Kirsits, and carried by roll call, the Board
approved the Minutes of the January 15, 2025, regular meeting. Lee Ross abstained from
voting.
C. POLICE DEPARTMENT
APPROVE PROMOTIONS TO PATROLMAN 1ST CLASS
Richard Springer
Delaney Knizner
Jonathon Phelps
Chief Scott Ruszkowski submitted letters of recommendations for the above officers to be
promoted to Patrolman 1st Class and retro pay, and stated the officers have successfully
met the requirements outlined in the working agreement to become a PFC within the SBPD.
Lee Ross asked how the retro pay works for the officers. Chief Ruszkowski advised that
due to the calendar and the way the Board meeting lined up, these officers had already
completed their requirements, so that is why they will be paid retroactively.
Pam Claeys asked why they are referred to as patrolman rather than patrol officers. Chief
Ruszkowski advised that the law reads that they are patrolman.
Upon a motion by Al Kirsits, seconded by Pam Claeys, and followed by a roll call, the
Board approved the Promotions to Patrolman 15t Class for the above Officers.
2. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COMMENDATIONS (LIFE SAVING AWARDS)
Kassandra Duran
Joshua Pennington
Luke Primerano
Connor Redden
Chief Ruszkowski stated the above Officers' quick actions and life saving measures
collectively assisted in saving an individual's life on November 28, 2024. Chief
Ruszkowski commended their efforts. The Board also commended the officers' actions and
stated they would be receiving commendation coins.
Dan Jones noted for the audience that challenge coins are given out by the Board when an
officer or a firefighter provides extraordinary service.
Chief Ruszkowski noted that the officers started CPR before the Fire Department and EMS
arrived with a machine that does chest compressions, so they were able to revive the person
and maintain them all the way to the hospital. He also noted that Officer Spratt took the
family members to the hospital and was able to get them with their loved one.
FEBRUARY 19.2025 21
Lee Ross asked if the chest compression machine was new and something that just got on
the market. Fire Chief Buchanon advised that they have had it for a little over a year. The
data and statistics on them is still out as to how good they are because they are relatively
new.
Dan Jones asked how many they had throughout the department. Fire Chief Buchanon
advised that they have two (2) machines. He added that they are continuing to collect data
to show that it is definitely worth its weight in gold and hopefully it will make it a little bit
more accessible through state or federal funding to ensure that all of the municipalities
have one (1).
3. APPROVE RESOLUTION NO.03-2025 — A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF
PUBLIC SAFETY OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND CONCERNING THE MEETING
AND ELECTION PROCEDURES FOR THE POLICE MERIT BOARD
Attorney Connell explained that this resolution is similar or pretty much the exact same as
what was submitted last month (January). The election process they did was not successful
so they need to have it again. They are asking for this new date so that we can provide that
three (3) week notice to the officers required by statute.
Al Kirsits asked if this will delay the merit board from getting started. Attorney Weiss
advised that it won't be a huge delay, but they could not move forward with the ballot form
as it was the last time, so they had to redo it. It will be the same applicants, just new dates
to vote. There is no specific date for the Police Merit Board to be transitioned. She added
that they are moving forward as quickly as possible and we should be hearing about the
other two (2) appointing bodies soon. Once everyone has been selected, they will start
moving forward with the transition.
Upon a motion by Al Kirsits, seconded by Pam Claeys, and followed by a roll call, the
Board approved Resolution No. 03-2025.
RESOLUTION NO.03-2025
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY OF THE CITY OF SOUTH
BEND CONCERNING THE MEETING AND ELECTION PROCEDURES FOR THE
POLICE MERIT BOARD
WHEREAS, the South Bend Board of Public Safety ("Board") exists and operates pursuant
to I.C. § 36-4-9-5 and Ind. Code § 36-8-3-2 and has exclusive control over all matters relating to
the South Bend Police Department; and
WHEREAS, the City of South Bend has adopted a Police Department Merit Board (Police
Merit Board) under Ordinance No. 11165-24; and
WHEREAS, the Police Merit Board is to consist of five (5) total members, with two (2) of
the members elected by the active members of the South Bend Police Department ("SBPD");and
WHEREAS, Police Merit Board election is to be held pursuant to I.C. § 36-8-3.5-8, the
Board is required to set the meeting and establish applicable procedures for the election of
members by the active members of the SBPD; and
WHEREAS, the Board must give at least three (3) weeks' notice of said election meeting
to all active members of the department; and
WHEREAS, the Board now desires to set a date for said meeting and establish the process
for election.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Public Safety of the City of
South Bend:
1. A meeting of the members of the South Bend Police Department is hereby set for
March 14, 2025, at 9:15 a.m. in the Conference Room on the 13th floor of the County -City
Building, 227 W. Jefferson Boulevard, South Bend, IN 46601 AND March 17, 2025 at 4:00
p.m. in the Conference Room on the 13t" floor of the County -City Building, 227 W. Jefferson
FEBRUARY 19.2025 22
Boulevard, South Bend, IN 46601
established Police Merit Board.
https://tinyurl.com/2025PMBElection,
2. In accordance with I.0
for purposes of electing two (2) members to the newly
These meetings will also be held virtually at
36-8-3.5-8, the election meeting shall be closed to the
public and may only be attended by active sworn members of the SBPD.
3. The members of the SBPD will be provided with access to the relevant information
submitted by the eligible applicants.
4. The members of the SBPD may discuss or hear from the applicants on their own
schedule.
5. At the election meeting, a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #36
executive board will open the meeting and a chair (the "Chair") will be selected as determined by
majority of the membership in attendance. The Chair will announce the online voting portal is
open and the closing of the online voting portal will be at 3:00 p.m. March 17, 2025. The Chair
will confirm the portal is live. The Chair will announce the meeting will continue on March 17,
2025 at 4:00 p.m.
6. The City of South Bend will provide access to an online portal for voting on eligible
applicants starting on March 14, 2025 by 9:15 a.m. through March 17, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. (all times
in EST). This online voting portal will allow for secret voting.
7. The City Clerk or their designee will be the only authorized party that can access
the voting results to determine the election results, and will prepare a certified report of the results
in a sealed envelope.
8. The Chair will retrieve the City Clerk's sealed envelope containing the results of
electronic voting on March 17, 2025. At the election meeting on March 17, 2025 at 4:00 p.m., the
Chair shall open and read aloud the results.
9. The newly elected Police Merit Board member with the most votes will serve a five
(5) year term. The other member elected will serve a two (2) year term. In the event of a tie, the
SBPD members present will vote for who will serve a five (5) year term, by majority vote. The
elected member not receiving majority vote will serve a two (2) year term.
10. The Chair of the election meeting will provide notice of the election results to the
Clerk of the Board of Public Safety ("BPS Clerk") by noting the duration of terms, signing and
dating the election results and giving that document to the BPS Clerk in the Public Works
Department on the 13t' Floor of the County -City Building before 4:30 p.m. on March 17, 2025.
11. The BPS Clerk shall issue notice of the elected members and their terms to the
Board and the newly elected members within 7 days of March 17, 2025.
12. The election meetings may be attended by members through electronic means. No
quorum of any kind (in -person attendance or otherwise) shall be required.
13. The Board further approves a form notice of the called meetings, attached hereto as
Exhibit A. The notice must be read during shift roll calls and will be posted along with this
resolution in prominent locations at the Police Department station, and comply in all other respects
with the requirements of I.C. § 36-8-3.5-8.
14. The BPS clerk may make administrative changes (i.e. time, location) for good cause
at any time without the Board's approval. Any change will be emailed to officers at SBPD.
15. This Resolution will be in full force and effect upon its adoption.
ADOPTED this 19th day of February 2025.
s/Daniel Jones, President
FEBRUARY 19.2025 23
ATTEST:
s/Theresa Heffner/Clerk
s/Darryl Heller, Member
s/Lee Ross, Member
s/Alfred Kirsits, Member
s/Pamela Claeys, Member
CRY OF SOUTH BEND
NOTICE
FMAY, XURCH 1A, 2025 and MONDAY UARC_H 17, 2025
MEETING AGENDA
L SPE CUL ELE CTION __AIEETP G - Fridm- March 14, 2h25 at 9:15 A.M. -
Hybiid Wet' - C_onfeivnce Room, County -City- Bundling. 13th Floor, 227
W. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, LN AND Vh ualh via Xiicrosoft Teams with
the link: https:r`r`tinyurl.com'2025P.'V3Election
The Board of Public Safety called a special meeting for the purposes as specified in
I.C_ 36.8-3.5-8 for the election by acti-ve members of the South Bend Police
D q artin to the Police Merit Board.
A_ Fraternal 0i)der of Police Member confirms only active members of
the Police Department mad- be present and vote.
B_ Selection of the Chair by. actke members present.
C. Chair announces i-oting portal is We and closing will be a t 3:00 p. m. on
March 17, 2025.
D. Chair confirms that the portal is live.
E_ Chair announces meeting •ill continue AUrch 17, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.
F_ Adjournmment.
SPECUL ELECTION MEETING - Monday March 17, 2025 at 4:00 PAL -
II. H%bi.1d Meeting - Conference Room -County -City- Buildliug, 13th
Floor, 227 TV. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, Ili AND Vh ualh- via
Microsoft Teams with the link: https:;`.'tinyml.eom."2025PN BElection
The Board of Public Safety called a special meeting for the puuposes as specified
in I_C. 3& -3_5-8 for the election by active mmber of the South Bend Police
Department to the Police Merit Board
A. Chair announces the voting ixnults.
B_ Terms aiv deteiwined.
_ Adjournment.
4. RECEIVE UPDATE OF AWARD GRANT FROM INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF
HEALTH
Chief Scott Ruszkowski stated the SBPD previously received notice that they were
awarded a grant to provide the officers with Adapt Pharma Nasal Narcan for four (4) years
in December of 2021. Sergeant Knepper stated because of this grant, the SBPD just
received one hundred and twenty (120) more units of Narcan from the State of Indiana
Health Department and the St. Joseph County Department of Health. Sergeant Knepper
FEBRUARY 19.2025 24
stated the SBPD is extremely grateful for this valuable tool in fighting the opioid crisis.
Pam Claeys asked how long one hundred and twenty (120) doses last. Sergeant Knepper
noted that in 2024, they issued out eighty (80) doses to officers, and thirty-one (3 1) were
used in the past eight (8) months. So far this year, five (5) have been utilized. They issue it
to every officer in the patrol division.
5. FILE MONTHLY STATISTICAL ANALYSIS REPORT JANUARY 2025
Chief Scott Ruszkowski submitted the monthly statistical analysis report for January 2025
and stated there was a fifteen percent (15%) decrease in Part One Offenses.
Pam Claeys offered some suggestions on working with the Family Justice Center or
perhaps the YWCA for support of rape cases. She also noted that maybe some PSA
commercials could be done to provide safety reminders about not walking alone, etc. Chief
Ruszkowski advised that he believes the numbers are higher because people are feeling
more comfortable coming forward because of the services that are offered. SBPD has
domestic violence investigators in-house and they have been able to do more of an in depth
investigation with more forensic investigating and more interviews. They want anyone that
has been a victim of a crime to report it, but there are still some women that are hesitant to
report it. He added that these rapes are not random, they are typically done by people the
victim trusts.
The JANUARY 2024 analysis is as follows:
PART 1 OFFENSES
HOMICIDE
JUSTIFIABLE HOMICIDE"
RAPE
ROBBERY
AGGRAVATED ASSLT
BURGLARY RES
BURGLARY NON RES
LARCENY
MOTOR VEH THEFT
ARSONS
GRAND TOTAL
Respectfully submitted.
Scott Ruszkowski
Chief of Police
Month: JANUARY 2025
YEAR TO DATE
2024
2025 CHANGE
2024
2925
CHANGE
1
0 -1
1
0
1
1
❑ -1
1
0
1
5
10 5
5
10
5
32
14 -18
32
14
-18
65
62 -3
65
62
-3
39
19 -20
39
19
-20
9
4 -5
9
4
-5
134
136 2
134
136
2
33
26 -7
33
26
.7
3
2 -1
3
2
-1
321
273 -48
321
273
48
PART 1 OFFENSES
2024
2025
CHANGE
HOMICIDE
1
0
-100%
JUSTIFIABLE HOMICIDE"
1
0
-100%
RAPE
5
10
100%
ROBBERY
32
14
-56%
AGGRAVATED ASSLT
65
62
-5%
BURGLARY RES,
39
19
-51%
BURGLARY NON RES.
9
4
.56%
LARCENY
134
136
1%
MOTOR VEH THEFT
33
26
-21%
ARSONS
3
2
.33%
GRAND TOTAL
321
-15% CHANGE IN PART 1 CRIMES THROUGH
D. FIRE DEPARTMENT
273 -15 %
JANUARY 2026
1. APPROVE PROMOTIONS TO CAPTAIN IN SPECIAL ASSIGNEMENT
Christopher Manzuk
Andy Pavolka
FEBRUARY 19.2025 25
Chief Buchanon stated due to retirements, the Department has Captain vacancies that need
to be filled. In accordance with the promotion policy established by the SBFD and IAFF
Local #362., a Captain's list was comprised, and firefighters were ranked to be eligible to
fill this position as a Captain in Special Assignment for one (1) year on a probationary
status. The Chief stated during this time the firefighters would accumulate four (4)
evaluations to determine if they will be recommended for promotion to the rank of Captain
and recommended the above firefighters to the position of Captain in Special Assignment.
Chief stated Firefighter Manzuk was appointed to the SBFD on April 13, 2011, and
Firefighter Pavolka was appointed on April 1, 2013.
Upon a motion by Lee Ross, seconded by Pam Claeys, and followed by a roll call, the
Board approved the promotions to Captain in Special Assignment for the above firefighters
effective February 19, 2025.
2. APPROVE APPLICATION AND DECLARATION FOR RETIRMENT- CAPTAIN
STEWART RUSSELL
Chief Carl Buchanon submitted a Letter of Application and Declaration for Retirement for
Captain Stewart Russell. Captain Russell was appointed to the SBFD on November 24,
1981, and his effective retirement date was January 17, 2025. Chief Buchanon asked the
Board to join him in appreciation and gratitude to Captain Russell for his commitment and
dedicated service to the City of South Bend, and the SBFD for more than forty-three (43)
years. Chief Buchanon wished him success in his future endeavors and many years of good
health during his well -deserved retirement.
Upon a motion by Lee Ross, seconded by Al Kirsits, and followed by a roll call the Board
approved the Application and Declaration for Retirement.
3. RECEIVE UPDATE ON FIRE MERIT BOARD
Attorney Taylor advised that the resolution that was passed previously indicated that an
election was set and that election was held on February 6, 2025. The meeting was only
attended by members pursuant to statute, and there was someone that was elected and that
person is sitting with you today. Dan Jones was elected to fill the Democrat slot. Because
they are political affiliation based, there is a Republican slot still open. Unfortunately, the
Republican spot has not been filled because there was not a candidate. They are awaiting
on next steps because it is the members that decide how the process goes forward because
it is one (1) of their two (2) slots. What they are doing right now is waiting for the
membership or the Union to indicate that candidates are ready and then it will look
basically the same as it did today with the police, pursuant to the statute. They have to set
another election and then provide three (3) weeks notice. Common Council has one (1)
spot to fill and the mayor has two (2) spots to fill and those are political affiliation based
as well. Those appointments are required to be done by March 1 st, and so they're nearing
the deadline. Even if they can't fill it before that date, if there is a quorum of people, they
could begin to function. Just because they are starting to function or starting to meet doesn't
mean that they are ready to assume duties because they still have to approve their rules and
regulations. Then upon doing that, there are requirements for public hearings and rules
can't be adopted in one (1) meeting, so there is going to be a period of time where we are
just waiting.
Pam Claeys noted for the record that she disagrees with the politicization of the
appointments. Attorney Weiss added that it does make it more challenging to fill the seats.
It has to be based on the last three (3) primary elections that the person voted in the
republican primaries, and they have to live within the city limits. She suspects that it will
take time and that the March meeting will likely see all the usual items, but maybe by April
they will be ready to go, but she will keep everyone informed.
4. ACCEPT THE 2025-20028 SBFD STRATEGIC PLAN
Chief Carl Buchanon submitted their 2025-2028 Strategic Plan and stated it outlines their
efforts to move forward that provides an all -hazards approach to protect our citizens' lives,
mitigate emergencies, and reduce the community's risk. The following strategic plan was
written with a basis in the Commission on Fire Accreditation Internationals, which is the
FEBRUARY 19.2025 26
CFAI, Fire and emergency services accreditation model. It is intended to guide the
organization within established parameters set forth by the authority having jurisdiction so
the Board's approval would be greatly appreciated. This was the result of all day or multiple
days of meetings with internal and external stakeholders, not just in the public, but also
within our department. It was a collaboration of everyone giving input for several days to
basically bring that back to me and to surmise what our intentions are, as well as making
sure that we are setting ourselves up for success. Moving forward with all the different
circumstances that we're involved in, whether it be with reduced staffing obviously that
being one (1) of the main things, making sure that we are still giving our citizens the best
service that they deserve.
Pam Claeys noted that she saw something about enhanced behavioral health and she
wondered if the City still had the Employee Assistance Program. Chief Buchanon answered
yes. Since 2020 there have been a lot of mental health issues not just in the department, but
in the public. Given our most recent tragedy with the fatalities of the Smith six (6) last year,
which still bears hard on many of them.
Pam Claeys asked if the City was still using New Avenues. Chief Buchanon stated yes. He
added that SBFD and SBPD have peer support members that can give immediate assistance
to any of our officers. If they need more assistance, then they are directed toward New
Avenues.
Pam Claeys asked if officers can use EAP without anyone's knowledge. Chief Ruszkowski
noted that they have thirty-one (31) support members and he thinks there were about 143
instances where they enacted in peer -to -peer measures.
5. FILE MONTHLY STATISTICAL ANALYSIS REPORT FOR JANUARY 2025
Chief Carl Buchanon submitted the monthly statistical analysis report for January 2025.
He noted that the call volume has gone up because they respond to any emergency that the
citizens call them for. They are trying to educate students in school as well as adults about
fire safety by getting out in the community and going to community events.
Pam Claeys asked if the Brycer the Compliance Engine was helping with inspections. Chief
Buchanon noted that it hasn't been implemented in its entirety yet, he believes
March 15t will be when it goes in. It's too early to tell if it is going to help, but they will
know soon enough. They're not the first city to have utilized this service, there are other
services out there. They selected Brycer because it gives them an opportunity to not waste
personnel hours and time because they only have three (3) individuals, so if it can minimize
their efforts or repeating visits to the same businesses because they haven't complied the
first time they were given notice, it is going to make it better for not only our individuals
for their longevity, to be able to continue to do it, and their willingness to want to do it.
He's looking forward to good numbers and will report back to the Board.
January
January
2024
2025
Property Loss
$447,400 S446,600
Inspection Division
192 Inspections 179 [nsPecliona
56 ReInspections
investigation Division
11
N/A
Cause of Ignition
Cause of Ignition
4 intentional
s Unintentional
Z Under
investigation
FEBRUARY 19.2025 27
E. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR
Attorney Weiss reminded the public to use the hand -raising function of Microsoft Teams
to indicate their desire to speak during Privilege of the Floor. She reminded attendees that
they would be allotted three (3) minutes to speak.
Board Member Pam Claeys stated that she participated in the St. Margaret's House Winter
Walk and Officers were at every intersection and they did get bags of cookies. She added
that Sergeant Bourne is so wonderful. He's like the cheerleader of them all and gets them
all together. She just wanted to give kudos as it was much appreciated by Saint Margaret's
House and all the walkers. She hears they raised about $95,000.
F. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Board, upon a motion by Al Kirsits,
seconded by Lee Ross, and carried by roll call, the meeting was adjourned at 10:09 a.m.
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Daniel Jones, President
Darryl Heller, Member
U �V /liv`
Ross Lee, Member
�uP
Al Kirsits, Member
�4, &af
Pamela Claeys, Member
ATTEST:
Theresa Heffner, Clerk