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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025 06-18 Board of Pubic Safety Meeting MinutesJUNE 18, 2025 45 I.EXECUTIVE SESSION The Board of Public Safety met in the Executive Session on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at 8:38 a.m. with Board President Daniel Jones, and Board Members, Lee Ross (virtual), Al Kirsits, Pamela Claeys, Assistant Chief Todd Skwarcan, Attorney Adam Taylor, and Attorney Danielle Weiss. Darryl Heller joined the meeting at 8:45 a.m. The meeting was held in the Large Conference Room, South Bend Fire Department, 1222 S. Michigan St., South Bend, Indiana for the purposes specified in I.C. 5-14-1.5-6.1(b)(2)(A) for discussion of strategy with respect to collective bargaining. The Executive Session concluded at 9:09 a.m. BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY Daniel Jones, President Darryl Heller, Member _________________________________ Lee Ross, Member ______________________________ Al Kirsits, Member ______________________________ Pamela Claeys, Member ATTEST: ___________________________ Hillary Horvath, Clerk II. REGULAR MEETING The Board of Public Safety met in the Regular Meeting at 9:45 a.m. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 with Board President Dan Jones, and Board Members Darryl Heller, Lee Ross (virtual), Al Kirsits, and Pamela Claeys were present. Also, Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski, Assistant Fire Chief Todd Skwarcan, and Attorneys Danielle Campbell Weiss, Adam Taylor, Kylie Connell, and Board Clerk Theresa Heffner. The meeting was scheduled to be held in Classroom #1 at the South Bend Fire Department, 1222 S. Michigan St., South Bend, Indiana, but due to technical issues and physical space constraints, the meeting was moved to the Auditorium at the South Bend Police Department, 701 W. Sample St., South Bend, Indiana and virtually via Microsoft Teams at the following link: https://tinyurl.com/2025BPSHybrid. The meeting start time was adjusted from 9:15 a.m.to 9:45 a.m. start to accommodate the meeting relocation. 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 Darryl Heller seconded by Al Kirsits, and carried by roll call, the Board approved the Minutes of the April 16, 2025 regular meeting. C.POLICE DEPARTMENT 1. ACKNOWLEDGE PROMOTION TO CAPTAIN – KAYLA MILLER Chief Scott Ruszkowski submitted a letter informing the board that Lieutenant Kayla Miller has been appointed to the rank of Captain in the Detective Bureau, reporting to Support Division Chief Lancaster. Captain Miller was sworn on the department on August JUNE 18, 2025 46 15, 2012. Chief Lancaster announced the promotion of Kayla Miller to the rank of captain, effective June 14th. Kayla Miller is a 20-year law enforcement veteran with significant experience in various roles, including serving as the commander of the negotiator team and leading complex criminal investigations. She was pinned by her husband. 2.APPROVE PROMOTION TO LIEUTENANT IN SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT – BRANDON SCHMIDT Chief Scott Ruszkowski submitted a letter of recommendation to the board that Lieutenant Brandon Schmidt be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant of the Strategic Focus Unit, on Special Assignment in the Operations Division, with a probationary period of one (1) year. Lieutenant Schmidt was sworn into the department on November 14, 2012. Assistant Chief Skibbins discussed the promotion of Brandon Schmidt to the rank of Lieutenant, effective immediately. Brandon Schmidt has been with the South Bend Police Department since 2012 and has worked in various positions within the Strategic Focus Unit. He was pinned by Captain Dombrowski. Upon a motion by Al Kirsits, seconded by Pam Claeys, and followed by a roll call, the Board approved the Promotions to Lieutenant in Special Assignment for Brandon Schmidt. 3.APPROVE APPLICATION AND DECLARATION OF RETIREMENT – JASON T. BIGGS Chief Scott Ruskzowski submitted a letter of application and declaration of retirement for Captain Jason T. Biggs. He is retiring, in good standing, from the SBPD, effective June 13, 2025. He has been with the Department for twenty (20) years, one (1) month, and sixteen (16) days. Chief Ruszkowski asked the Board to join him in appreciation and gratitude for the above Captain’s commitment and distinguished services to the SBPD and the residents of the City of South Bend and wished him many years of good health and happiness in retirement. Upon a motion by Al Kirsits, seconded by Pam Claeys, and followed by a roll call the Board approved the Application and Declaration for Retirement for Captain Jason T. Biggs. 4.ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COMMENDATIONS (LIFE SAVING AWARDS) David Bloutsomsy Devonte Spratt Chief Ruszkowski stated that Officers Bloutsomsy, and Spratt were commended for their quick response in utilizing AED and CPR on an unconscious individual until medics arrived to provide emergency medical aid and quick transport to the hospital. Chief Ruszkowski commended their efforts. The Board also commended the officers’ actions and stated that they would be receiving commendation coins. Board President Dan Jones advised that they should both receive challenge coins on behalf of the board. 5.ACKNOWLEDGE REQUEST FOR HEARING AND SET HEARING DATE FOR DISCIPLINARY CHARGES No. 2025-01-TERRY REDDEN Attorney Weiss briefly discussed the request for hearing by Officer Redden. The earliest date that everyone was available was August 13, 2025 at 9 am. Upon a motion by Darryl Heller, seconded by Pam Claeys, and followed by a roll call the Board approved the hearing date for Officer Redden. 6.APPROVE AND RESCIND SPECIAL POLICE COMMISSIONS Chief Scott Ruszkowski submitted a letter recommending the Special Police Commissions be rescinded or issued for the year 2025 for Neighborhood Services Inspectors and Animal JUNE 18, 2025 47 Resource Officers. This gives them the power to write citations, no powers of arrest and no weapons carried. Upon a motion by Darryl Heller, seconded by Pam Claeys, and followed by a roll call the Board approved the Special Police Commissions. 7.FILE MONTHLY STATISTICAL ANALYSIS REPORT FOR MAY 2025 Chief Scott Ruszkowski submitted the May 2025 statistical analysis report and noted that part 1 crimes are down by six (6) percent. He also noted that every murder is a homicide, but not all homicides are murder, if there is any confusion on this, just ask a cop or attend the monthly crime stats meetings. Pam Claeys noted the increase in rapes rose to forty-six (46) percent. Chief Ruszkowski noted the increase to people being more comfortable coming forward knowing that these crimes are taken seriously. D.FIRE DEPARTMENT 1.APPROVE MODIFICATION OF LEXIPOL POLICY – 101 OATH OF OFFICE JUNE 18, 2025 48 Attorney Adam Taylor submitted the above Lexipol policy modification for approval. He noted some of the changes in each of the policies and entertained any questions. Pam Claeys asked about item 101.2 and when it is appropriate for the department members to affirm their oath. Assistant Chief Skwarcan advised that they take their oath at the swearing in and every time they put on their unform. Lateral transfers also take their oath at their swearing in. Upon a motion by Pam Claeys, seconded by Darryl Heller, and followed by a roll call the Board approved Lexipol Policy 101 – Oath of Office. 2. FILE MONTHLY STATISTICAL ANALYSIS REPORT FOR MAY 2025 Chief Todd Skwarcan submitted the monthly statistical analysis report for May 2025 and advised that Chief Buchannon and Assistant Chief Erquhart did not mention any notable items to draw attention to. He noted that they have been working hard in the neighborhoods thanks to a donation. They also receive requests, so they are working through those as well. E. APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 06-2025 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND RELINQUISHING CERTAIN AUTHORITY TO THE SOUTH BEND POLICE DEPARTMENT MERIT COMMISSION Attorney Weiss noted that this is a formal measure to say that the Board of Public Safety is relinquishing to the South Bend Police Department Merit Board all the things that fall under their purview like appointment, promotion, demotion, disciplinary action and dismissal. This resolution states that any matters that are in a pending status before the board that have not had a final action taken regarding the Police Department may be retained by the Board of Public Safety until final action is taken or transferred to the merit system for final action. The Discipline Hearing that is pending would reside with the Board of Public Safety. Any new things would then go to the Police Fire Merit Board. Everything else that the board currently handles will remain with the Board of Public Safety. That includes approval of Lexipol policies, the public bargaining agreements, the statistics, administrative resolutions, and donation of equipment, to name a few. She created a whole list that includes anything that's outside of the JUNE 18, 2025 49 personnel actions will remain at the Board of Public Safety. Upon a motion by Darryl Heller, seconded by Pam Claeys, Resolution No. 06-2025 was approved. RESOLUTION NO. 06-2025 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND RELINQUISHING CERTAIN AUTHORITY TO THE SOUTH BEND POLICE DEPARTMENT MERIT COMMISSION WHEREAS, the South Bend Board of Public Safety (“Board”) exists and operates pursuant to Ind. Code § 36-4-9-5 and Ind. Code § 36-8-3-2 and has historically exercised exclusive control over all matters relating to the City of South Bend Police Department (the “Police Department”), including selection, appointment, promotion, demotion, disciplinary action, and dismissal of members of the Police Department; and WHEREAS, a merit system has recently been established for the Police Department under I.C. 36-1-4-14 and in relevant parts I.C. 36-8-3.5-1, which is called the South Bend Police Department Merit Board (“Police Merit Board”); and WHEREAS, upon the selection of the Police Merit Board members and the formal adoption of rules and policies governing the Police Merit Board’s work, the Police Merit Board will assume primary authority for the selection, promotion, demotion, disciplinary action, and dismissal of members of the Police Department; and WHEREAS, on December 18, 2024, the Board adopted Resolution No. 05-2024, which determined that until such time as the Police Merit Board could assume its responsibilities, the Board of Public Safety would retain authority over selection, appointment, promotion, demotion, disciplinary action, and dismissal of members of the Police Departments; and WHEREAS, Police Merit Board members have been selected, and at the Police Merit Board’s last meeting on June 3, 2025, it formally adopted rules and policies governing its work; and WHEREAS, the Police Merit Board is now ready to assume primary authority for the selection, promotion, demotion, disciplinary action, and dismissal of members of the Police Department and the Board desires to now formally relinquish its authority over such areas to the Police Merit Board. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND: 1. The Board of Public Safety hereby relinquishes its authority over the selection, appointment, promotion, demotion, disciplinary action, and dismissal of members of Police Department to the South Bend Police Department Merit Board. 2. Upon adoption of this Resolution, the Board of Public Safety will no longer address any new matters of selection, appointment, promotion, demotion, disciplinary action, and dismissal of members. 3. Any matters that are in a pending status before the Board but that have not had final action taken may, in the discretion of the Police Department, be retained by the Board until final action is taken or transferred to the Merit System for final action. 4. All other authority granted to the Board under Ind. Code § 36-4-9-5 and Ind. Code § 36-8-3-2 not relinquished to the Police Merit Board shall be retained by the Board. 5. This Resolution will be in full force and effect upon its adoption. s/Daniel Jones, President s/Darryl Heller, Member JUNE 18, 2025 50 s/Lee Ross, Member s/Alfred Kirsits, Member s/Pamela Claeys, Member ATTEST: s/Theresa Heffner/Clerk G.PRIILEGE 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. Pam Claeys gave a huge thank you to thank Board Clerk Theresa Heffner for always helping her out, she truly appreciates her assistance. Al Kirsits seconded that answer and said it was a pleasure working with her. Attorney Weiss thanked her for all her work at the city. H.ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board, upon a motion by Al Kirsits, seconded by, Pam Claeys and carried by roll call, the meeting was adjourned at 10:17 a.m. BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY Daniel Jones, President Darryl Heller, Member ______________________________ Lee Ross, Member ______________________________ Al Kirsits, Member ______________________________ Pamela Claeys, Member ATTEST: ___________________________ Hillary Horvath, Clerk