Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/18/2013 Board of Public Safety Meeting MinutesPUBLIC AGENDA SESSION DECEMBER 18, 2013 92 The Board of Public Safety met in the Public Agenda Session at 8:08 a.m. on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 in the 13th Floor Board Conference Room, County-City Building, 227 West Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, Indiana, with Board President Laura Vasquez, and Board Members Eddie Miller, John Collins, and Luther Taylor present. Also present was Fire Chief Stephen Cox, Assistant Chief Scott Ruszkowski, and Attorney Cory Hamel. ADDITION TO THE AGENDA President Laura Vasquez announced the addition to the agenda of a medical leave extension for the Police Department. Board members discussed the following agenda items: - Approve Hiring and Swearing -In of Probationary Firefighter Fire Chief Steve Cox stated Jessica Ringer completed recruit school, had an injury, and couldn't complete her State testing. Once she received her medical clearance, she completed that final phase. Chief Cox noted she will be the sixth woman on the Fire Department. - Approve Promotion to Captain — Fire Department Fire Chief Steve Cox stated Michael Lagodney was second on the promotion list and is replacing a Captain with a disability. He stated they are very excited about this promotion; Firefighter Lagodney is a fantastic individual with a lot of initiative who is involved in a Iot of programs including serving on the Firefighter Union Board. - Monthly Statistical Analysis — Fire Department Fire Chief Steve Cox noted that property damage shows a significant decrease due to a fire at the Plumrose Company in 2012 that resulted in a large loss. - Promotion to Patrolman V Class —Police Department Assistant Chief Scott Ruszkowski stated Patrolman Brandon Martin has his three (3) years of service plus an extra one (1) year. He noted the officer does an excellent job. - Approve 2014 Special Police Commissions Attorney Cory Hamel stated the recommendation from the Police Chief in his letter to the Board is to allow Park Police to continue to carry firearms. Mr. Hamel noted that after meeting with the Superintendent of the Park Department and the Mayor's Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, the decision was made to no longer give the authority for carrying a weapon to the Park Police. Mr. Hamel stated he will make note of this at the meeting and will propose an amendment to authorize the Park Police to carry firearms through June 30, 2014 at midnight. Mr. Collins questioned the reasoning for this decision, noting the Park Police come in contact with unsavory characters and situations in their work and they are now being asked to do the same job without a firearm. He asked if it is a liability to the City or a lack of training that caused the decision. Mr. Hamel stated it is both reasons. He stated the other groups authorized to carry a weapon have been through training with Indiana Law Enforcement authorities. Part of the issue, he added is when they are unsure how to respond, they should be backing off and notifying the Police. Mr. Collins asked if they were exploring training options such as Tier 2 Training to continue to keep the Park Police armed. He explained this training is an eight week program that covers the City on liability. Mr. Hamel stated he was not aware of any discussions about training but part of the problem is the Park Police are not authorized to make arrests or detain anyone. He explained that there are so few times when a firearm is necessary without the additional powers, it was determined there was no need for them to carry a firearm. - Monthly Statistical Analysis — Police Department Assistant Chief Scot Ruszkowski stated larceny is up due to the holidays. He explained that people are leaving gifts in cars and they are getting stolen. He noted that word gets out amongst thieves of easy theft areas. Chief Ruszkowski stated auto theft is up due to people running their cars to warm them up and leaving them unlocked. He noted a large percentage of thefts are by kids, and the recovery rate has been high. Chief Ruszkowski informed the Board that the rise in aggravated assault is partially due to adding pistol whipping statistics to this category. - Medical Leave Extension Assistant Chief Scott Ruszkowski stated that Sergeant Joseph Walker was granted an extension of medical leave by the Board at their previous meeting. He has now gone into the hospital and needs an additional extension. He added that Sergeant Walker will be using vacation and sick time accrued for 2014, and he is not someone who has ever abused sick time. Mr. Collins noted that this is a person he broke in on the Fire Department and he knows Sergeant Walker is not one to abuse sick time. ADJOURNMENT PUBLIC AGENDA SESSION DECEMBER 18, 2013 93 There being no further business to come before the Board, Ms. Vasquez declared the meeting adjourned at 8:34 a,m. BOA�D OF P BLIC SAFETY //t Laura A. Vasquez, Me r Eddie Miller, M J Collins, Membe 10� Luther Taylor, Member ATTEST: inda M .Martin, Cler EXECUTIVE SESSION DECEMBER 18, 2013 The Board of Public Safety met in the Executive Session on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 at 8:36 a.m. The meeting was held in the Board Conference Room, 13"' Floor, County City Building, South Bend, Indiana, for the purposes specified in I.C. 5- 14- 1.5- 6.1(b)(2)(A)6(A) and (7). Board President Laura Vasquez, and Board Members Eddie Miller, John Collins, and Luther Taylor were present. Also present were Fire Chief Stephen Cox, Assistant Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski, and Attorney Cory Hamel. Board members did not discuss any subject matter other than the subject matter as specified in the Public Notice. The meeting adjourned at 9:14 a.m. BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY I �I Laura Vasquez, Member Eddie Miller, Member J oh�eollins, Mein er Luther Taylor, Membe ATTEST: JL inda M. Martin, Cl rk REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 18, 2013 The Board of Public Safety met in the Regular Meeting at 9:24 a.m. on Wednesday, December 18, 2013, with Board President Laura Vasquez, and Board Members Eddie Miller, John Collins, and Luther Taylor present. Also present were Assistant Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski, Fire Chief Stephen Cox, and Attorney Cory Hamel. The meeting was held in the Board Conference Room, 13th Floor, County City Building, South Bend, Indiana. REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 18 2013 94 APPROVE MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Upon a motion by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Miller and carried, the Board approved the Minutes of the Public Agenda Session, Executive Session, and Regular Meetings of November 20, 2013 as presented. FIRE DEPARTMENT SWEARING IN OF FIREFIGHTER JESSICA RINGER In a letter to the Board, Fire Chief Stephen Cox, recommended that Jessica Ringer be accepted for employment on a probationary basis with the South Bend Fire Department effective December 18, 2013. Chief Cox addressed the Board and stated that Jessica had been involved in recruit school but due to a medical issue, she was unable to completer her training. He noted they are happy to have her back and she has now met the requirements of the application process of the South Bend Fire Department. Ms. Kathryn Roos, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, stated the Mayor was unable to join the meeting this morning and she would like to offer congratulations to Firefighter Ringer on behalf of the Mayor's office. Ms. Roos stated it says a lot to have so many colleagues present and it says a lot for the Fire Department and for the City; the support shown is touching. She stated the responsibilities taken on by Firefighter Ringer are an honor. She thanked Ms. Ringer's family members for their support and continued support for the community work she will be doing. Ms. Roos noted Jessica has shown a great deal of perseverance, not only as the sixth (6th) female recruit, but the other hurdles she has had to overcome. Ms. Roos added it shows her dedication to her job and to her community. Upon a motion made by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Collins and carried, the recommendation of Chief Cox to hire Firefighter Jessica Ringer was accepted and approved as outlined above. Mr. John Voorde, City Clerk, administered the Oath of Office to Firefighter Jessica Ringer and Chief Cox pinned her badge on her, The Board wished them well in their endeavors with the South Bend Fire Department. APPROVE PROMOTION TO THE RANK OF CAPTAIN IN SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT — MICHAEL LAGODNEY In a letter to the Board, Fire Chief Stephen Cox stated that the South Bend Fire Department has a vacancy for a Captain. In accordance with the promotion policy established by the South Bend Fire Department and Local 362, Chief Cox recommends that Firefighter First Class Michael Lagodney be promoted to the rank of Captain in Special Assignment effective December 18, 2013 for a probationary period of one year. In his letter, Chief Cox stated that Firefighter Lagodney was appointed to the South Bend Fire Department on June 5, 2002 and has proven his leadership skills and ability in fire suppression. Chief Cox addressed the Board and stated that Mike has held several leadership positions in the Fire Department including the Tack Rescue Team, the E -Board with the Firefighter's Union, and a multitude of operations in the Fire Department. Upon a motion made by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Collins and carried, the Chief's recommended promotion was accepted and approved as outlined above. Chief Cox pinned his badge on him and Ms. Kathryn Roos, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, joined the Board in congratulating him and wishing him well. FILING OF MONTHLY STATISTICAL ANALYSIS REPORT — NOVEMBER 2013 Fire Chief Stephen Cox submitted to the Board the monthly report for November 2013 compiled by the Prevention/Inspection Bureau of the Fire Department. Ms. Vasquez stated if there were no objections, the Board would accept the report for filing as presented. A summary is as follows: NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 2012 2013 STRUCTURE FIRES Property Damage -- Buildings 8z Contents (Estimates) $304,600.00 $114,850.00 INSPECTIONS (Fire Prevention /l ect ;on Bureau) 200 Inspections 205 Total Inspections (64 Re-Inspections) (87 Re -Ins ections) INVESTIGATIONS (Police /Fire Arson Bureau) 23 17 Invest; at ;ons Investigations REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 18, 2013 95 5 Z Arson Arson POLICE DEPARTMENT ACCEPT AND APPROVE PROMOTION -- BRANDON MARTIN Police Chief Ronald Teachman recommended that Patrolman 2 Class Brandon Martin be promoted to the rank of Patrolman 1St Class effective December 8, 2013. Chief Teachman stated in a letter to the Board that Patrolman Martin has successfully completed three (3) years of service with the South Bend Police Department. Upon a motion made by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Collins and carried, the recommended promotion was accepted and approved. APPROVE SPECIAL POLICE COMMISSIONS — 2014 Attorney Cory Hamel stated the Special Police Commissions should be approved as presented except for one (1) change. He stated he is requesting an amendment on behalf of Police Chief Teachman regarding Park Police to state "does not authorize the power of arrest but does authorize the carrying of a weapon through June 30, 2014, midnight'. In a letter to the Board, Police Chief Ronald Teachman requested the following Special Police Commissions be renewed and/or issued: SOUTH BEND POLICE DEPARTMENT Traffic Enforcement Officers It is my recommendation that the following South Bend Police Department personnel be commissioned as members of the South Bend Police Department Special Police Unit, but do not have the authority to be armed nor do they have powers of arrest: Tom Camren Richard Cowper Patrick Leavell Dennis Eckenberger Emil Eckenberger Barbara Leavell Garnett Keeys Elton Thompson Wendy Yuhasz Steve Wieger Donnie Graham Public Service Officers It is also my recommendation that the Special Police Commissions be issued or renewed for the following South Bend Police Department Public Service Officers. These Commissions do not include the powers of arrest nor the carrying of a weapon: Angela Davis Luis Salazar Ashley Gage Dan Galeziewski Maria Scherer Antonio Salazar Judy Withers Laurie Crawford Diana Scott SOUTH BEND PARK DEPARTMENT The following Park Department personnel are authorized to carry a South Bend Police Department radio and take Police reports in South Bend Parks and Recreation properties. The commission does not authorize the powers of arrest, or the carrying of the weapon: Rob Markovich Ben Gonzalez Steve Orlowski Phil Marek Danielle Alexander REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 18, 2013 96 Larry Heckman The following Park Department personnel are authorized to carry a South Bend Police Department radio but do not have the authority to be armed nor do they have the powers of arrest: Phil St. Clair SOUTH BEND FIRE DEPARTMENT It is my recommendation that the following be commissioned to carry a weapon while acting in the capacity of Arson Investigators. They have no powers of arrest: Robert Brechtl Tony Nania The commission is issued for the purpose of writing citations and otherwise enforcing Chapter 9, Fire Prevention, of the South Bend Municipal Code. The commission does not authorize the powers of arrest, nor the carrying of a weapon: Stephen Cox Todd Skwarcan Carl Buchanon Mark Catanzarite John Corthier Kevin Kolber James Lopez David Maenhout Federico Rodriguez Nick Tekler Andrew Myer Jim Luccki PARKING PROPERTIES Block by Block This commission is issued for the on- street patrol parking enforcement personnel and does not include the carrying of a weapon, nor the powers of arrest: Emily Sexton Joseph Denney Larry Neiswender Anthony Smith INDIANA UNIVERSITY SOUTH BEND POLICE DEPARTMENT It is my recommendation that Special Police Commissions be assigned to the following security officers of Indiana University South Bend. These Commissions are issued for the purpose of issuing citations for parking violations where such violations have fines set by Ordinance and State Law. All of their officers are sworn and certified through the State of Indiana by the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy Training Board. These Commissions have the same authority of as one of our own sworn police officers in which they have the authority to carry a weapon and the powers of arrest: John Bright Morris DeGeyter Edwin Garcia Jr. Dennis Bernth Troy Hudgen Larry Miller Martin Gersey REGULAR MEETING James McGhee Timothy McNeely Ed Summers Bruce Villwock Glenn McQueen Steve Michael Donald Haywood DECEMBER 18, 2013 97 This will empower the above listed individuals to enforce parking violations on the following streets adjacent to the campus: Mishawaka Ave. from Bellevue Street on the west to 2151 Street on the East; Bellevue Street from Mishawaka Avenue on the north to Hildreth Street on the south; Hildreth Street from Bellevue Street on the west to the campus proper on the east; Esther Street from Mishawaka Avenue on the north to Hildreth Street on the south; Ruskin Street from Bellevue Street on the west to the campus proper on the east; 20th Street from Mishawaka Avenue on the north to Northside Boulevard on the south; Vine Street from 20th Street on the west to 21St Street on the east; and Northside Boulevard from 215L Street on the east to Memorial Park on the west. IVY TECH SOUTH BEND CAMPUS It is my recommendation that a Special Police Commission be assigned to the following security officer of Ivy Tech South Bend Campus. This Commission is issued for the purpose of issuing citations for parking violations where such violations have fines set by Ordinance and State Law. This officer is sworn and certified through the State of Indiana by the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy Training Board. This Commission has the same authority of as one of our own sworn police officers in which they have the authority to carry a weapon and the powers of arrest: James E. Clark Jr This will empower the above listed individual to enforce parking violations on the following streets adjacent to the campus: Main Campus: Michigan St. from Broadway St. north to Sample St. Sample St. east to Fellows St. Fellows St. south to Broadway St., including Dean Johnson Blvd. (which runs east and west inside this perimeter). Broadway St. west to Michigan St, The property ONLY owned by Ivy Tech at 328 Michigan Street and the property owned by Ivy Tech at 250 Sample St. DEPARTMENT OF CODE ENFORCEMENT It is my recommendation that the following individuals be commissioned for the Department of Code Enforcement. This Commission is issued for the purpose of writing citations for Ordinance violations where such violations have fines set by Superior Court Judges, This Commission will also empower the below - listed individuals to enforce the Snow Route and Residential Snow Emergencies and to tow vehicles found to be in violation of these Ordinances. This Commission also includes Animal Control officers who issue tickets for nuisance violations. This Commission does not authorize the powers of arrest nor the carrying or use of a weapon. Code Enforcement Officers: Edward Williams Jeff Katona Brian Haygood Ed Humphrey Stan Molenda Katrina Arndt Karl Hardy Vince Burkhart John Helak Jim Wood REGULAR MEETING Animal Control Officers: Matt Harmon Brad Block April Michaels Rex Pemberton Brad Braydon Diana Hostetler Kite Realty Group Jef Irons Alfredo Alvarado DECEMBER 18.2013 98 This Commission is issued for the on- street patrol parking enforcement personnel and does not include the carrying of a weapon, nor the powers of arrest. This will empower the above listed individuals to enforce parking violations on the following streets: Eddy Street, south of Angela Blvd. and north of Napolean Street, designated two (2) hour parking; Napolean St (north and south), small section south of OId National Bank, designated two (2) hour parking; Angela Blvd north of O'Rourkes and Kilwins; and Angela Blvd North of AT &T and McAllisters Deli. Police Chief Teachman stated that any previous Special Police Commissions that were issued to anyone not listed in his recommendation letter are now rescinded. The aforementioned Police Commissions are in effect until rescinded. All of the aforementioned individuals have met the Commission requirements of the South Bend Police Department. Upon a motion by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Collins and carried, the above Special Police Commissions were approved. FILING OF MONTHLY STATISTICAL ANALYSIS REPORT — NOVEMBER 2013 Assistant Chief Scott Ruszkowski stated that classifications for tracking statistics are changing through the FBI in certain categories, affecting the numbers. He noted pistol whipping will be included in aggravated assault, and rape criteria have changed. He stated auto theft increases are due to the season, and people wanting to warm up their cars. Chief Ruszkowski stated he wanted to make the Board aware that the Police have apprehended several individuals tied to eleven (11) armed robberies. He noted the Police obtained search warrants and confiscated very strong evidence, and confessions leading to resolving many residential burglaries and armed robberies. Ms. Vasquez indicated that unless there were questions or objections by members of the Board, the statistical analysis report for the month of November, 2013, as submitted by the Police Department, would be accepted for filing. There being no objections, the following report was accepted for filing: APPROVE REQUEST FOR PAID MEDICAL LEAVE — JOSEPH WALKER In a letter to the Board, Uniform Division Chief Scott Ruszkowski, stated that due to unforeseen medical circumstances, he is requesting the Board grant Sergeant Joseph Walker an additional thirty (30) day extension of his paid medical leave. Chief Ruszkowski stated in his letter that the Board previously granted a medical extension at its November 19, 2013, meeting. Upon a motion made by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Collins and carried, the extended medical leave was approved. NOVEMBER NOVEMBER YEAR TO DATE PART I OFFENSES 2012 2013 CHANGE 2( 0121 2013 CHANGE MURDER 2 1 - 1 15 7 - 8 RAPE 2 10 + 8 51 84 + 33 ROBBERY 29 31 2 284 317 + 33 AGGRAVATED ASSAULT 20 16 4 218 173 45 BURGLARY RESIDENT 103 126 + 23 1213 1051 162 BURGLARY NON RESIDENT 26 30 + 4 398 287 111 LARCENY 220 254 + 34 2605 2846 + 241 MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT 25 31 + 6 255 302 + 47 ARSONS 5 2 - 3 33 26 - 7 GRAND TOTAL 432 501 + 69 5072 5093 + 21 APPROVE REQUEST FOR PAID MEDICAL LEAVE — JOSEPH WALKER In a letter to the Board, Uniform Division Chief Scott Ruszkowski, stated that due to unforeseen medical circumstances, he is requesting the Board grant Sergeant Joseph Walker an additional thirty (30) day extension of his paid medical leave. Chief Ruszkowski stated in his letter that the Board previously granted a medical extension at its November 19, 2013, meeting. Upon a motion made by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Collins and carried, the extended medical leave was approved. REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 18. 2013 99 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board, upon a motion by Ms. Vasquez, seconded by Mr. Collins and carried, the meeting adjourned at 9:47 a.m. BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY i Laura A. Vasquez, Membe • Miller, Memb5p/ Collins, Member Luther Taylor, ATTEST: "Linda M. Martin, Clekk