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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/19/14 Board of Public Safety MinutesPUBLIC AGENDA SESSION FEBRUARY 19 2014 10 The Board of public Safety met in the Public Agenda Session at 8:04 a.m. on Wednesday, February 19, 2014 in the 13"' Floor Board Conference Room, County-City Building, 227 West Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, Indiana, with Board President Laura Vasquez and Board Members Luther Taylor and Daniel Jones present. Board Members Eddie Miller and John Collins were absent. Also present was Fire Chief Stephen Cox, Police Chief Ronald Teachman, Assistant Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski, and Attorney Cory Hamel. Board members discussed the following agenda items: Selection Panel Recommendation — Police Department The Board discussed the referral to a "Police Selection Panel' on the agenda, noting that this step in the process of swearing in Police recruits was previously eliminated as an unnecessary agenda item. Police Chief Ronald Teachman explained that his Memo to the Board requests they approve the recommendation of the Police Selection Panel of the Police Department, not the Board of Safety's Selection Panel. He stated each candidate is screened through many processes and approved before the recommendation to swear in the candidate is sent to the Board. The Board of Safety members agreed to leave this step in the process as a part of the Police Department's recommendation policy. Chief Teachman informed the Board that they are trying to delay the swearing -in of candidates to after graduation from the academy to allow a twelve (12) month period for evaluation of on- street performance, rather than having them spend that time in the classroom. He added the Law Enforcement Academy recommends you hold off swearing -in officers until after graduation. Accept and Approve Resignations — Police Department Chief Teachman stated one officer resigning, Brandon Lent, is a student officer who was sworn in by the Board so they will need to approve his resignation. Correction to Effective Retirement Dates — Police Department Chief Teachman stated he is asking the Board to approve corrected retirement dates for two officers, Ian McQueen and Sherri Taylor, who were previously approved by the Board for retirement effective February 14, 2014. Chief Teachman stated both of the officers were part of the drop program and were informed that if they worked one day past February 13, 2014, they would lose all of the drop program benefits. Therefore, he is asking the Board to approve February 13, 2014 as their corrected official retirement dates. Approve Promotions to Captain — Fire Department Fire Chief Stephen Cox stated both promotions to Captain are to fill vacancies due to retirements in the department. Chief Cox stated Gerard Ellis is very active in the community and serves as a Public Education Officer. He noted Darrell Eiler has played a leadership role in their training bureau. Chief Cox stated both candidates are fantastic individuals and very qualified. - Monthly Statistical Analysis — Fire Department Chief Cox stated property damage is up due to a large fire at Park Jefferson Apartments. He noted that normally fires at this complex cause $1,000,000.00 to $1,500,000.00 in property damage. Due to a combination of fire prevention training at the complex and the excellent work of the firefighters, the structural damage from this fire showed a significant decrease. Chief Cox stated Investigators are looking at the cause of fires rather than at arson statistics, which is a Police enforcement category. He explained the Fire Department is now looking at whether the fire is accidental, natural, incendiary, or undetermined. Chief Cox stated the significant decline in property damage speaks to the fire prevention education being done in the community. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR Fire Chief Steve Cox informed the Board that a new recruiting class has started, with expected graduation approximately June 21, 2014. He stated he is hoping to hold the ceremony during the June Board of Safety meeting and at the new Luther Taylor Senior Fire Training Center. Secondly, Chief Cox stated, he wanted to share with the Board that Attorney Cory Hamel recently attended a conference and learned of a change in State law in 2011 that allows the Fire Department to recoup more money on ambulance reimbursement charges. He added the Fire Department looks to recoup a substantial amount of money if the Medicare based program works. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board the meeting adjourned at 8:34 a.m. BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY PUBLIC AGENDA SESSION ATTEST: AiLn-4*— FEBRUARY 19 2014 Laura A. Vasquez, President v Eddie Miller, Member elt��ns, Member Luther Taylor, M/eml'ier Daniel Jones, Me ber EXECUTIVE SESSION FEBRUARY 19 2014 0 The Board of Public Safety met in the Executive Session on Wednesday, February 19, 2014 at 8:37 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). Board President Laura Vasquez and Board Members Luther Taylor and Daniel Jones were present. Board Members Eddie Miller and John Collins were absent. Also present were Fire Chief Stephen Cox, Police Chief Ronald Teachman, 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 8:55 a.m. �,-_A,TTEST: //Linda M. Mar in, Cl rk BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY 1 _l Laura Vasquez, President Eddie Miller, Member REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 19 2014 The Board of Public Safety met in the Regular Meeting at 9:15 a.m. on Wednesday, February 19, 2014, with Board President Laura Vasquez and Board Members Luther Taylor and Daniel Jones present. Board members Eddie Miller and John Collins were absent. Also present were Police Chief Ronald Teachman, Assistant Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski, Fire Chief Stephen Cox, and Attorney Cory Hamel. The meeting was held in the Board Conference Room, 13'h Floor, County City Building, South Bend, Indiana. Ms. Vasquez stated the Board would start with the Fire Department to accommodate all of those REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 19,_2014 12 present for the promotions. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA Ms. Vasquez noted the addition of a promotion for Lieutenant Mattie Taylor and a correction to the effective retirement dates of Lieutenant Sherri Taylor and Sergeant Ian McQueen to the agenda. FIRE DEPARTMENT APPROVE PROMOTION TO THE RANK OF CAPTAIN IN SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT — DARRELL EILER 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 IAFF Local 362, Chief Cox recommended that Firefighter First Class Darrell Eiler be promoted to the rank of Captain in Special Assignment effective February 19, 2014, for a probationary period of one year. Chief Cox stated that Firefighter Eiler was appointed to the South Bend Fire Department on January 18, 2000 and has proven his leadership skills and ability in fire suppression. Therefore, upon a motion made by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Jones and carried, the promotion was accepted and approved with a probationary period of one (1) year. Mayor Pete Buttigieg congratulated and thanked Captain Eiler for his service to the City and its citizens. He made note of the friends and family present and added that Captain Eiler's service to the City is made possible because of their support. The Board congratulated him and wished him well in his endeavors. APPROVE PROMOTION TO THE RANK OF CAPTAIN IN SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT — GERARD ELLIS 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 IAFF Local 362, Chief Cox recommends that Firefighter First Class Gerard Ellis be promoted to the rank of Captain in Special Assignment effective, February 19, 2014, for a probationary period of one year. Chief Cox stated that Firefighter Ellis was appointed to the South Bend Fire Department on June 5, 2002 and has proven his leadership skills and ability in fire suppression. Upon a motion made by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Jones and carried, the promotion with a one (1) year probationary period was accepted and approved Mayor Pete Buttigieg thanked Captain Ellis for his service to the City and its citizens, and congratulated him. The Board wished him well in his endeavors. FILING OF MONTHLY STATISTICAL ANALYSIS REPORT — JANUARY 2014 Fire Chief Stephen Cox submitted to the Board the monthly report for January 2014 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: JANUARY JANUARY 2013 2014 STRUCTURE FIRES Property Damage -- Buildings & Contents (Estim ates) $124,600.00 $449,050.00 INSPECTIONS (Fire Prevention/] ns ection Bureau) 288 Inspections 235 Total Inspections (80 Re-Inspections) (52 Re -]ns ections) INVESTIGATIONS (Police/Fire Arson Bureau) 11 14 Investi ations Investigations 1 2 Incendiary Arson 8 Accidental 1 Natural 3 Undetermined FILING OF 2013 ANNUAL STATISTICAL ANALYSIS REPORT Fire Chief Steve Cox submitted to the Board the annual report for the year of 2013 compiled by the Prevention/Inspection Bureau ofthe Fire Department. Ms. Vasquez congratulated the Fire Prevention REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 19 2014 13 Bureau on the decrease in annual property damage. Ms. Vasquez stated if there were no objections, the Board would accept the report for filing as presented. A summary is as follows: Annual Annual 2012 2013 STRUCTURE FIRES Property Damage -- Buildings & Contents (Estimates) $3,723,353.02 $1,667,262.00 INSPECTIONS (Fire Prevention/Inspection Bureau) 3325 Inspections 1673 Inspections (1080 Re-Inspections) (885 Re -Ins ection) INVESTIGATIONS (Police/Fire Arson Bureau) 214 ]86 Investigations Investigations 34 27 Arsons Arsons APPROVE MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Upon a motion by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Jones and carried, the Board approved the Minutes of the Public Agenda Session, Executive Session, and Regular Meetings of January 15, 2014 as presented. POLICE DEPARTMENT POLICE SELECTION PANEL — BRYAN MICHAEL WATKINS In a memo to the Board, Police Chief Ronald Teachman recommended that Bryan Watkins be accepted for employment on a probationary basis with the South Bend Police Department effective February 24, 2014. In his memo, Chief Teachman stated he has met the requirements of the application process of the South Bend Police Department and will begin forty (40) hours of ILEA pre -basic training on February 24, 2014. Chief Teachman stated Mr. Watkins is a very qualified candidate. He noted he is not required to go through the full academy because he was already a uniform officer in New York. Mayor Pete Buttigieg stated he would like to echo Chief Teachman's sentiments. He noted the Police are the most visual representatives of the City; they wear the City logo on their shirts. Upon a motion by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Jones and carried, the Board approved the recommendation of the Police Selection Panel and Chief Ronald Teachman that Bryan Michael Watkins be accepted for employment as a probationary police officer for one (1) year effective February 24, 2014. SWEARING IN OF POLICE OFFICER — BRYAN MICHAEL WATKINS Mr. John Voorde, City Clerk, was present. Mr. Voorde administered the Oath of Office to Officer Watkins. The Board wished him well in his endeavors with the South Bend Police Department. ACKNOWLEDGE PROMOTION TO CAPTAIN — MATTIE TAYLOR In a letter to the Board, Chief Ronald Teachman informed the Board of the promotion of Lieutenant Mattie Taylor to the rank of Captain in the Training Bureau. Chief Teachman noted that Lieutenant Taylor was appointed to the Police Department on August 17, 1982 and in her thirty -one (3 1) years with the Department, Lt. Taylor has served in the Uniform Division, East Race Bike Detail, Crime Prevention Unit, the Dare Program, MSOS, and currently the Training and Recruitment Bureau. The Board congratulated her and made note that there would be a ceremony at the Police Department at 1:00 today for her promotion. ACCEPT AND APPROVE APPLICATION FOR RETIREMENT — JOHN SZUBA Police Chief Ronald Teachman submitted to the Board the Application and Declaration for Retirement for Detective Sergeant John Szuba effective March 16, 2014. Chief Teachman noted that he has served the Department with loyalty and distinction during the last thirty-seven (37) years, two (2) months, and sixteen (16) days. Chief Teachman joined the Board in thanking him for his commitment, dedication and years of distinguished service to the South Bend Police Department and the citizens of South Bend. Upon a motion made by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Jones and carried, the application for retirement was accepted and approved. REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 19, 2014 14 ACCEPT AND APPROVE RESIGNATION — BRANDON LENT In a letter to the Board, Police Chief Ronald Teachman advised he is in receipt of a letter of resignation from Patrolman Brandon Lent in which he tenders his resignation from the South Bend Police Department, effective February 7, 2014, Chief Teachman stated in his letter, that Patrolman Lent was sworn on the South Bend Police Department on November 5, 2013. Upon a motion made by Mr, Taylor, seconded by Mr, Jones and carried, the resignation was accepted and approved. ACCEPT AND APPROVE RESIGNATION — ANTWAIN JOHNSON In a letter to the Board, Police Chief Ronald Teachman advised he is in receipt of a letter of resignation from Patrolman Antwain Johnson in which he tenders his resignation from the South Bend Police Department, effective January 24, 2014. Chief Teachman stated in his letter, that Patrolman Johnson was sworn on the South Bend Police Department on October 30, 2002. Upon a motion made by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Jones and carried, the resignation was accepted and approved. ACCEPT AND APPROVE RESIGNATION — KELLY HIBBS In a letter to the Board, Police Chief Ronald Teachman advised he is in receipt of a letter of resignation from Patrolman Kelly Hibbs in which he tenders his resignation from the South Bend Police Department, effective January 29, 2014. Chief Teachman stated in his letter, that Patrolman Hibbs was sworn on the South Bend Police Department on June 6, 2007. Upon a motion made by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Jones and carried, the resignation was accepted and approved. FILING OF MONTHLY STATISTICAL ANALYSIS REPORT — JANUARY 2014 Chief Ronald Teachman stated murder statistics show one murder for this year, but the offense occurred in 2013. He noted the statistics have to reflect the date of death, not the date of the crime. He stated rape statistics are under the same definition for comparison for the first time, noting that by the old definition, there would be only one (1) rape for this January. Chief Teachman discussed the difficulty in tracking true rape statistics, and what drives someone to report a rape, noting that many victims do not want to report them. Chief Teachman stated shots fired have decreased with eighty - five (85) in 2012 and seventy -seven (77) in 2013. He stated this is still too high and very troubling to him, noting they continue to work with David Kennedy and his program to reduce crime. Chief Teachman informed the Board that it is largely groups, not organized gangs that instigate these shootings, encouraging violence amongst each other. He added that since "Shot Spotter" has gone live, there have been zero (0) shootings for this year. Ms. Vasquez indicated that unless there were questions or objections by members of the Board, the statistical analysis report for the month of January, 2014, as submitted by the Police Department, would be accepted for filing. There being no objections, the following report was accepted for filing: CORRECTION TO EFFECTIVE RETIREMENT DATES — LT. SHERRI TAYLOR AND SGT IAN MC QUEEN Chief Ronald Teachman stated the above officer's retirements were approved at the January 15, 2014, Board of Safety meeting, with an effective date of February 14, 2014. He noted that both officers were in the drop program and they were informed that they had to retire by February 13, 2014 or they would lose all benefits of the drop program. Therefore, upon a motion by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Jones and carried, Lieutenant Sherri Taylor's effective date of retirement was approved for February 13, 2014, and Sergeant Ian McQueen's retirement date was approved effective February 13, 2014. JANUARY JANUARY YEAR TO DATE PART I OFFENSES 2013 2014 CHANGE 2013 2014 CHANGE MURDER 1 0 - 1 1 0 - 1 RAPE 6 10 + 4 6 10 + 4 ROBBERY 13 26 + 13 13 26 + 13 AGGRAVATED ASSAULT 12 17 + 5 12 17 + 5 BURGLARY RESIDENT 85 59 26 85 59 26 BURGLARY NON RESIDENT 21 13 8 21 13 8 LARCENY 202 194 18 202 185 18 MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT 32 26 6 32 26 6 ARSONS 1 2 + 1 1 2 + I GRAND TOTAL 373 337 - 36 373 337 - 36 CORRECTION TO EFFECTIVE RETIREMENT DATES — LT. SHERRI TAYLOR AND SGT IAN MC QUEEN Chief Ronald Teachman stated the above officer's retirements were approved at the January 15, 2014, Board of Safety meeting, with an effective date of February 14, 2014. He noted that both officers were in the drop program and they were informed that they had to retire by February 13, 2014 or they would lose all benefits of the drop program. Therefore, upon a motion by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Jones and carried, Lieutenant Sherri Taylor's effective date of retirement was approved for February 13, 2014, and Sergeant Ian McQueen's retirement date was approved effective February 13, 2014. REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 19 2014 15 PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR Chief Ronald Teachman informed the Board that they are working on relationships with other law enforcement groups including the parole and probation offices. He noted they are working on home visits and legitimacy when it comes to witness identification. He expanded on future endeavors the Police Department is working on. Attorney Cory Hamel stated the Board of Safety always has a representative for Union negotiations and this year it would be him. He stated he would be presenting the Board with a Resolution at their next meeting to appoint him to represent the Board in the upcoming negotiations. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board, upon a motion by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Jones and carried, the meeting adjounned at 10:01 a.m. ATTEST: nda M. Martin, lerk BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY Laura A. Vasquez, Member a. Eddie Miller, ember Jo Collins, Member Luther Taylor, Member Daniel Jones, M mber