HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/19/14 Board of Public Safety MinutesPUBLIC AGENDA SESSION MARCH 19, 2014 16
The Board of Public Safety met in the Public Agenda Session at 8:08 a.m. on Wednesday, March 19,
2014 in the 13'h 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, Luther Taylor, and Daniel Jones present. Also present was Assistant Fire Chief James
Lopez, Police Chief Ronald Teachman, and Attorney Cory Hamel.
Board members discussed the following agenda items:
Correction to Scrivener's Error in Minutes of January 15, 2014
Attorney Cory Hamel stated in the January 15, 2014 Agenda Review Session Minutes the Chief was
quoted as stating "eventually the Detective Division will be eliminated." Mr. Hamel stated after
review of the tape of the meeting, it was found that the Chief did not state this and that was not his
intent. He stated they would downsize, not eliminate the division. Mr. Hamel informed the Board
they would need to approve the change to the Minutes to correct the scrivener's error.
Approve Swearing -In of Officer
Chief Ronald Teachman stated due to family circumstances, Patrolman Dominic Allen Joseph Hall
requested to retire from the Police Department in May, 2013 to move out of state. Chief Teachman
noted his circumstances have changed once again and he is requesting to come back to the Police
Department. Chief Teachman stated he left in good standing and was a good officer. Additionally, he
has already been through training so it saves the Department the training expense. Chief Teachman
stated, therefore, he is asking the Board to approve the re- swearing in of Patrolman Hall.
Approve Special Police Commissions
Chief Ronald Teachman stated these commissions are for new Downtown South Bend employees for
the purpose of issuing parking tickets. He explained they will have no powers of arrest, but also
assist the Police Department with panhandlers, greeting tourists and new business owners, and giving
directions to visitors.
- Approve Resolution No. 18 -2014 —Appointing a Negotiator to Represent the Board of Safety
for the Upcoming Police Department Negotiations
Attorney Cory Hamel stated this resolution appoints him as the agent for the Board of Safety to
represent them in Teamster Union negotiations. He noted this one is for the Police negotiations and
there is a matching Resolution for the Fire Department on the agenda.
- Accept Letter of Donation
Chief Teachman stated the Police Department received a generous donation of $1,000.00 for the
purpose of purchasing ballistic vests for their canine unit from Bob and Linda Weiss.
- Monthly Statistical Analysis — Police Department
Chief Teachman stated Part 1 crimes show a reduction of 8% for February. He noted the two crimes
showing an increase are aggravated assault and rape, which has more than doubled. Chief Teachman
made note that the rape statistics may just be an indication of more reported rapes, not more rapes.
He explained that often the character of the victim is challenged so some victims don't want to report
the crime. Chief Teachman pointed out a large decrease in burglary and motor vehicle theft. He
added that the one statistic they don't report on, but do track, is shots fired. In January, he noted there
were nine (9) shots fired, and four (4) in February. In comparing the number of shots fired that are
called in to the Police and the number that are caught by the new Shot Spotter technology, Chief
Teachman stated they are getting less than 10% of shots fired called in and reported. He informed the
Board that the area of the Shot Spotter coverage accounts for 40% of the shots fired and 50% of the
murders in the City. He stated he is hoping to find the funding for an overlay camera system that will
be compatible with the current Shot Spotter technology.
- Approve Applications for Retirement — Fire Department
Assistant Fire Chief Jim Lopez stated that Firefighter Jim Szczechowski is an excellent firefighter
with thirty -five (35) years of service with the City. He noted he will be greatly missed. Chief Lopez
stated that Firefighter Chris Chapin was a Paramedic, a diver, and a member of the Hazmat team
who served the Department well for almost twenty (20) years. Finally, Chief Lopez stated Captain
Jim Szymkowiak served as a Captain at Fire Station No. 11 and served the department well. He
noted all will be missed.
- Accept Letter of Return from Leave of Absence — Fire Department
Assistant Chief Jim Lopez stated that in May of 2013 the Board of Safety approved the request of
Firefighter Chris Bennion for a Leave of Absence for six (6) months, and extended the leave another
six months in September of 2013. His date of return was anticipated to be May of 2014, but he has
now asked for a re- instatement to return to duty from his job as a safety officer for a gas pipeline
company. Chief Lopez informed the Board that he has worked as a Lead Paramedic and a diver, and
is an asset to the Fire Department. Chief Lopez added that Firefighter Bennion will bring back
PUBLIC AGENDA SESSION MARCH 19, 2014 17
valuable information and training to the department from his experiences working on the pipeline.
- Monthly Statistical Analysis — Fire Department
Assistant Fire Chief Lopez stated that the statistics show that the number of inspections is down, but
it may not be a true reflection. He explained the numbers reflect the time it takes to inspect the
property, not the numbers of properties inspected. He noted it is determined by the size of the
building and the time it takes to inspect it.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR
Mr. Hamel introduced new Assistant City Attorney Paul Singleton to the Board. Mr. Singleton stated
he will be handling vacant and abandoned property with the Code Enforcement Department.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Board the meeting adjourned at 8:34 a.m.
BOA OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Laura A. Vasquez, President
Eddie Miller, Mem er
J Member
Luther Taylor, MerAer
Daniel Jones, Member
ATTEST:
inda M .Martin, Clerk
EXECUTIVE SESSION MARCH 19 2014
The Board of Public Safety met in the Executive Session on Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at 8:37
a.m. The meeting was held in the Board Conference Room, 13'h 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 Eddie Miller, John Collins, Luther Taylor, and Daniel Jones
were present. Also present were Assistant Fire Chief James Lopez, Police Chief Ronald Teachman,
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.
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Laura Vasquez, President i
Eddie Miller, Member
o Collins, Member
l I J
Luther Taylor, Me er
REGULAR MEETING MARCH 19, 2014 18
Daniel Jones, Member
Af EST:
in a M. Martin, Clerk
REGULAR MEETING MARCH 19, 2014
The Board of Public Safety met in the Regular Meeting at 9:15 a.m. on Wednesday, March 19,20W,
with Board President Laura Vasquez and Board Members Eddie Miller, John Collins, Luther Taylor,
and Daniel Jones present. Also present were Police Chief Ronald Teachman, Assistant Fire Chief
Jim Lopez, and Attorney Cory Hamel. The meeting was held in the Board Conference Room, 13 "'
Floor, County City Building, South Bend, Indiana.
APPROVE MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Upon a motion by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Miller and carried, the Board approved the Minutes of
the Public Agenda Session, Executive Session, and Regular Meetings of February 19, 2014 as
presented.
APPROVE CORRECTION TO SCRIVENER'S ERROR IN MINUTES OF JANUARY 15, 2014
Board President Laura Vasquez stated an error was brought to the Board's attention in the Minutes of
January 15, 2014 regarding a statement by Police Chief Teachman and the proposed elimination of
the Detective Division of the Police Department. She noted the Chief never stated the division would
be eliminated, just downsized, and the end half of that sentence in the Agenda Review Session that
states "and eventually the Detective Division will be eliminated" should be removed. Upon a motion
by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Collins and carried, the correction to the scrivener's error of the
Minutes of January 15, 2014 was approved.
IZ019191al]X17A.II NOV _Iam
SWEARING IN OF POLICE OFFICER — DOMINIC ALLEN JOSEPH HALL
In a letter to the Board, Police Chief Ronald Teachman stated that on May 14, 2013, Patrolman
Dominic Allen Joseph Hall resigned, in good standing, from the South Bend Police Department. Mr.
Hall has now asked to return to the South Bend Police Department and has been approved by the
Indiana Public Retirement System to do so. Chief Teachman stated it is his recommendation that
Dominic Allen Joseph Hall be sworn in, and upon completion of Veteran Officers Training, resume
the duties of Patrolman I" Class with the South Bend Police Department. Chief Teachman informed
the Board that Mr. Hall graduated from Ball State University and was on the Police Department for
nine (9) years working as a field training officer, and a rifleman. Chief Teachman noted he
maintained his career in Wisconsin. Chief Teachman stated he couldn't be happier to have Patrolman
Hall back. Mr. Collins stated he worked with this officer a lot of years and he always served with
distinction. Mr. Collins added he also couldn't be happier to have him back on the force. Upon a
motion by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Miller and carried, the Board approved the swearing in of Mr.
Hall. City Clerk John Voorde was present and administered the Oath of Office to Officer Hall. The
Board joined the Chief in welcoming him.
APPROVAL OF SPECIAL POLICE COMMISSIONS
- Cynthia Cruz
- Debra Ciesielski
In a letter to the Board, Police Chief Ronald Teachman recommended that a Special Police
Commission for Block by Block on street patrol parking enforcement personnel be issued on
March 19, 2014, until revoked, for the above referred to individuals. These Commissions are issued
for the on- street patrol parking enforcement personnel and they do not include the carrying of a
weapon or the powers of arrest. The aforementioned individuals have met the Commission
requirements of the South Bend Police Department.
Chief Teachman also recommended that the commission for the following individual be renewed or
issued for the Department of Code Enforcement for the purpose of writing citations for Ordinance
violations where such violations have fines set by Superior Court Judges. This commission allows
Animal control officers to issue tickets for nuisance violations, but does not authorize the powers of
arrest nor the carrying or use of a weapon.
REGULAR MEETING MARCH 19, 2014 19
Animal Control Officer:
Todd Howard
Upon a motion made by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Miller and carried, the Special Police
Commissions were approved as outlined above.
RESCIND SPECIAL POLICE COMMISSIONS
- Brian Haygood - Kim Lucas
- Rex Pemberton - Gary Libbey
- Jordon McGuire - Michael Frye
In a letter to the Board, Police Chief Ronald Teachman recommended that the Special Police
Commissions for the above listed individuals be rescinded effective immediately due to the
individuals no longer being employed by the Department of Code Enforcement and Animal Control.
Therefore, upon a motion by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Miller and carried, the above listed Special
Police Commissions were rescinded effective March 19, 2014.
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 18 -2014 — APPOINTING AN AGENT/NEGOTIATOR TO
REPRESENT THE BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY FOR THE UPCOMIN G POLICE
DEPARTMENT NEGOTIATIONS
Upon a motion by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Miller and carried, the following Resolution was
approved by the Board of Public Safety:
RESOLUTION NO. 18 -2014
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC
SAFETY OF THE CITY OF ,SOUTH BEND, INDIANA,
APPOINTING
AN AGENTINEGOTIATOR TO REPRESENT THE BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
FOR THE UPCOMING POLICE DEPARTMENT NEGOTIATIONS
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Safety is the administrator of the Police Department
and has the "exclusive control over all matters and property relating" to it and the authority
to adopt the rules governing the Police Department pursuant to Indiana Code §36- 8 -3 -2; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Indiana Code § 36- 8- 3 -3(d), the Common Council has until
September 30, 2014 the exclusive authority to fix by ordinance the annual compensation for
all members of the South Bend Police Department before; and
WHEREAS, the 2013 -2014 Working Agreement between the City of South Bend and
the Fraternal Order of Police South Bend Lodge No. 36 will expire on December 31, 2014;
and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Safety desires to appoint a Chief Negotiator who
would appoint his or her own advisory City Negotiating Team to represent it and to
provide updates during executive sessions called for the purpose of discussing strategy with
regard to collective bargaining pursuant to Indiana Code§ 5- 14- 1.5- 6.1(b)(2)(A); and
WHEREAS, the Advisory City Negotiating Team shall not be considered a "governing
body" or "public agency" under Indiana Code§ 5- 14- 1.5 -2; and
WHEREAS, the City of South Bend Administration and the Board of Public Safety
believe that this Resolution is in the best interest of promoting positive and harmonious labor
negotiations.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Public Safety of the City
of South Bend, Indiana, as follows:
REGULAR MEETING MARCH 19, 2014 20
Section L The Board of Public Safety of the City of South Bend, Indiana hereby
appoints Cory Hamel, as its Agent for the upcoming labor negotiations with the Fraternal
Order of Police South Bend Lodge No. 36. Mr. Hamel shall be the City's Chief Spokesperson
and Negotiator concerning all matters related to the working conditions and other matters
addressed in the Working Agreement except the annual compensation of the Police Officers.
Section IL Ever respectful of the Common Council's legitimate interest with respect
to annual compensation, Mr. Hamel shall attempt to coordinate with the South Bend Common
Council's designated Agent concerning strategy, negotiation times, scheduling of executive
sessions, advisory team membership, and other matters pertaining to negotiations.
Section III. This resolution shall be in full force and effect from this date until a
Working Agreement is signed by this Board.
Dated this 19th day of March 2014.
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND,
INDIANA
s /Laura A. Vasquez, President
s /Eddie L. Miller, Member
s /Luther Taylor, Member
s /John Collins, Member
s /Daniel R. Jones, Member
Attest:
s/Linda Martin, Clerk
ACCEPT AND FILE LETTER OF DONATION TO THE SOUTH BEND POLICE DEPARTMENT
Chief Teachman, Police Department, advised the Board of a generous donation of $1,000.00 made to
the South Bend Police Department K9 Unit. In his letter, Chief Teachman stated the unsolicited
donation is intended for the department to purchase a ballistic vest for the K9 Unit. There being no
further discussion, the letter of donation was accepted and filed.
FILING OF MONTHLY STATISTICAL ANALYSIS REPORT — FEBRUARY 2014
Ms. Vasquez indicated that unless there were questions or objections by members of the Board, the
statistical analysis report for the month of February, 2014, as submitted by the Police Department,
would be accepted for filing. There being no objections, the following report was accepted for filing:
FIRE DEPARTMENT
ACCEPT AND APPROVE LETTER OF APPLICATION FOR RETIREMENT — JIM
SZCZECHO WSKI
President Laura Vasquez advised that Fire Chief Stephen Cox has submitted to the Board the
Application and Declaration for Retirement for Firefighter Jim Szczechowski effective February 28,
FEBRUARY
FEBRUARY
YEAR TO DATE
PART I OFFENSES
2013
2014
CHANGE
2013
2014
CHANGE
MURDER
01
1
+ 1
1
1
0
RAPE
1
8
+ 7
7
18
+ 11
ROBBERY
22
9
13
35
35
0
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT
9
9
0
21
26
+ 5
BURGLARY RESIDENT
60
44
- 16
145
103
42
BURGLARY NON
RESIDENT
10
9
- 1
31
22
9
LARCENY
165
177
12
367
361
6
MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT
22
14
8
54
40
14
ARSONS
1
0
1
2
2
0
GRAND TOTAL
290
271
19
663
608
55
FIRE DEPARTMENT
ACCEPT AND APPROVE LETTER OF APPLICATION FOR RETIREMENT — JIM
SZCZECHO WSKI
President Laura Vasquez advised that Fire Chief Stephen Cox has submitted to the Board the
Application and Declaration for Retirement for Firefighter Jim Szczechowski effective February 28,
REGULAR MEETING MARCH 19, 2014 21
2014. In his letter, Chief Cox stated Mr. Szczechowski has served the Department with loyalty and
diligence since July 17, 1979. Chief Cox joined the Board in thanking him for his commitment,
dedication and years of distinguished service to the South Bend Fire Department and the citizens of
South Bend. Members also wished him a long and happy retirement. Upon a motion made by Mr.
Taylor, seconded by Mr. Collins and carried, the application for retirement was accepted and
approved.
ACCEPT AND APPROVE LETTER OF APPLICATION FOR RETIREMENT — CHRIS CHAPIN
President Laura Vasquez advised that Fire Chief Stephen Cox has submitted to the Board the
Application and Declaration for Retirement for Firefighter Chris Chapin effective February 25, 2014.
In his letter, Chief Cox stated Mr. Chapin has served the Department with loyalty and diligence since
October 4, 1995. Chief Cox joined the Board in thanking him for his commitment, dedication and
years of distinguished service to the South Bend Fire Department and the citizens of South Bend.
Members also wished him a long and happy retirement. Upon a motion made by Mr. Taylor,
seconded by Mr. Collins and carried, the application for retirement was accepted and approved.
ACCEPT AND APPROVE LETTER OF APPLICATION FOR RETIREMENT — JIM
SZYMKO WIAK
President Laura Vasquez advised that Fire Chief Stephen Cox has submitted to the Board the
Application and Declaration for Retirement for Captain Jim Szymkowiak effective January 31, 2014.
In his letter, Chief Cox stated Mr. Szczechowski has served the Department with loyalty and
diligence since March 1, 1978. Chief Cox joined the Board in thanking him for his commitment,
dedication, and years of distinguished service to the South Bend Fire Department and the citizens of
South Bend. Members also wished him a long and happy retirement. Upon a motion made by Mr.
Taylor, seconded by Mr. Collins and carried, the application for retirement was accepted and
approved.
ACCEPT LETTER OF RETURN FROM LEAVE OF ABSENCE — CHRIS BENNION
In a letter to the Board, Fire Chief Stephen Cox informed the Board that Firefighter Chris Bennion
has returned from the Leave of Absence granted by the Board at their meeting of May 15, 2013, and
extended on September 18, 2013. In his letter, Chief Cox noted that Firefighter Bennion was
originally scheduled to return in May of 2014 but is requesting to return early. Upon a motion by Mr.
Taylor, seconded by Mr. Collins and carried, the Board approved the Chief s request for Firefighter
Bennion to return from leave of absence.
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 17 -2014 - APPOINTING AN AGENT/NEGOTIATOR TO
REPRESENT THE BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY FOR THE UPCOMING FIRE DEPARTMENT
NEGOTIATIONS
Upon a motion by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Collins and carried, the following Resolution was
approved by the Board of Public Safety:
RESOLUTION NO. 17 -2014
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC
SAFETY OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA,
APPOINTING
AN AGENT/NEGOTIATOR TO REPRESENT THE BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
FOR THE UPCOMING FIRE DEPARTMENT NEGOTIATIONS
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Safety is the administrator of the Fire Department
and has the "exclusive control over all matters and property relating" to it and the authority
to adopt the rules governing the Fire Department pursuant to Indiana Code §36- 8 -3 -2; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Indiana Code § 36- 8- 3 -3(d), the Common Council has until
September 30, 2014 the exclusive authority to fix by ordinance the annual compensation for
all members of the South Bend Fire Department before; and
WHEREAS, the 2013 -2014 Working Agreement between the City of South Bend and
the South Bend Firefighters' Association Local No. 362 of the International Association of
Firefighters AFL -CIO will expire on December 31, 2014; and
REGULAR MEETING MARCH 19, 2014 22
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Safety desires to appoint a Chief Negotiator who
would appoint his or her own advisory City Negotiating Team to represent it and to
provide updates during executive sessions called for the purpose of discussing strategy with
regard to collective bargaining pursuant to Indiana Code§ 5- 14- 1.5- 61(b)(2)(A); and
WHEREAS, the Advisory City Negotiating Team shall not be considered a "governing
body" or "public agency" under Indiana Code§ 5- 14- 1.5 -2; and
WHEREAS, the City of South Bend Administration and the Board of Public Safety
believe that this Resolution is in the best interest of promoting positive and harmonious labor
negotiations.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Public Safety of the City
of South Bend, Indiana, as follows:
Section I. The Board of Public Safety of the City of South Bend, Indiana hereby
appoints Cory Hamel, as its Agent for the upcoming labor negotiations with the South Bend
Firefighters' Association Local No. 362 of the International Association of Firefighters AFL -CIO.
Mr. Hamel shall be the City's Chief Spokesperson and Negotiator concerning all matters related
to the working conditions and other matters addressed in the Working Agreement except the
annual compensation of the Firefighters.
Section II. Ever respectful of the Common Council's legitimate interest with respect
to annual compensation, Mr. Hamel shall attempt to coordinate with the South Bend Common
Council's designated Agent concerning strategy, negotiation times, scheduling of executive
sessions, advisory team membership, and other matters pertaining to negotiations.
Section III. This resolution shall be in full force and effect from this date until a
Working Agreement is signed by this Board.
Dated this 19th day of March 2014.
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND,
INDIANA
s /Laura A. Vasquez, President
s /Eddie L. Miller, Member
s /Luther Taylor, Member
s /John Collins, Member
s/Daniel R. Jones, Member
Attest:
s/Linda Martin, Clerk
FILING OF MONTHLY STATISTICAL ANALYSIS REPORT — FEBRUARY 2014
Fire Chief Stephen Cox submitted to the Board the monthly report for February 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:
FEBRUARY FEBRUARY
2013 2014
STRUCTURE FIRES
Property Damage -- Buildings & Contents
(Estimates)
$275,400.00 1 $164,800.00
REGULAR MEETING MARCH 19, 2014 23
INSPECTIONS
(Fire Prevention/Ins ection Bureau)
342 Inspections
276Total Inspections
(102 Re-Inspections)
(80 Re-Inspections)
INVESTIGATIONS
(Police /Fire Arson Bureau)
8
13
Investigations
Investigations
1
0 Incendiary
Arson
8 Accidental
0 Natural
5 Undetermined
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Board, upon a motion by Mr. Taylor, seconded
by Mr. Collins and carried, the meeting adjourned at 9:37 a.m.
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Laura A. Vasquez, Member
Eddie Miller,
Collins, Member
Luther Taylor,
Daniel Jones, Member
ATTEST:
Lr da M. Martin, Clerk