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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/16/14 Board of Public Safety MinutesPUBLIC AGENDA SESSION APRIL 16, 2014 24 The Board of Public Safety met in the Public Agenda Session at 8:10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 16, 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, and Luther Taylor present. Board Member Daniel Jones was absent. Also present was Fire Chief Stephen Cox, Assistant Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski, and Attorney Cory Hamel. Board members discussed the following agenda items: - Executive Session Agenda Attorney Cory Hamel stated going forward, the agenda would need the addition of Indiana Code 5- 14-1.5-6.1(b)(2)(a) for Collective Bargaining sessions added through October to the Executive Session. - List for Captain Promotions — Fire Department Chief Cox explained to the Board that they did not anticipate all the retirements in the Fire Department this year. He noted they went through the top six (6) individuals on the interviews for Captain promotions several months ago, and have exhausted the list. Now, he explained, they have interviewed the next six (6) candidates on the promotion list and scored them for this new list. Chief Cox stated he is asking the Board to accept their recommendations for those six (6) individuals for any upcoming promotions. He noted the new system put in place allows for those already in position of Captain to sit in on the interviews along with the administration, with the goal of trying to include union leadership along with the administration for promotions in Captaincy. - Approve Resignation — Fire Department Chief Cox stated this was another request they didn't anticipate. Firefighter Gale Evans went through testing for the Hammond Fire Department and is moving for personal reasons. - Monthly Statistical Analysis — Fire Department Chief Cox noted a low fire volume for the month of March due to half the amount of structure fires. - Request for Hearing Attorney Hamel stated Attorney Thomas Dixon has requested a hearing on behalf of his client Firefighter Timothy Greenlee. He stated if the Board wished to set the hearing today, they would need to set a date between May 16 and May 30, 2014, or the Board can set a date later, from fifteen (15) to thirty (30) days from notice of setting a hearing. Mr. Hamel read the Indiana Statute which states the hearing must be held not more than thirty (3 0) days after the request for a hearing unless a later date is mutually agreed upon by all parties. Mr. Hamel stated the Board would have to set the date for setting a hearing between the 1St and IOth of May. - Promotion to Sergeant in Special Assignment — Police Department Assistant Chief Scott Ruszkowski elaborated on a new process being implemented for promotions, never done before. He explained they had the interview process with three (3) Patrol Captains out of nine (9) applicants that were rated one (1) through nine (9). He noted they submitted a resume, and along with that the review team looked at their attendance records, work ethic, performance, capabilities, etc. Chief Ruszkowski noted Patrolman Anthony Ieraci has a very good rapport with the community, a mild demeanor, and is very capable. He will go through extensive Supervisor Training and Orientation (STO) before being placed on the streets. Chief Ruszkowski stated he will work with Chiefs, the patrol division, records department, street crimes, attend Council meetings, and more, before he is placed on the streets. He added Patrolman Ieraci will be a floater, working all areas of the City to train. Mr. Collins commended Chief Ruszkowski for his innovative program for promoting and training. - Voluntary Demotion — Police Department Assistant Chief Ruszkowski stated Detective Sergeant Chris Kronewitter has requested this demotion in order to accept a position with the United States Marshal Task Force. He noted he doesn't lose pay, and he is still in the detective status. - Approve General Orders - License Plate Reader Policy Attorney Cory Hamel stated this policy has been in discussion for some time. Currently, he noted, one car is outfitted with a reader, it is not used every day. The policy has been in development for some time, and sets out basic rules and responsibilities regarding use of and restrictions on use of information and records obtained, and retention of data. Chief Ruszkowski added the reason this didn't come out right away is they needed to use the technology for a while and test it to set a policy. He added it is a very good policy, and basically does nothing more than an officer does without having to write it all down. Mr. Hamel elaborated this does the same thing, only much faster, as if we had the budget to hire three hundred (300) new officers and put them on the corner to write this information down. Ms. Vasquez questioned if there will be any additional cost. Chief Ruszkowski PUBLIC AGENDA SESSION APRIL 16, 2014 25 stated just possible software updates. - Administrative Hearing Rules — Board of Public Safety Attorney Hamel stated the main issue the Board had with the original draft was regarding closed hearings versus open hearings. He noted Article IX, Subsection C. was updated to change the wording to open hearings. - Monthly Statistical Analysis — Police Department Chief Scott Ruszkowski noted murder statistics are up for the month of March, as well as rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. He stated these are all crimes based on emotional, physiological issues and are impossible to predict what led to the crimes, or how to change that. On the good side, he noted, burglaries are down drastically, as well as other crime statistics. He added the total for the month is down by 9 %, but there is concern regarding how to address the murder statistics. He noted there have been many sessions striving to figure out how to address the problem. Chief Ruszkowski stated the Police Department needs everyone's help. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board the meeting adjourned at 8:44 a.m. BOARD OFPURLIC SAFETY C ' C2 ura A. Vasquez, P s' Eddie Miller, Member Collins, Member Luther Daniel Jones, Member ATTEST: nda M .Martin, Clerk EXECUTIVE SESSION APRIL 16, 2014 The Board of Public Safety met in the Executive Session on Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at 8:47 a.m. The meeting was held in the Board Conference Room, 13'4 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, and Luther Taylor were present. Board Member Daniel Jones was absent. Also present were Fire Chief Stephen Cox, Assistant Police Chief Scott Ruzkowski, and Attorney Cory Hamel, Board members did not discuss any subject matter other than the subj ect matter as specified in the Public Notice. The meeting adjourned at 9:15 a.m. BOARD„ OF PU /SAFETY L'a'ura Vasquez, President` Eddie Miller, Member John Collins, Member REGULAR MEETING APRIL 16, 2014 26 Luther Taylor, E Daniel Jones, N� mber ST: n a M. Martin, Clerk REGULAR MEETING APRIL 16 2014 The Board of Public Safety met in the Regular Meeting at 9:21 a.m. on Wednesday, April 16, 2014, with Board President Laura Vasquez and Board Members Eddie Miller, John Collins, and Luther Taylor present. Board Member Daniel Jones was absent. 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. APPROVE MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Upon a motion by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Taylor and carried, the Board approved the Minutes of the Public Agenda Session, Executive Session, and Regular Meetings of March 19, 2014 as presented. FIRE DEPARTMENT APPROVE RANK LIST FOR CAPTAIN PROMOTIONS In a letter to the Board, Fire Chief Stephen Cox submitted the list of individuals having completed and received the top scores during the recently completed South Bend Fire Department Captain's Promotion Process. Chief Cox noted the following individuals will be presented to the Board of Safety in accordance with their ranking during the process as Captains positions become available throughout the next year. The rankings are as follows: 1. Jay Riba 2. Michael Humphrey 3. Troy Platz 4. Derek Erquhart 5. Jeff Yoder 6. Brian McLaughlin Upon a motion by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Collins and carried, the ranking list was approved as outlined above, APPROVE PROMOTION TO THE RANK OF CAPTAIN IN SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT — BRIAN KOLOSZAR 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 Brian Koloszar be promoted to the rank of Captain in Special Assignment effective April 16, 2014, for a probationary period of one year. Chief Cox stated that Firefighter Koloszar was appointed to the South Bend Fire Department on August 20, 1999, and has proven his leadership skills and ability in fire suppression. Chief Cox addressed those present and stated both officers being promoted today did a fantastic job in everything they have been involved in with the Fire Department. Chief Cox stated that Firefighter Koloszar is a member of the Honor Guard and specializes in building and technical skills in the department. He noted he is excited to see him in a leadership position. Deputy Mayor Mark Neal was present and stated it has been a long tradition of our Fire Department to serve the community and it is an honor to be part of this promotion process. He added it is good to see so many members of the department present and showing support. Chief Cox recognized the family members present and noted their participation in the firefighter's careers also. Upon a motion made by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Collins and carried, the promotion was accepted and approved. Deputy Mayor Mark Neal pinned the badge on Captain Koloszar and joined the Board in congratulating him. APPROVE PROMOTION TO THE RANK OF CAPTAIN IN SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT — JAY RIBA In a letter to the Board, Fire Chief Stephen Cox stated that the South Bend Fire Department has a REGULAR MEETING APRIL 16, 2014 27 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 Jay Riba be promoted to the rank of Captain in Special Assignment effective April 16, 2014, for a probationary period of one year. Chief Cox stated that Firefighter Riba was appointed to the South Bend Fire Department on October 24, 1997 and has proven his leadership skills and ability in fire suppression. Chief Cox stated to those present, that Firefighter Riba is a member of the Union E- board. He added he is excited to have both firefighter's promoted. Upon a motion made by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Collins and carried, the promotion was accepted and approved. Deputy Mayor Mark Neal pinned Captain Riba's badge on him and joined the Board in congratulating him. POLICE DEPARTMENT APPROVE PROMOTION TO THE RANK OF SERGEANT IN SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT — ANTHONEYIERACI In a letter to the Board, Police Chief Ronald Teachman requested that Patrolman I" Class Anthony Ieraci be promoted to Sergeant in Special Assignment for a probationary period of one (1) year, in the Uniform Division, 2nd Detail /Patrol. Chief Teachman noted that Sergeant Ieraci will be the first supervisor to participate in the South Bend Police Supervisor Training and Orientation program which is designed to develop leadership - starting within, as a critical first line supervisor. Assistant Chief Ruszkowski stated Patrolman Ieraci was not able to be present. Deputy Mayor Mark Neal stated he would like to have an opportunity at the next Board meeting to recognize him. He invited all of the families of those promoted today, up to his office for cookies. Upon a motion made by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Collins and carried, the promotion in Special Assignment was approved effective April 16, 2014. ACCEPT AND APPROVE VOLUNTARY DEMOTION — CHRIS KRONEWITTER In a letter to the Board, Police Chief Ronald Teachman stated Detective Sergeant Chris Kronewitter has requested to be demoted to Patrolman I't Class in order to accept a position with the United States Marshal Task Force, leaving his current assignment in Major Crimes, effective April 16, 2014. Upon a motion by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Collins and carried, the request for demotion was accepted and approved. APPROVE SOUTH BEND POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDER — LICENSE PLATE READER POLICY Upon a motion by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Collins and carried, the General Order setting out a policy for use of the License Plate Reader software was approved. APPROVE SOUTH BEND BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING RULES AND PROCEDURES President Laura Vasquez stated she would not read the entire rules and procedures, just Section IX, Subsection C., regarding open hearings, which was changed at the Board's request. After reading that section to those present, upon a motion by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Collins and carried, the Administrative Hearing Rules and Procedures was approved. FILING OF QUARTERLY REPORT FOR SPECIALIZED TRAINING — JANUARY, FEBRUARY, AND MARCH 2014 Captain Mattie Taylor, Training Division, South Bend Police Department, submitted to the Board a written Quarterly Report for Specialized Training for the period of January, February, and March 2014. The report indicated the specialized training attended; the names of the officers who attended; and the costs involved. There being no questions concerning this report, the Quarterly Report for Specialized Training as submitted was accepted and filed. FILING OF MONTHLY STATISTICAL ANALYSIS REPORT — MARCH 2014 Ms. Vasquez indicated that unless there were questions or objections by members of the Board, the statistical analysis report for the month of March, 2014, as submitted by the Police Department, would be accepted for filing. There being no objections, the following report was accepted for filing: MARCH MARCH YEAR TO DATE PART I OFFENSES 2013 2014 CHANGE 2013 2014 CHANGE MURDER 1 4 + 3 2 5 + 3 RAPE 2 7 + 5 9 25 + 16 REGULAR MEETING APRIL 16, 2014 2013 28 ROBBERY 20 21 + 1 55 56 + 1 AGGRAVATED ASSAULT 13 21 + 8 24 47 + 23 BURGLARY RESIDENT 88 38 - 50 233 141 - 92 BURGLARY NON 334 Inspections 362 Total Inspections (112 Re-Inspections) RESIDENT 12 14 + 2 43 36 7 LARCENY 191 178 - 13 558 539 - 19 MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT 14 17 + 3 68 57 - l l ARSONS 3 0 3 5 2 3 GRAND TOTAL 344 300 44 997 908 89 FIRE DEPARTMENT ACCEPT AND APPROVE DECLARATION OF RETIREMENT — FREDERICK JARONIK Fire Chief Steve Cox submitted to the Board the Application and Declaration for Retirement for Captain Frederick Jaronik, effective April 2, 2014. In his letter, Chief Cox thanked Mr. Jaronik for his commitment and service to the South Bend Fire Department since his appointment on January 7, 1974. Upon a motion made by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Collins and carried, the retirement was accepted and approved. ACCEPT AND APPROVE RESIGNATION — GALE EVANS In a letter to the Board, Fire Chief Stephen Cox stated Fire Fighter First Class Gale Evans has submitted his resignation effective April 1, 2014. Firefighter Evans was sworn on the department on July 8,1998. Upon a motion by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Collins and carried, the resignation was accepted and approved. FILING OF MONTHLY STATISTICAL ANALYSIS REPORT — MARCH 2014 Fire Chief Stephen Cox submitted to the Board the monthly report for March 2014 compiled by the PreventionAnspection 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: MARCH MARCH 2013 2014 STRUCTURE FIRES Property Damage -- Buildings & Contents (Estimates) $149,501.00 $18,701.00 INSPECTIONS (Fire Prevention /Inspection Bureau) 334 Inspections 362 Total Inspections (112 Re-Inspections) (101 Re-Inspections) INVESTIGATIONS (Police /Fire Arson Bureau) 15 7 Investigations Investigations 1 0 Incendiary Arson 5 Accidental 0 Natural 2 Undetermined FILING OF QUARTERLY TRAVEL AND TRAINING EXPENDITURES REPORT — JANUARY FEBRUARY AND MARCH 2014 Fire Chief Steve Cox submitted to the Board a written Quarterly Travel and Training Expenditures Report for the period of January, February, and March 2014. The report summarizes travel and training expenditures for the South Bend Fire Department personnel during this quarterly period. In his letter, Chief Cox stated that training is essential to all aspects of fire service and it is necessary to remain abreast of the most current firefighting technologies and emergency medical services. There being no questions concerning this report, the Quarterly Report for Travel and Training Expenditures was accepted and filed. REQUEST FOR HEARING — TIMOTHY GREENLEE In a letter to the Board dated April 2, 2014, Chief Stephen Cox recommended the Board of Safety terminate Firefighter Timothy Greenlee's employment with the South Bend Fire Department. Chief Cox stated Firefighter Greenlee was placed on administrative leave without pay on April 17, 2013, by the Board in connection with criminal charges that were filed against him. Chief Cox noted the REGULAR MEETING APRIL 16, 2014 29 criminal case against Firefighter Greenlee has concluded and a conviction has been entered. In addition, he noted, the South Bend Fire Department was notified by the Indiana Emergency Medical Services Commission that Firefighter Greenlee's paramedic license and EMT certifications were revoked. Firefighter Greenlee signed an agreement with the Department on July 2, 1996 which obligates him to attain and maintain his EMT certification while employed by the South Bend Fire Department. Subsequent to the Chief's letter to the Board recommending termination, the Clerk of the Board sent a letter to Mr. Greenlee on April 7, 2014, advising him of the Chief's request and his right to request a hearing on the matter within five (5) days. On April 10, 2014, Attorney Thomas Dixon faxed a letter to the Clerk on behalf of his client, Timothy Greenlee, requesting a hearing before the Board of Public Safety. Upon a motion by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Collins and carried, the Board set May 9, 2014, at 8:00 a.m., in Board Room 1308, County -City Building, the date and time of the hearing. 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 9:44 a.m. BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY Laura A. Vasquez, Member Eddie Miller, Member John Collins, Member Luther Taylor, MQ4ter Daniel Jones, yember ATTEST: ii�dLaMT Martin, Jerk