HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-11-14 Health and Public SafetyHEALTH & PUBLIC SAFETY AUGUST 11. 2014 3:50 P.M.
Committee Members Present: Derek Dieter, Henry Davis (AB), Dr. Fred Ferlic, Tim Scott
Citizen Members Present: Robert Emery (AB)
Other Council Present: Valerie Schey, Dr. Davis Varner, Oliver Davis, Karen White,
Gavin Ferlic
Others Present: Mark Neal, Chief Gary Horvath, Chuck Bulot, Kathryn Roos,
John Murphy
Agenda: Bill 41 -14 Amending Ambulance Service Fees
Bill 14 -73 PSAP Interlocal agreement
Derek Dieter, Chairman of the Health and Public Safety Committee, with a quorum present, called the
meeting to order with two items scheduled for consideration.
The first bill 41 -14, initiated by the City would adjust ambulance service fees. Chairman Dieter
announced he had received a request to continue this bill until the next meeting on August 25, 2014.
The full Council would vote at the 7:00 P.M. meeting to accept or deny that request.
The next item, bill 14 -73, asks the Council to approve an interlocal agreement to consolidate Public
Service Answering Points (PSAP). Currently there are four dispatch centers: Roseland, County Police,
Mishawaka and South Bend. The state law requires each county have no more than two centers. After
years of analysis a special blue ribbon committee chose an alternative which means the construction of
a dispatch center south of Mishawaka on Capital. The South Bend dispatch center would be upgraded
to act as back -up facility.
Most of the Council questions that followed the presentation (attachment) focused on the fate of the
City's dispatchers in that if the interlocal agreement were to be adopted, they would become County
employees January 1, 2015.
Tim Scott led off followed by Karen White and Derek Dieter. Before it was over Dr. Fred Ferlic and Dr.
David Varner had employee transition questions as well.
Mark Neal who had made the presentation tried to answer all the questions. In his answers he said
while current City employees would not have job guarantees they would be given first priority in job
interviews to be conducted over the next few weeks. In addition their sick leave and vacation would be
honored in the transition. Should they choose to retire, these accumulated benefits would be paid in
full. Mark also said the new work schedule would likely be a 5 day traditional 40 hour workweek as
opposed to the current 6 days on three off schedule.
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Karen White articulated the strong sentiment that all employees be communicated with fully and
respectfully. She added all communication to employees and the public be clear and complete.
Valerie Schey's questions focused primarily on the anticipated 9 million dollar capital costs. Basically,
where would this money come from? Mark Neal responded saying there would be a County bond issue.
Ultimately on a motion by Dr. Fred Ferlic seconded by Tim Scott ratified by all the bill was sent to full
Council with a favorable recommendation.
Derek adjourned the meeting at 4:30 P.M.
R ectfully Su mitte
Derek D. Dieter, Chairperson
Health & Public Safety Committee
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