HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/20/2014 Board of Public Safety MinutesPUBLIC AGENDA SESSION AUGUST 20, 2014 51
The Board of Public Safety met in the Public Agenda Session at 8:04 a.m. on Wednesday, August
20, 2014 in the 13' Floor Board Conference Room, County -City Building, 227 West Jefferson Blvd.,
South Bend, Indiana, with Board Members Eddie Miller, John Collins, Luther Taylor, and Daniel
Jones present. Board President Laura Vasquez was absent. Also present was Fire Chief Stephen Cox,
Lieutenant Chris Voros, and Attorney Cory Hamel.
Board members discussed the following agenda items:
- Motions to Hold Disciplinary Hearings in Executive Session — John Hall, Jack Stilp, and
David Gnoth
Mr. Cory Hamel stated at the Hearing for John Hall of August 7, 2014, he made an oral motion to
hold the three (3) Hearings for the officers listed above, in Executive Sessions. He stated he is now
following up with the filing of written motions to be considered by the opposing counsel and the
Board of Safety. Mr. Hamel noted the Legal Counsel for the hearing ruled to allow twenty (20) days
to respond so there is no action required at today's Board meeting. He added there is no legal
requirement to respond within any certain time; the Board could even vote on the motions the day of
the Hearings. Mr. Jones questioned if the Board will hear if opposing Counsel opposes the motions.
Mr. Hamel stated they will, the opposing counsel will file an opposition. He added the Board may
not hear if the opposing Counsel is okay with the motions.
- Letter of Resignation — Police Department
Lieutenant Chris Voros stated Patrolman Brandon Schmidt was offered another job and has chosen
to resign from the Police Department to take advantage of the job offer. Lieutenant Voros noted he is
a fine upcoming officer who has only been on the department for about two (2) years.
- Donation — Police Department
Lieutenant Voros stated Officer Kelly Waite spoke at a neighborhood meeting regarding the Burglary
Unit's new equipment and procedures for resolving burglaries. Mr. and Mrs. Donald Schefineyer
were so impressed they requested to make a donation to be used towards the purchase of equipment
for the unit.
Duty Manual Order Revision — Police Department
Attorney Cory Hamel stated this is the addition of a Critical Incident Policy. He noted he was
surprised the City of South Bend Police Department never had a written policy. Mr. Hamel
explained the policy lays out the procedures to follow after any incident deemed to be critical such as
a shooting, an accident, a fire, or any other critical situation. He noted officers are under tremendous
stress afterwards and it is almost never appropriate to do investigations immediately following the
incident. Mr. Hamel noted many times a criminal investigation is being done by an outside unit, and
this policy addresses that also. Mr. Collins stated the Police Department always followed the steps
laid out in the policy, he is glad to see this put into a formal policy finally. Mr. Hamel agreed, the
practice has always been in place, this just lays out the policy. Mr. Jones questioned if this has to be
presented to the Union. Mr. Hamel stated no, it was worked out with the Union.
- Quarterly Report for Specialized Schools — Police Department
Lieutenant Chris Voros noted that Chief Ronald Teachman is pushing for more training and
education to increase professionalism within the department.
- Quarterly Travel and Training Report — Fire Department
Fire Chief Stephen Cox stated several officers attended training in Emmitsburg, Maryland, on Youth
Fire Setting Prevention. He noted they were very enthused with the training and the day after their
return there was a fire set by youths. He stated they were very successful in their interaction with the
parents and the youths. Chief Cox noted they have been building on that training since then. Mr.
Taylor stated he commends Chief Cox for encouraging training and noted Emmitsburg, Maryland
has a fantastic training center and program. He noted he is glad to see the Fire Department taking
advantage of this opportunity. Chief Cox agreed and noted the training is mostly free, they just have
to pay their own travel and food expenses.
- Monthly Statistical Analysis — Fire Department
Chief Cox stated fires are up this month compared to last year. He noted there is a double fatality still
under investigation.
- Addition of Discipline to Agenda — Fire Department
Chief Cox stated he would like to reserve his comments until the Executive Session regarding the
addition of this discipline for Firefighter Stephen Harmon.
Board President Laura Vasquez joined the meeting in progress at 9:24 a.m.
- Addition of Retirement to Agenda— Fire Department
PUBLIC AGENDA SESSION AUGUST 20 2014 52
Chief Cox apologized for this addition and noted they had trouble getting the Declaration for
Retirement signed by Firefighter Kraig Perkins. He noted it should have been on the last agenda, as
his retirement was in July. Chief Cox added he was a good officer.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Board the meeting adjourned at 8:27a.m.
BOAR OF PUBLIC, S F /ETY
Laura A. Vasquez, President '7)
Eddie Miller, Member
John ollins, Member
Luther Taylor, Member
Daniel J
ATTEST:
V !
L nda M .Martin, lerk
EXECUTIVE SESSION AUGUST 20, 2014
The Board of Public Safety met in the Executive Session on Wednesday, August 20, 2014 at 8:31
a.m. The meeting was held in the Board Conference Room, 13th 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 Fire Chief Stephen Cox, Police Lieutenant Chris Voros, 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 9:15 a.m.
A EST:
mda M. Martin, Clerk
BOAR OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Laura Vasquez, Pre ysiiddent
Eddie Miller, Member
Jo C llins, Member
Luther Taylor, M ber
Daniel Jo , Iember
REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 20 2014
The Board of Public Safety met in the Regular Meeting at 9:19 a.m. on Wednesday, August 20,
2014, with Board President Laura Vasquez and Board Members Eddie Miller, John Collins, Luther
REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 20. 2014 53
Taylor, and Daniel Jones present. Also present were Lieutenant Chris Voros, 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 July 16, 2014, and the
Special Meeting of August 7, 2014 as presented.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
MOTIONS TO HOLD DISCIPLINARY HEARINGS IN EXECUTIVE SESSION —JOHN HALL
JACK STILP AND DAVID GNOTH
Attorney Cory Hamel presented the Board with three (3) Motions to Hold Disciplinary Hearings in
an Executive Session pursuant to I.C. 5- 14- 1.5- 6.1(b)(6)(A) for Detective Sergeant John Hall,
Officer Jack Stilp, and Officer David Gnoth. In his Motions, Attorney Hamel stated on August 7,
2014 the City presented an oral motion to the Board to proceed with this disciplinary hearing in
Executive Session under I.C. 5- 14- 1.5- 6.1(b)(6)(A). He stated the City wishes to present a written
motion to the Board to allow respondent time to reply. Finally, he stated the City believes that it is t in
the best interest of all parties to hold the hearing in Executive Session. President Vasquez stated the
Board has received the Motions and will vote on the request after August 27, 2014 to allow twenty
(20) days for a response from the opposing counsel.
ACCEPT AND APPROVE LETTER OF RESIGNATION — BRANDON SCHMIDT
President Vasquez advised that Police Chief Ronald Teachman has submitted to the Board the Letter
of Resignation from Patrolman Brandon Schmidt effective August 24, 2014. In his letter to the
Board, Chief Teachman stated Patrolman Schmidt was sworn on the department on November 14,
2012. Upon a motion made by Mr, Miller, seconded by Mr. Jones and carried, the letter of
resignation was accepted and approved as outlined above.
APPROVAL OF SPECIAL POLICE COMMISSION — CODE ENFORCEMENT
- Randy Wilkerson
In a letter to the Board, Police Chief Ronald Teachman recommended that a Special Police
Commission for the Department of Code Enforcement be issued until revoked, for the above referred
to individual. He noted this Commission is issued for the purpose of writing citations for Ordinance
violations where such violations have fines set by Superior Court Judges. The Commission will also
empower the above listed individual to enforce the Snow Route and Residential Snow Emergencies
and to tow vehicles found to be in violation of these Ordinances. The commission does not authorize
the powers of arrest nor the carrying or use of a weapon. The aforementioned individual has been
named Chief Code Inspector of the Department of Code Enforcement. Upon a motion made by Mr.
Jones, seconded by Mr. Taylor and carried, the Special Police Commission was approved.
ACCEPT AND FILE DONATION TO SOUTH BEND POLICE DEPARTMENT
Chief Teachman, Police Department, advised the Board of a generous donation of $400.00 made to
the Burglary Division of the South Bend Police Department from Mr. and Mrs. Schefineyer. Chief
Teachman noted the Police Department is extremely grateful for their support in the Police
Department's continued effort to keep the community safe. There being no further discussion, the
donation was accepted and filed.
APPROVE DUTY MANUAL GENERAL ORDER REVISION - POLICE INVOLVED DEATH OR
SERIOUS INJURY SECTION S 13.8
Attorney Cory Hamel presented the Board with a revised General Order, Section S. He stated the
General Order relates to critical incidents such as shootings, serious auto accidents, or anytime
deadly force is required. He noted it also sets a policy for interviewing or investigation following a
critical incident. Mr. Hamel stated the policy is what has been followed in the past; this just puts it
into a formal written policy. Upon a motion by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Taylor and carried, the
revised General Order was approved.
REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 20 2014 54
FILING OF QUARTERLY REPORT FOR SPECIALIZED TRAINING — APRIL MAY AND
JUNE 2014
Captain Mattie Taylor, Director of Training, South Bend Police Department, submitted to the Board
a written Quarterly Report for Specialized Training for the period of May, June, and July 2014. The
report indicated the specialized training attended; the names of the officers who attended; and the
associated costs. Lieutenant Voros stated Police Chief Teachman is trying to get more training for
officers. He noted it is a benefit to the officers, as well as to the community. 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 — JULY 2014
Lieutenant Voros noted overall crime statistics are down, but especially burglaries. He stated the
decrease is due to the hard work and hours put in by the members of the Burglary Division, Ms.
Vasquez commended the Police Department and noted she has seen a great reduction in crime over
the years she has been on the Board of Safety. She stated that unless there were questions or
objections by members of the Board, the statistical analysis report for the month of July 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
ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
President Vasquez noted the addition to the Agenda of a Letter of Discipline and a Retirement for the
Fire Department.
FILING OF QUARTERLY TRAVEL AND TRAINING EXPENDITURES REPORT APRIL,
MAY J, UNE AND JULY 2014
Fire Chief Steve Cox submitted to the Board a written Quarterly Travel and Training Expenditures
Report for the period of April, May, June, and July 2014. The report summarizes travel and training
expenditures for the South Bend Fire Department personnel during this quarterly period. Chief Cox
noted the attendance at the National Fire Academy by several officers for Youth Fire Setting
Prevention. He stated when they returned from their training, they set up a youth fire setting
prevention program that has already been a big success with the public and those previously
identified as youth fire setters. There being no questions concerning this report, the Quarterly Report
for Travel and Training Expenditures was accepted and filed
FILING OF MONTHLY STATISTICAL ANALYSIS REPORT -- JULY 2014
Fire Chief Stephen Cox submitted to the Board the monthly report for July 2014 compiled by the
Preventiou4nspection 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:
JULY
JULY
JULY
2014
YEAR TO DATE
Property Damage -- Buildings & Contents
(Estimates)
PART I OFFENSES
2013
2014
CHANGE
2013
2014
CHANGE
MURDER
2
1
- 1
5
8
+
3
RAPE
9
10
+ 1
53
59
+
6
ROBBERY
38
34
4
194
162
-
32
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT
23
14
9
105
132
+
27
BURGLARY RESIDENT
102
88
14
588
464
124
BURGLARY NON
RESIDENT
48
25
23
173
151
22
LARCENY
324
310
14
1673
1720
+
47
MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT
28
29
+ 1
163
156
-
7
ARSONS
1
4
+ 3
13
16
+
3
GRAND TOTAL
575
515
- 60
2967
2868
-
99
FIRE DEPARTMENT
ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
President Vasquez noted the addition to the Agenda of a Letter of Discipline and a Retirement for the
Fire Department.
FILING OF QUARTERLY TRAVEL AND TRAINING EXPENDITURES REPORT APRIL,
MAY J, UNE AND JULY 2014
Fire Chief Steve Cox submitted to the Board a written Quarterly Travel and Training Expenditures
Report for the period of April, May, June, and July 2014. The report summarizes travel and training
expenditures for the South Bend Fire Department personnel during this quarterly period. Chief Cox
noted the attendance at the National Fire Academy by several officers for Youth Fire Setting
Prevention. He stated when they returned from their training, they set up a youth fire setting
prevention program that has already been a big success with the public and those previously
identified as youth fire setters. There being no questions concerning this report, the Quarterly Report
for Travel and Training Expenditures was accepted and filed
FILING OF MONTHLY STATISTICAL ANALYSIS REPORT -- JULY 2014
Fire Chief Stephen Cox submitted to the Board the monthly report for July 2014 compiled by the
Preventiou4nspection 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:
JULY
JULY
2013
2014
STRUCTURE FIRES
Property Damage -- Buildings & Contents
(Estimates)
$] 11,800.00 $138,650.00
INSPECTION DIVISION