08-22-12 Health & Public Safety - Laserfiche WebLink

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HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY 3:30 P.M. AUGUST 22.2012 Committee Members Present: Dr. Fred Ferlic, Henry Davis, Karen White, Tim Scott Citizen Members Present: Kyle Chamberlin Other Council Members Present: Dr. David Varner, Oliver Davis, Gavin Ferlic, Derek Dieter Others Present: Andrea Beachkofsky, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Robert Wasserman, Eddie Miller, Laura Vasquez, Mike Schmuhl, Pat Cottrell, John Murphy, Rev. Brown Agenda: Update on Search Process for Police Chief Dr. Fred Ferlic, Chairperson, began this 30 minute meeting to hear an update from the Mayor on his search for a new Police Chief. The Mayor said he welcomed this opportunity. He proceeded to introduce Mr. Bob Wasserman who the Mayor had appointed to identify candidates for the position of Chief of the South Bend Police Department. Mr. Wasserman who was said to have conducted similar searches for major metropolitan cities around the country had offered his services gratis. He said he recently took up residence in South Bend and had heard of the controversy surrounding the removal of the prior chief and resultant community discord. Under later questioning it was learned fees not exceeding $6,500.00 would be paid to Mr. Wasserman firm. Other expenses would no doubt be incurred related to the search. i.e.) costs to bring in finalists. Mr. Wasserman proceeded to describe the search process. This would involve identifying issues locally to be addressed, reviewing the job requirements, refining them, and posting the position locally and nationally online and with the help of national police associations. This process would take an estimated four weeks. The interview process would consider maybe a dozen candidates ultimately reducing that number to four for the Mayor to consider. Perhaps as a result of the community discord surrounding the Chief s removal and related federal investigation of illegal phone recordings that prompted it and subsequent lawsuits filed against the city, The Council's follow -up questions were quite contentious. David Varner emphasized the need for transparency and for local input. Derek Dieter wanted specific information regarding timelines, costs, contract specifics, and credentials of Bob Wasserman. Tim Scott and Oliver Davis both probed the contract specifics as well as past search success claims.