10-22-12 Common Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 22, 2012 BILL NO. 56-12 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, FIXING THE ANNUAL PAY AND MONETARY FRINGE BENEFITS OF SWORN MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH BEND POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR CALENDAR YEARS 2013, 2014 AND 201 Councilmember Dieter disclosed that he is a member of the South Bend Police Department and has been since 1975. After discussion with Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand it was determined that no conflicts exists. Councilmember Oliver Davis made a motion to accept the substitute version of this bill as on file with the Office of the City Clerk. Councilmember Dieter seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand advised that on behalf of the City’s Advisory Negotiating Team for Police, we are pleased to recommend for your passage attached Substitute Bill No. 56-12. This proposed ordinance would establish maximum salaries and monetary fringe benefits for 2013 and 2014 for sworn members of the South Bend Police Department. It would establish premium cots for medical insurance at the same rate as all other city employees. It would recommend that the Board of Public Safety designate Martin Luther King as a designated holiday for sworn members who work a regular schedule of 5 on and 2 off, consistent with the Council’s Resolution adopted in February of this year. Noting that sworn members of the South Bend Police Department received no base salary increase in either 2010 or 2011 when rank re- structuring was taking place, Substitute Bill No. 56-12 would establish base salary increases for rd all ranks except Patrolman 3 Class at 2.5% in 2013 and 2014. Would establish a modest residency incentive of $250 in 2013 and $400 in 2014 for police officers who live within the South Bend city limits on a continuous permanent basis. Would create a special duty pay if a Limited English Proficiency (LEP) program is established which reflects the changing nd demographics of South Bend residents. Would adjust seniority-shift premium pays for the 2 rd Detail officers (afternoons) and 3 Detail officers (Midnights) who have eight (8) years or more of seniority in the hope of providing an incentive for more senior officers to work those shifts as well as modest adjustments in longevity which have been frozen for many years. It would establish a special duty pay for Certified Meth Technicians in light of the training and certifications which are necessary and needed in light of this growing public safety concern; and would increase the special duty pay for the Uniform Crime Scene Technicians whose services are critical to successful prosecution in court, and would maintain several important programs previously established, such as the Tuition Reimbursement Program and various on-call duty pays for qualifying officers and sworn members of the South Bend Police Department. She noted that the City Advisory Negotiating Team would like to thank the Negotiating Team representing the Fraternal Order of Police South Bend Lodge No. 36, and in particular their Spokesperson and attorney Mr. Leo T. Blackwell, for their hard-work and dedication to the negotiating process. Because of their leadership the ratification vote of the rank and file members of the FOP overwhelming approved the City’s last, best and final offer by a 98% margin. She stated that Substitute Bill No. 56-10 reflects the goals and objectives jointly established by the South Bend Common Council, the Board of Public Works, the Police and City Administration. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Steven Noonan, President Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #36, spoke in favor of this bill. He urged the Council for their favorable consideration. There being no one present wishing to speak to the Council either in favor of or in opposition to this bill. 15