09-13-04 Health & Public Safety - Laserfiche WebLink

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eplth emf Piddle Safety Committee Council Member Puzzello then called for a presentation on Substitute Bill No. 51-04 which would fix the annual pay and monetary fringe benefits of firefighters of the South Bend Fire Department for calendar year 2005. Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand,the agent and Chief Negotiator for the South Bend Common Council made the presentation. She noted that two (2) housekeeping matters are addressed on the two (2) pages which set forth the amendments. More specifically on page 6, Section VIII, paragraph c addressing inspectors and instructors and on page 8, Section VIII, paragraph j addressing the $50.00 additional amount which fire pensioners who are not members of the Union must pay each month for medical insurance, noting that the exact language is set forth in the letter and in the substitute pages of the Bill. She noted that Chief Quinn and Assistant Chief Switalski have seen the language and believe it helps clarify the ordinance in the areas addressed. She noted that the Fire Negotiating Team which had Council Members Dieter, Kelly, Kuspa and Puzzello on it achieved all of the goals established by the Council with regard to parity and stayed within the financial goals which were outlined. She stated that she would have a powerpoint presentation this evening which would address that further. The proposed ordinance would also create an E a 'h Tuition n T n R i n duc o o a mburseme t Program"on page 8, Section IX of the proposed ordinance, for the fire department which was also a high priority for some of the Council members. Ms. Cekanski-Farrand commended the City Negotiating Team and the Firefighters Negotiating Team for their hard-work and professionalism which led to a successful conclusion. City Attorney Charles S. Leone stated that he sent today a letter requesting that the ordinance be amended to delete all of the language on page 2, Section I, paragraph d addressing service year requirements. He stated that he believes that the language,although included in past fire salary ordinances, may impair the ability to the labor-management committee to address rank restructuring. He added that much of the ordinance goes beyond annual compensation. He noted that the language reflects current practices. Council President White asked Mr. Leone discussed his amendment with the city negotiating team. Mr. Leone stated that he had not. Council Member Kelly stated that he could not support this amendment in light of the lateness of it being brought to the Council. He added that he thought "we had fought thru our differences". Council Member Dieter stated that he agreed with Council Member Kelly and could not support the new amendment. Fire Chief Robert X. Quinn III spoke in favor of the Substitute Bill, and thanked the negotiating team,the Administration and the Council for a successful negotiating process. Health and Public Safety Committee Meeting of September 7,2004 Page 2