11-22-04 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 22, 2004 sitting on the board would be sworn to look out for the best interest of the Community. Any information that is put out there by a Police Officer or Firefighter's Attorney or Union representing them would be considered biased. Councilmember Varner stated that he believes that you have to have one person on that Board who understands what happens and what transpires on a day-to-day basis. Councilmember Varner indicated that Bill 70-04 does not put any undo burden on the appointment process and is fair to all people that are involved on both sides. Councilmember Pfeifer stated that a lot has been said here this evening. Clearly all side have very strong feelings. Councilmember Pfeifer stated that there are some unrealistic expectations of these appointees. We are making an assumption that a public safety officer will offer more fairness,you can look at all careers and there are those that are harder on their members and there are those in certain careers that are easier on their members, it can go both ways. The Board of Public Safety is clearly going to be a five member board that is definite. We need to make sure that the members of the board have as much information as possible, and are intelligent, educated and have knowledge to make fair decisions period. Fairness and consistency is what we need. Councilmember Pfeifer stated that she is not in favor of making a permanent appointment, that is inflexible, and does not taking into consideration how our community will change. This bill gives the appearance that we are not being respectful of the conditions in our community and perception is reality and we have to be very conscious of that. We need to make sure that we have five (5) of the best people we can get. Councilmember Pfeifer stated that she would not support this bill. Councilmember Dieter stated that this is a difficult issue and it is hard for the Mayor to pick and find the right people who want to serve on the Board of Public Safety. However, whatever job you might have be it a teacher, lawyer, or nurse your review board is a group of your peers, especially in the medical field or the legal system and this bill is trying to do just that. Bill No. 70-04 is asking that just one member of the five (5)- member board to have some knowledge or background in the public safety field. The majority of the Board will be civilian and this one person would just give another voice to the other four members. Councilmember Dieter stated that he is in favor of this bill and that it is advantageous to the City of South Bend. The safety of all the residents of the City of South Bend is what is at hand here. Councilmember Kuspa stated that he has received numerous phone calls on this issue. The phone calls were not about the five (5)-member board but having a firefighter or police officer on the board. Councilmember Kuspa stated that originally he was going to approve this bill, however, after hearing the issues he is not in favor of this bill. Councilmember Kelly made a motion for unfavorable recommendation to full Council concerning this bill as substituted. Councilmember White seconded the motion which carried by a vote of five (5) ayes and four(4) nays. BILL NO. 32-04 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AMENDING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE 7 OF THE SOUTH BEND MUNICIPAL CODE ADDRESSING BUDGET, SALARY, PURCHASING, APPROPRIATIONS AND FINANCIAL REPORTING PROCEDURES Councilmember White made a motion to hear the substitute version of this bill. Councilmember Kuspa seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. Councilmember Dieter, Chairperson,Personnel &Finance Committee reported that this committee held a meeting this afternoon and voted to send this bill to the full Council with a favorable recommendation. 10