07-09-01 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING JULY 9, 2001 stated that he is also a former member of the South Bend Common Council and he knows that it is law in the State of Indiana that the South Bend Common Council set the pay for the Police and Fire Departments and not the Mayor's office. He stated that he knows that there is money that can be given to these departments. The money that is available cannot be spent on salaries but it can relieve other purchases so those monies can be used for salaries for public safety. He urged the Council to do their job and give the Police Department a fair and living wage. Mr. Howard Goodhew, Goodhew Drive, High Points Estates and also 1535 South Main Street, South Bend, Indiana, indicated that he has been involved in many initiatives begun by the City to support the Police Department. He noted that the issue of equitable salaries for the Police Department has degenerated into a bitter battle between the City and the officers. He noted that he is not prepared to validate or discuss the financial figures presented by both sides because he is not familiar with the total budgets under consideration. However, it is his understanding that a final offer has not been made by the City. The only solution is to examine and set priorities for funds available to operate all departments. He encouraged the Council to continue negotiations in good faith and reach an equitable solution with the understanding that some adjustments will be needed to accomplish that. He further noted that the City needs experienced police officers and should protect their retirement benefits because they are not eligible for Social Security benefits when they retire. Ms. Joyce Boaler, 1606 Hillsdale Road, South Bend, Indiana, noted that Councilmembers receive fifteen thousand four hundred ninety -five dollars ($15,495.00) annually plus benefits and retired police officers receive sixteen thousand dollars ($16,000.00) and no Social Security benefits. Ms. Boaler noted that the City and the Council employ nine (9) attorneys at a cost of three hundred sixty - seven thousand one hundred sixty -six dollars ($367,166.00). Many question their lack of ability when the Mayor hired an Indianapolis negotiations lawyer for twenty thousand dollars ($20,000.00) plus apossible ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00) in expenses. Ms. Boaler stated that the total Police force should resign and then the Mayor could deputize his own police force consisting of all assistant mayors, all Councilmembers, all lawyers and all Baker and Daniels employees and these people should receive a beginning patrolman's pay. In conclusion, she stated that the police force deserves a huge increase in pay and the retirement scale. The fiscal and moral responsibility of the Mayor and the Council demand nothing less. Mr. Paul Retek, Coordinator of the Countryside Neighborhood Watch Group, 1001 Mayflower, Lot 116, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he has the honor of working with the South Bend police who are the best in the State of Indiana. He is proud of what they have achieved to reduce crime in Countryside Village. He asked the Council to negotiate in good faith and do the right thing. Mr. Rick Bishop, Lieutenant, South Bend Police Department, residing at 17413 Skyline Drive, South Bend, Indiana, noted that the entire community is now aware that the wage negotiations have reached a near impasse and the entire blame for this situation lies at the feet of this Council and Mayor Luecke. He noted that the police wages were behind in the 1980's and remain so. The same administrators have known about police salary problems for a decade or more and it appears to be no more important now than it was then. The numbers that the City promotes at this point in the proceedings are not going to make it, assuring more years of running behind the majority of cities in the state. He further noted that some individuals offer a good deal of private support for their position and the usual comments in public during election cycles but not at crunch time when it matters. Mr. Bishop stated that the first class patrolman salary is important to them so they can continue to bring exceptional police officers to the department. It is also important to them because no matter what rank is obtained or how much overtime is worked, every officer's retirement income is based on the first class patrolman's salary. They have been told that the retirees are a drain on the finances. The wage committee has promised the membership that they will do everything in their power to get them a well deserved raise and the Council's support is needed for that. Mr. Jerry Christensen, Vice - President, Bowne of South Bend, Inc., 5021 F. Jay Nimtz Parkway, South Bend, Indiana, stated that the salary ranking one hundred nine (109) out of one hundred thirty -five (135) in the state is not fair. He stated that if he treated the people that work at the plant with the wages that were one hundred nine (109) out of one hundred thirty five (13 5) they would not be in business. He asked the Council to be fair, to listen to the police officers and do what they can.