08-13-01 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 13, 2001 Ms. Lisa Cattello, 114 North Marquette Boulevard, South Bend, Indiana, stated that the news recently released information about a $1 million dollar surplus that the City of South Bend has unexpectedly acquired. She stated that because the City and the FOP have not been able to reach an agreement she inquired why this money could not be directed to the police officers. She also inquired what the City is doing with that money. Ms. Cattello further indicated her knowledge about a proposed building in the 200 block of South Main Street with the first two (2) floors being reserved for Bakers and Daniels. She inquired whether or not the City was required to take offers and bids for use of this land from other planners and wondered if anyone knew about this project. She noted that Baker and Daniels have lucrative contracts with the City. She asked if any information concerning this project would be released. Mr. Chuck Lennon, 1318 East Wayne North, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he supports the Police Department and their request for better wages as well as the Council members for allowing the police officers to take the police cars home and be seen around the City. Mr. Lennon noted that police officers perform dangerous work and they work hard. They are well trained and professional and they need to be paid equal to and in a fair way to the other communities of our size. He stated that he hopes that both sides can be open to what will be presented at the next meeting and will come to a fair resolution of this important aspect of local government. They need to be compensated fairly and they need to know that they are appreciated. Mr. Rick Bishop, 701 West Sample Street, South Bend, Indiana, informed the Council that he is a Lieutenant with the South Bend Police Department and a member of the FOP #36 Wage Negotiating Team. Mr. Bishop read a letter that he sent out to the membership which was after their agreement to meet with the City on Wednesday. Mr. Bishop submitted two (2) questions, in writing, to the City Clerk which he read. Those questions are: (1) Why is the Council passing a four (4) year ordinance when there is only urgency for the year 2002 and (2) Why are the salaries of the Police Chief, Division Chiefs and Captains not included pursuant to I.C. 36- 8 -1 -12. Additionally, Mr. Bishop informed the Council that he has worked the corner of Twyckenham and South Bend Avenue directing traffic during home Notre Dame football games. He noted that after Twyckenham was improved, people were letting Notre Dame fans park on the treelawns driving over brand new curbs and parking on brand new sod. This was a destruction of City property and a traffic hazard because they were blocking parts of the sidewalks making thousands of fans walk in the street instead of on the sidewalks. He and another officer ticketed all these vehicles and the Mayor dismissed the tickets and provided a letter stating that it was OK that they parked these cars on City property for their own gain at the taxpayers loss. He noted that with the new ordinance the City passed this evening they are trying to keep individuals from stopping traffic and selling tickets where there have been no accidents whereas there have been accidents along Twyckenham and South Bend Avenue from cars that are trying to park on City property and causing problems. He noted that in order to be fair with City ordinances, these people should not be allowed to charge people to park on the City property. Ms. Cathi Ruszkowski, 2431 Inglewood Court, South Bend, Indiana, stated that she was present on behalf of her husband Sergeant Scott Ruszkowski. Ms. Ruszkowski read a letter which her husband prepared regarding the wage negotiations. He noted that the FOP is asking that they receive a pay increase which will bring them in the top thirty (30) in the state within four (4) years and they have offered facts, numbers, statistics and reasons. They are asking for a fair salary in job comparison relating to other area police departments. The letter which she read cited instances where the City is spending money on other matters. Mr. Thomas Bush, Local Chapter NAACP, no address given, stated that he wanted to bring some issues to the Council that concern the black community. He noted that recent South Bend Tribune articles have indicated some of the treatment that black citizens have been receiving from the South Bend Police Department. He noted that the NAACP has dealt with the South Bend Police Department for some time and basically they are a good department with some "cowboys" that need to be brought into check. He noted that the NAACP would like to meet with the Council to go into more depth with this issue and he will be planning on arranging that meeting.