05-01-72 Council Meeting Minutes

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15 REGULAR MEETING MAY 1, 1972 PUBLIC HEARING CONTINUED Councilman Serge asked the Mayor who would become the new Public Safety Director. Mayor Miller answered that he was sure they would find a qualified applicant for the position. Councilman Kopczynski asked if it is the feeling that a Human Resources Director is necessary could this be done by the City Council. Attorney Charles Sweeney said that there is no way to create the position of Director of Human Resources outside the cabinet bill. The enabling legislation calls for the entire cabinet bill. Councilman Newburn asked if the Council would have to approve the appointments to the cabinet positions. The answer was no. Councilman Szymkowiak sa::d that he is responsible to the citizens not the politicians. He said that he would like to do justice to the citizens and taxpayers and would recommend a city manager rather than the cabinet. He asked why we need a safety director. He said he thought it would be hard to get a public safety director with no experience as a policeman or fireman who could tell those departments how they should be run. He said we have a fine police chief and fire chief and other officers on the departments who are dedicated and can do the job. He said he knew the mayor's job was a big responsibility but that he is paid a good salary and has appointed men who can do the job and that he doesn't need someone to tell him how to run the city. Councilman Miller asked Police Chief Seals if there is any comprehensive plan for the Police Department for the future, in such areas as how to attack the crime problem and whether a Public Safety Director could make up such a long range plan. Chief Seals said that there is no such, plan now. His prime objective has been realignment of manpower. He will submit a plan in written form at a later date. Chief Seals said that he hopes to accomplish in the Police Department, in the next four years, a course for the department to follow. Councilman Miller asked Mr. Gillea if there really are federal funds lost or are they really city credits for present city programs. Mr. Gillea replied that they are city credits. Councilman Miller asked Mrs. Mutzl of the Fair Tax Association if she was in favor of the Director of Human Relations and Fair Employment Practices when it was created. Mrs. Mutzl said that she did not take a stand on that issue. Councilman Miller then asked if she was in favor of creating the position of Director of Personnel and Purchasing. Mrs. Mutzl said that the position was originally created as Assistant to the Mayor and that she was not in favor of that position which later became the Director of Personnel and Purchasing. Councilman Miller asked Mrs. Mutzl if she would favor eliminating that position now. She replied that it has not been better for the city. Councilman Kopczynski asked Chief Bland if he thought the Fire Department educational program could reach more people through a Public Safety Director and whether such a Director could elim- inate hazards in high -rise buildings, etc. Chief Bland replied that there are two viable programs' in the safety education field -- the junior fire department and hospital evacuation teams to teach medical personnel evacuation procedures. He feels that the programs could be expanded to include a broader scope of the community, including senior citizens, blind, deaf, and crippled children. In these areas, a Public Safety Director could be very helpful. Councilman Kopczynski asked Chief Seals for examples where he would use a Public Safety Director. Chief Seals said that police administrators carry a terrific load and the pace has increased over the past years. A Public Safety Director could take over duties of administration and the police could apply them- selves to police matters. He feels we must free policemen for as much police work as possible. We need community relationships with citizens which police officers cannot give time to. Many matters could be taken care of by proper referral. The department is striving for professional- ism. There are 231 police officers and a policeman's basic responsibility is patrol. Councilman Kopczynski asked Mr. Gillea about federal fund losses and asked if anyone in the city administration is assigned to the duty of finding out about this now. Mr. Gillea said that a study must be made. There is no cost accounting system existing in the city today and that is a prerequisite before the city can attempt to recover some of the funds lost. Councilman Nemeth said that it is better to have tried to improve government and failed than not to have tried at all. Everyone is interested in good government and this bill cries out for a chance. He continued, "I do not claim it is the ultimate word or will solve all our problems but it gives some hope to improving local government. What can we lose by trying it out ?" Councilman Nemeth then moved that the ordinance go to the Council as favorable. Councilman Miller seconded the motion. Councilman Newburn said he would not accept the motion. The question was called and the motion carried by a voice vote. There being no further business to be considered before the Committee of the Whole, Chairman Newburn entertained a motion to rise and report to the Council, so moved by Councilman Nemeth. Secord ed by Councilman Taylor and carried. Time: 11:30 p.m ATTEST: CITY CLERK REGULAR MEETING - RECONVENED Be it remembered that the Common Council of Council Chambers in the Countym-City Building dent Nemeth presiding. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MINUTES the City of South Bend, Indiana reconvened in the on Monday, May 1, 1972 at 11:31 p.m., Council Presi- Your committee on the inspection and supervision of minutes would respectfully report that they have inspected the minutes of the April 10, 1972 regular meeting Of the Council and found them correct. They, therefore,recommend that the same be approved. /s/ Peter J. Nemeth /s/ Terry S. Miller Upon motion by Councilman Parent, seconded by Councilman Taylor, and carried, the report was accepted as read and placed on file.