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APRIL 02, 2025 1
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<br />I. REGULAR MEETING
<br />The Fire Merit Commission met at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 02, 2025 with Commissioners
<br />John Pinter, Dan Jones, and Kenneth Marks present. Also, Fire Chief Carl Buchanon, Assistant
<br />City Attorney Adam Taylor, Assistant City Attorney Kylie Connell and Commission Clerk
<br />Theresa Heffner were present. The meeting was held at the Central Fire Station, 1222 Michigan
<br />St., Classroom #1, South Bend, Indiana and virtually via Microsoft Teams at the following link:
<br />https://tinyurl.com/FireMerit4225
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<br />Commission Attorney Connell read through the agenda and asked if there were any additions or
<br />corrections.
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<br />A. INTRODUCTION
<br />Attorney Connell, the assistant city attorney, called the meeting to order and confirmed the
<br />presence of commissioners John Pinter, Dan Jones, and Kenneth Marks. Kenneth Marks
<br />was sworn in as a new member. She confirmed Kenneth Marks' appointment by the
<br />Common Council and proceeded to swear him in. Kenneth Marks took the oath, agreeing to
<br />execute the duties of the Commission to the best of his abilities, abide by the rules and
<br />regulations of the South Bend Fire Department Merit Commission, the ordinances of the city
<br />of South Bend, state laws, and the Constitution of Indiana and the United States.
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<br />B. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS
<br />Attorney Connell called roll and confirmed the presence of the Commissioners.
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<br />C. SET SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS
<br />Attorney Connell proposed the first Wednesday of every month at 2:00 PM at the Central
<br />Fire station as the regular meeting time. The commissioners agreed to this schedule, noting
<br />it worked well for them. She stated that an official motion was not needed for setting the
<br />schedule.
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<br />D. PROPOSED BYLAWS
<br />Attorney Connell reviewed the proposed bylaws article by article, discussing the roles and
<br />responsibilities of the commissioners, officers, meeting procedures, quorum requirements,
<br />rules and procedures, records, budget, hearings, conflict of interest, and confidentiality.
<br />She highlighted the need for corrections and further review.
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<br />1. Article 2 discussed the roles of commissioners, including familiarity with the
<br />collective bargaining agreement, policies of the fire department, and city
<br />ordinances. It confirmed the commission consists of five members.
<br />2. Article 3 outlined the duties of the President, Vice President, and Secretary. The
<br />President presides over meetings, the Vice President acts in the President's absence,
<br />and the Secretary supports the Commission clerk.
<br />3. Article 4 detailed meeting procedures, including notice requirements, conduct
<br />following Roberts Rules of Order, public comment limitations, agenda preparation,
<br />and minutes creation.
<br />4. Article 5 defined quorum requirements, stating a majority of commissioners is
<br />needed to transact business, and official actions require a majority vote of all
<br />commissioners.
<br />5. Article 6 granted the commission the ability to draft and publish rules for hiring,
<br />firing, discipline, and promotion processes, with amendments taking effect 30 days
<br />after adoption.
<br />6. Article 7 and 8 covered record maintenance by the city and the potential need for a
<br />budget for the commission's duties, separate from the fire department's budget.
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