08/12/85 Board of Public Works Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 12, 1985 be released effective September 5, 1985. Upon a motion made by Mr. Leszczynski, seconded by Ms. Barnard and carried, the above referred to Excavation Bond was released. FILING OF NEW PARKING RATES - SOUTH BEND PARKING COMPANY In a letter to the Board, Mr. Harry Coffman, South Bend Parking Company, Inc., Room 408, Lafayette Building, South Bend, Indiana, advised that the South Bend Parking Company is adjusting the parking rates at the following location as follows: - 310 West Washington Street - Lot #4 $1.25 up to twelve (12) hours Upon a motion made by Mr. Leszczynski, seconded by Ms. Barnard and carried, the rate adjustment as submitted was accepted for filing. It was noted that pursuant to Municipal Code licensing requirements, companies operating parking lots must file with the Board of Public Works any change in rates being charged. FILING OF RATE INCREASE - HERITAGE CABLEVISION In a letter to the Board, Ms. Annette Rotolo, General Manager, Heritage Cablevision, 16830 Edison Road, Mishawaka, Indiana, advised that Heritage Cablevision will increase its basic service and additional outlet rates by seven per cent (7%) effective September 1, 1985, increasing the basic service charge from $11.65 to $12.44, additional TV outlet rates from $4.95 to $5.30 and FM rates from $2.50 to $2.65. The reasons for the increases are the increased cost of providing cable service, including dramatic recent increases in Heritage's costs for programming, copyright and property taxes. Mr. Leszczynski advised that due to recent legislation the rates are being submitted to the Board for filing only as the Board no longer has approval power over rates being charged. Board Attorney Carolyn V. Pfotenhauer further advised that the rate increases presented to the City of South Bend are also being presented to neighboring cities. She stated that on October 30, 1984, the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984 was signed into federal law. The law takes away the City's right to regulate fees of cabletelevision companies. It was noted that the new law deregulates cable television rates completely within two (2) years. For the next two (2) years, it allows cities to continue to regulate the basic service charges but grants the cable operator the right to increase rates by five per cent (5%) per year during the interim period. Ms. Pfotenhauer additionally advised that the City exercised its option to increase the franchise fee and has increased said fee from three per cent (3%) to five per cent (5%). Upon a motion made by Mr. Leszczynski, seconded by Mr. Vance and carried, the rates as submitted were accepted for filing. FILING OF ENVIRONMENTAL CLEAN-UP OF LOTS REPORT A report from the Department of Code Enforcement indicating a total of one hundred fifty-six (156) properties cleaned from August 5, 1985 thru August 9, 1985 was submitted. Upon a motion made by Mr. Leszczynski, seconded by Ms. Barnard and carried, the report as submitted was filed. APPROVE CLAIMS Mr. John W. Ferguson, Acting Executive Director, St. Joseph County Job Training Program, submitted two (2) lists containing ninety-three (93) claims and recommended approval.