05/19/75 Board of Public Works Minutes

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136E REGULAR MEETING MAY 19, 1975 There was a lengthy discussion regarding the parking problem. Mr. Farrand asked those present if they were aware of the parking provision adopted by the Board last week for parking in the lot across from Wymans. Mr. Getzinger.said they were aware of this action and this request was in addition to that parking. Mr, Barcome said it would be his suggestion that Item 1 be approved today and Items 2 and 3 be reviewed with regard to the estimated loss of revenue that would result from free parking on Monday night and Saturday. Mr. Barcome said the merchant validation program will end this year and they have notohad much success in getting renewal of the validation from some merchants. Revenue from the parking meters, the garages and the fines are used to pay the parking garage bonds. Mr. Barcome then made a motion that the Board approve Item l of the request, and take items 2 and 3 under advisement. Mr. Seitz seconded the motion but said he felt the Board should take action to approve items 2 and 3 if possible. He said he understood the problems of the downtown and this might help. Mr. Stephen McTigue, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, asked the Board to consider trying the free parking for a month or tow, or for the summer. This would give the Board a pretty good indication of the amount of revenue they are talking about. Mr. Barcome indicated that new parking meters will have to be ordered. Mr. Dick Schankel of Penneys said he wanted to call the Board's attention to the fact that they have investigated traffic at the malls on Saturday and Sunday and it is very heavy. He said the downtown stores take a loss on Saturday and there is no congestion downtown on Saturdays. He said the merchants need help when the office workers are not downtown. The motion to approve Item 1 and take Items 2 and 3 under advisement was carried. Mr. Barcome noted that information regarding free parking on Monday nights and Saturday would be available by the next meeting of the Board. RECOMMENDATION TO AWARD SNORKEL BID The Board received the following recommendation from Chief Jack R. Bland: "Review of the bids submitted April 25 for the various stages.of repair and rebuilding of the South Bend Fire Department Snorkel leave me to conclude that the work should be split between Hill -White Truck Sales, Inc. and Illinois FDW Truck and Equipment Company of Rosemont, Illinois. The Hill -White bid of $14,548.79 for repair of the cab and its components is low. The bids of Illinois FDW Truck and Equipment Company on Options No. 2 and 3 were the only bids. Option No. 2 bid was $17,800 and $9,219 for Option No. 3 and these should be accepted. Illinois FDW is the only repair station for this type of fire equipment that I know of. Option No. 4 should not be considered. I believe immediate steps should be taken to present an ordinance to the Common Council to procure the necessary funds which will total $41,567.79. Upon motion made, seconded and carried, the Board approved Chief Bland's recommendation and suggested that the Fiscal Officer for the Fire Department prepare the appropriation ordinance for filing with the Common Council. REQUEST TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS FOR ISLAND PARK The Board received a letter from Rollin E. Farrand, Director of Public Works, informing them that plans and specifications for the Island Park Development have been completed and that procedures for the appropriation of funds have been initiated. Mr. Farrand requested that the Department of Public Works be given permission to advertise for bids at a date established by the Department. Upon motion made, seconded and carried, the request was approved. 1