07/07/1980 Board of Public Works Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING STATUS REPORT - STORM DAMAGE OF JULY 5, 1980 JULY 7, 1980 Mr. Kernan stated that the Street Department, Park Department, Bureau of Traffic and Lighting, Building Department and Police Department had been called out immediately after the storm which occurred in the early morning on July 5, 1980, for clean -up and an assessment of the damage which had taken place. He stated that the departments had concentrated primarily in those areas where there was concern for the public safety and that most of that work had been completed by 5:00 p.m. on that day. He indicated that all the departments he previously mentioned were back out on the streets re- assessing the situation and following -up on any areas which might have been missed on Saturday. He pointed out that the Street and Park Departments were primarily out at this point removing trees in the heavily damaged areas of the city. Removal of the trees would take place first in the streets, then the alleys and lastly in the city park areas. Mr. Kernan stated that an assessment of the storm would be available within a few days. He announced that the city would pick up any brush or trees that had fallen if the property owners put them in the tree lawn areas. He stated that this would be done probably until the end of the week. He congratulated Ms. Gwen Stiver, Volunteer Chairperson, and Mikki Dobski, River Bend Plaza Coordinator, for their efforts concerning the Ethnic Festival. He explained that, even though the storm damaged and tore down some of the booths for the Ethnic Festival downtown, the event continued on through the weekend. Mr. Kernan stated that the overtime the city will have to pay for the clean -up of this storm and the one the week before would be substantial, however, he did not have any estimates available at this time. Mr. Hill stated that there may still be some trees down blocking streets, and he indicated that I & M would be working with the city crews in these areas since they involve downed power lines and pulled down wires. He stated that, at last report, there were still a few isolated areas within the city without power. He explained that a big help to the city was the fact that some people had come out and sawed up fallen trees and hauled the wood away for selling as fire wood. He stated that any of the fallen trees were available for the taking; however, the city assumed no responsibility for those persons who cut and hauled the wood away. He further stated that, in some instances, outside equipment would have to be brought.in to remove the trees. Mr. Kernan stated that Mr. Markle had estimated an amount of $50,000 damage to residences as a result of the storm, which figure did not include any damage to lawns, sidewalks, streets, etc. APPROVE INDIANA CABLEVISION RATE INCREASE Mr. Kernan stated that he had reviewed the financial information requested from Indiana Cablevision concerning its petition for a rate increase. He felt the rate increases as proposed by Cable TV should be granted so that the present level of services could be maintained. He stated that the rates that are proposed are consistent with those that are already.in place in much of the rest of the Indiana Cablevision area, and he did not think the proposed increases were an attempt.to have South Bend finance an unfair portion of the expenses. Upon a motion made by Mr. Kernan, seconded by Mr. Hill and carried, the rate increases were approved as follows: Monthly Service Charge for One Outlet (Residential and commercial) Monthly Service Charge Each Additional Outlet Installation Charge (New address) New Rate Amt. of Increase $ 8.95 $1.20 2.50 .50 25.00 5.00 1 1