09-08-03 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 8, 2003 democratic leadership. Mr. Cierzniak stated that alley vacations and abatements are good but there is more to the job than that. Ms. Joyce Boaler, address on file in the City Clerk's office, stated that she objects to one of the highest paid Indiana Councils giving themselves yet another raise. She noted that Beverlie Beck who was on the Council many years ago worked for her salary helping in neighborhoods in natural disasters. She asked where this Council was when in Twyckenham Hills they had a disaster a week ago during the recent storm. They were not on her street. Twyckenham Hills was without electricity for six (6) to seven (7) days. Ms. Boaler stated that she knew that the rotting food in the refrigerators would be a problem so she called the Mayor's office and presented her idea that there should be an immediate garbage collection on Friday. Mr. Boaler thanked the Mayor for carrying this idea out as it was appreciated. She noted that in past years the Council has helped. This time none of the Council was seen or anyone from the Mayor's office. She asked that they think about this in the event of another disaster. In regards to the salary increases, Ms. Boaler stated that they are unnecessary. The Council has health care coverage and a pension. There are people in the community who are paying these salaries that have far less than that to live on. Many are living below the poverty line. In conclusion, Ms. Boaler stated that the Council salaries are out of line and she objects. There was no one else present wishing to speak in opposition to this bill. In rebuttal, President White stated that clearly the Council budget is very low. The first year they are asking for zero per cent (0% ) and 1.7% per year for the following three (3) years. She noted that the budget request is in line and consistent with past Councils. In regards to the comments about storm cleanup, President White stated that she and other Councilmembers were working during the storm. They might not have been seen in the Twyckenham area but they were working and many were involved in assisting the City. President White asked for the Council's favorable support of the 2004 Common Council budget. Councilmember Kirsits informed Mrs. Boaler that there were a lot of Councilmembers working trying to find areas where roads were impassable and the City employees did a fantastic job. He stated that his decision to vote against this bill this evening is because he never felt comfortable, when the national economy is in a tight squeeze and the State of Indiana with the reassessment of the property taxes the way it is, that legislative bodies vote themselves a raise. It is a matter of example. He stated that he has done some research and the South Bend Common Council salary is a good salary at this point. Many City employees are underpaid and that is reflected by all departments having trouble keeping good employees because they go to other governments or other private sector employment. He stated that they need to hold the line and should not vote for a wage increase. Councilmember Kirsits stated that he will be voting against this bill. He noted that this Council does work very hard and everyone deserves everything they get. Councilmember Varner stated that he views this bill from a different perspective. A lot of what has been said is true to the degree that Councilmembers do not spend as much time as some think they should. He further stated that he believes that South Bend should have full time Councilmembers. This would allow someone to be downtown every day and not just after they leave their office. The only way the City of South Bend will ever have a Council that really expresses itself and works to the full benefit and full extend of its statutory limitations is when fh rY ;c n {-.,11 4;mo