09-23-74 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 23 1974 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING (CONTINUED) Mr. Gene Evans, Executive Secretary of the Civic Planning Association, wondered about the need of the stop boxes. Mr. Krueper stated that the stop boxes are located at the curb for the purpose of turning off and on the water when needed. He indicated that many of the boxes were damaged and inoperable. The property owners have not repaired them as it was originally intended. He felt th Water Works should maintain the boxes. Councilman Miller asked about the unappropriated balance i the Operation and Maintenance Fund of the Water Works. Mr. Krueper stated that everything goes in the General Fund or Operation and Maintenance Fund. The fund has been short because of previous deficiencies in income. The General Fund was in arrears approximately $300,000 because there had not been sufficient income coming into the fund; however, the arrears had been picking up. He indicated that the $25,000 could have been budgeted if this had been anticipated. This would be offset with the rate increase within the next few months, in Mr. Krueper's opinion. Councilman Miller wondered about the number of boxes to be repaired. Mr. Krueper stated that he hoped the number would be around 250. Councilman Miller wondered why this was going to outside contractors. Mr. Krueper stated that the money would not be spent there unless it had to be. He was hopeful that his own crew could do the work. He stated that the $25,000 would repair 250 boxes, and there were around 500 to be repaired in all. Councilman Szymkowiak asked where the boxes were located that needed repair. Mr. Krueper indicated that he had a list of around 480 to 500 boxes, mostly in the older areas of the city. Councilman Kopczynski indicated that he felt the $25,000 was a legitimate request. Councilman Kopczynski made a motion that the ordinance be recommended favorably to the Common Council, seconded by Councilman Taylor. The motion carried. ORDINANCE AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING THE SUM OF $10,000.00 FROM GENERAL REVENUE OF THE WATER WORKS OF SOUTH BEND TO THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE FUND. This being the time heretofore set for public hearing on the above ordinance, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Mr. Paul Krueper, Manager of the Water Works, made the presentation for the ordinance. He stated that professional services were needed in the northwest section of the city regarding the rusty water problem. It was hoped that the Water Work could do the work; however, some outside help might be needed. He stated that some phosphates might be added in the Pinhook area to line the pipes and hold the iron in its natural state in the water. He indicated that 80% of the iron was being removed and the remaining 20% was causing the problem. The water before filtering is aeriated and much oxygen goes with the water, oxidizing an causing the rust problems. He stated that, if the water could set for a longer period of time before pumping, perhaps the oxidizing could be cut down to a great extent. He felt that surge valves would also help reduce the rusty water situation. Councilman Szymkowiak felt that, with the elimination of fluoride, the rusty water problem might b solved. He asked that his idea be given a chance to see if the situation improved. Councilman Miller wondered about the expenditure of $10,000. Mr. Krueper stated that a firm named Watcon, an the firm's representative, Mr. Resnick, dealt strictly with water problems and some preliminary work has been done by Watcon. He stated that Wayne Chemical Company of Fort Wayne had also been contacted. He indicated that a contract was not being approved giving the $10,000 to Watcon. He stated that he would be using the money for surveys, purchase of surge valves, etc. Councilman Miller indicated that the purchase of valves should not be taken from the Outside Contractor Account but from the Equipment or Supply Account. In view of that, he made a motion to table the ordinance, seconded by Councilman Szymkowiak. Councilman Parent wondered if the money was appro- priated in the Outside Contractor Account and not spent, it could be spent for other items, and Mr. Krueper indicated that it could not. Mr. James Barcome, City Controller, recommended that the Council table the ordinance and a new ordinance would be drafted setting forth line items and amounts. The motion carried. ORDINANCE AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $107,000.00 FROM THE FEDERAL ASSISTANCE GRANT FUND, COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS GENERAL REVENUE SHARING, FOR VARIOUS HUMAN RESOURCES PRO- GRAMS, TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND THROUGH ITS DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES. Council President Nemeth indicated that it was decided the ordinance would be continued, and this had been announced by the news media. He made a motion to refer the ordinance to the Human Resources Committee, seconded by Councilman Horvath. Councilman Kopczynski requested an itemized budget of the amount being requested. Councilman Taylor made a motion that the ordinance also be set for public hearing and second reading on October 14, 1974, seconded by Councilman Parent. Councilman Taylor indicated that, next Monday, a meeting had been scheduled regarding the appro- priation. Councilman Miller felt the Council had not done all the work required before the ordinance was to have public hearing. He felt several members have failed to study the issue and this was the reason for the delay. Councilman Parent stated that the Committee of the Whole had met last Monday regarding the issue. He stated that he was in favor of the passage of the ordinance at the present time; however, citizens had come before the Council regarding the issue. He felt the issue was to find another location for Delos House. Councilman Kopczynski stated that he had written a letter to Dr. Wilett asking for a detailed budget of the appropriation. He state that he would not vote in favor of any ordinance appropriating monies if a detailed budget was not furnished the Council. Councilman Taylor asked the audience if they had understood the matter would be postponed, and a woman in the audience indicated that she had understood that. Councilma Serge stated that the citizens have objected to the location of Delos House, and he felt this shou be resolved. The motion to refer the ordinance to committee carried. Councilman Miller made a motion to recess, seconded by Councilman Serge, and the motion carried. The Committee of the Whole recessed at 8:45 p.m. Reconvened at 8:55 p.m. ORDINANCE AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $72,680.00 FROM THE FEDERAL ASSISTANCE GRANT FUND, COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS GENERAL REVENUE SHARING, FOR VARIOUS HUMAN RESOURCES (continued)