10-21-74 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 21 1974 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING (CONTINUED) $100,000 was received. He wondered where this was included in the budget. Mr. Krueper indicated that that same amount was expended for the projects. He stated that, if the Council desired, an amount of $100,000 could be included in the budget with a breakdown of $60,000 for the watermains and $40,000 for labor. Councilman Kopczynski stated that the manpower was available in the 1975 budget to supply this work for the developers. He stated that the Council was not aware of the money that was coming in for the projects and desired to know this. He felt a breakdown should be received by the Council throughout the course of the year. Mr. Krueper indicated that he would furnish the Council whatever information he had. He stated that approximately $15,000 had been contributed to certain portions of some contractors' requests. He stated that the contractors are charged for only a six -inch main even if a twelve -inch main was installed. Councilman Kopczynski wondered where the difference was found, and Mr. Krueper indicated that would be shown in the depreciation fund. Councilman Szymkowiak again brought up the subject of the rusty water problem. He felt that, in the areas where there was rusty water, the flushing should be done more often than in the areas where where was no problem. Councilman Miller wondered about item 726.0 and the reimbursement to the depreciation fund. Mr. Krueper stated that under New services, an amount was budgeted. There was no expense in the Operation and Maintenance Fund. It would almost be a "write -off" if there was enough work, in Mr. Krueper's opinion. Councilman Miller wondered why the amount of $40,000 did not show up in the income column. Mr. Krueper stated that this would be credited to the other account. Councilman Miller questioned the net gain for the year listed on page 9. He wondered if this amount would be $40,000 more. Mr. Krueper indicated that that was correct. Councilman Miller wondered about the operating balances in the different funds. He wondered if the customer deposit fund had been paid back. Mr. Krueper stated that this had been done. He hoped that this year there would not be any deficit financing. He indicated that the $250,000 in profits would probably be exceeded this year. Councilman Miller suggested that a quarterly or monthly readout of expenses and income be furnished. Mr. Krueper hoped that such a month -by -month report could be compiled. Councilman Miller asked if Mr. Krueper felt that the amount of $326,000 in anticipated income could put the city back into a favorable situation, and Mr. Krueper indicated that he felt it would. Councilman Miller wondered about the Services Personal Account being below budget amount. Mr. Krueper indicated that, when there are vacancies, the department does not like to just "throw someone into the spot ". He stated that, just because the amount was budgeted, it did not mean that that exact amount would be spent. Councilman Kopczynski requested that a list be prepared for the Council to show the construction income and the names of the firms that business was done with, and also disbursement of that income. He made a motion to include the following provision in the ordinance: "Budget must include the income and source of it for the previous year from any contracted construction and meter income. This also must be shown on the monthly computer printout for the previous month." Councilman Miller seconde4 the motion. Mr. Krueper indicated that he had no objection to the amendment. Councilman Szymkowiak wondered how much was delinquent in the accounts, and Mr. Krueper indicated that most of the money was.received from the Water Works customers within 30 days. He stated that an amount of only approximately $3,000 was delinquent because the department shuts off the water, and the individual must then pay a service charge to have the water turned back on. Council President Nemeth indicated that, in the ordinance passed last year, it was indicated that the estimated income was to be included. Councilman Miller felt that a figure for expenses and income and fund balances should be included in the ordinance. Mr. Krueper indicated that, in 1973, that informa- tion had been provided. Councilman Miller felt the Council should hold off action on the budget ordinance until that information was made available to the Council. He suggested that the Council delay a vote on Councilman Kopczynski's motion until the following week and the ordinance be con- tinued until that time. Mr. Rollin Farrand, Director of the Department of Public Works, indicated that he could see no problems with the delay until the information requested was receive4 He hoped that the public hearing could be continued until the November 12th meeting, and he stated that it was not necessary to put the Council's requests in the form of motions; that he would be willing to provide them with whatever information they requested. Councilman Miller made a motion to continue the public hearing on the Water Works budget until the November 12th meeting, with the provision that, if any councilman had any questions, he be given the opportunity to ask them at this time. Councilman Parent seconded the motion. At this time, Councilman Kopczynski indicated that he would withdraw his motion concerning the monthly computer printouts, and Councilman Miller indicated that he would withdraw his second to that motion. Council President Nemeth wondered about the rental of office equipment as listed on page 5. Mr. Krueper indicated that three IBM ke, punch machines were rented and also a Pitney Bowes machine. He indicated that this was covered in one lump sum elsewhere in the past. Council President Nemeth asked about the amount in Account 26; Mr. James Barcome, City Controller, stated that the Water Works amounts are for programming and billing costs. Council President Nemeth wondered about the amount in Account 273. Mr. Krueper indicated that there were about 500 stop boxes which needed repair. He hoped that when this was taken care of, there would only be about 30 boxes a year to repair. Council President Nemeth wondered about the leak insurance fund. Mr. Krueper indicated that, when a customer calls about a leak, a determination was made whether or not this should be covered under the leak insurance. He stated that, if the city started maintaining the service line to the stop boxes, 12� would take care of the maintenance. Council President Nemeth asked about the balance in the meter deposit fund. Councilman Miller stated that, last year, it was $155,000. Council President Nemeth indicated that that would make the amount $105,000. On page 9, he questioned the depreciation fund. He asked about the watermain extensions to be made. Mr. Krueper indicated that, last year, the amount in the depreciation fund was $216,000. He then talked about the extensions to be made under the U.S. 20 Bypass, a section by Pinhook itself, and areas recently annexed to the city. Councilman Serge wondered about the supply account and the estimated figure. Mr. Krueper stated that all amounts were rounded out and were based upon projection. Councilman Horvath wondered how many people in South Bend had faulty stop boxes where the water could not be shut off. Mr. Krueper indicated that, if need be, the Water Works can dig to the main to shut off the water. Councilman Taylor talked about the Clyde Williams report made in 1961. He wondered about the recommendations made regarding the flushing of the mains. Mr. William Dillon, an employee of the Water Works, indicated that the report prepared set forth five recommendations: the construction of a filter plant at Edison; the construction of a filter plant at Pinhook; revision of the operations at the north station by abandoning Well No. 2 and utilizing Well No. 6; adoption of a regular cleaning program; and temporary stabilization by the addition of selected phosphates. Council President Nemeth made a motion to amend the ordinance as recommended by Mr. Krueper, as follows: Increase Foreman I positions at North Pumping Station to two positions at a total salary of $17,768. Reduce Foreman II positions at North Pumping Station to two positions at a total salary of $19,126.