02-24-75 Council meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 24, 1975 REGULAR MEETING - RECONVENED (CONTINUED) ORDINANCE (CONTINUED) PROGRAMS, TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND THROUGH ITS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY. This ordinance had first reading. Councilman Taylor made a motion to set the ordinance for public hearing and second reading on March 10, 1975, seconded by Councilman Horvath. The motion carried. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR Mr. James Russell, 1517 Fremont, indicated that about 20 petitions would be circulated soon within the city calling for investigation of the house burning which has occurred in South Bend at various locations. He felt it was impossible to burn down as many homes as in South Bend without finding the arsonists. He felt certain federal housing programs would destroy the inner city, and he felt protection should be given the citizens regarding these house burnings. He referred to the incidei regarding "Old Tom" which had occurred in January. He questioned the sub - contractors doing the electrical wiring jobs and wondered how many of these contractors were black. He felt the electricians were "bootlegging" and, again referring to the incident involving "Old Tom ", he stated that a man was merely trying to protect his home. He wondered who authorized the contractor to do the wiring. He talked about the election year underway. He talked about the many number of blacks giving up hope because they were being discriminated against. He wondered what the present administration and Council had done to help the black people. Miss Virginia Guthrie, 403 Lincolnway West, read the following statement concerning plans for the Crime Commission for 1975: South Bend Common Council February 24, 1975 County -City Building South Bend, Indiana Gentlemen: Members of the South Bend Crime Commission met in caucus earlier this month to discuss plans for 1975 along the lines we reported to you in December. A committee was appointed to review these and other ideas, and will report to the full Commission next month. We request that as early as possible the Council appoint someone to replace Mr. Dean Johnson who died last summer and whose place has not yet been filled. We were disappointed that no one from the Council or administration invited any of our members to participate in discussions on a police merit system particularly in view of the fact that one of our members had considerable knowledge on this matter. We plan to operate, at least for and will carry on to the best of our a] request that in addition to the Police with the Commission, that someone from a liaison person to work directly with be needed. the present, without public or private funds Dility. In line with this new procedure, we Liaison Officer already assigned to and working the Department of Public Safety be assigned as the Commission and assist in research that may Members of the Commission having accepted to serve in this area feel a special responsibility to the citizens who have been contacting members about local situations. We feel that the knowledge we gained last year can, and should, be put to use by con- tinuing to work with all citizens, organizations and public officials. copy: Mayor Miller News Media Director of Safety Respectfully submitted, SOUTH BEND CRIME COMMISSION s/ Virginia Guthrie Secretary Miss Guthrie submitted the letter to the Council members and the City Clerk. Mrs. Irene Mutzl, 320 Parkovash, talked about the amount of trash and debris scattered in the downtown mall. She wondered who was responsible for the cleaning of the mall area and how often this was accomplished. Council President Parent indicated that he felt this was a responsibility of the Department of Public Works. He directed the City Clerk to write a letter to Mr. Farrand concerning the problem. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Councilman Szymkowiak wondered about the purchase of the Frances Street property as a site for the Delos House. He wondered if this had been accomplished yet as the Council had not heard anything further regarding the matter. Councilman Serge indicated that the deal had been completed and the Delos House would be relocated to Frances Street. Councilman Miller congratulated Council President Parent on his manner of conducting the meeting, referring to the fire station issue. He felt Council president Parent had followed correct parliamentary procedure. He also felt that disagreements of this type among Council members were a strength rather than a weakness because it showed that the Council did not want to hide anything and shared ,a deep concern on many items before the Council. He felt the meetings were good exampl( of "open town forums ". Councilman Kopczynski again repeated that, when he had the floor, he wishe< to be able to question the administration and not be ruled out of order. Councilman Horvath indicated that the Council should concentrate on the issue before the Council and not go into other aspects which he felt Councilman Kopczynski had been doing. Councilman Newburn urged the Council to read the Municipal Code concerning meeting conduct. He indicated that he was thankful that the girl scout troop which had been in attendance at the meeting had left before the outburst; �s 1