03-10-75 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING MARCH 10, 1975 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING (CONTINUED) Councilman Kopczynski made a motion that the ordinance be recommended favorably to the Common Council, as amended, seconded by Councilman Horvath. The motion carried. ORDINANCE AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING THE SUM OF $72,500.00 FROM THE SEWAGE WORKS IMPROVEMENT FUND FOR STEP ONE OF THE LABORATORY RENOVATION AND ENLARGEMENT. This being the time heretofore set for public hearing on the above ordinance, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Mr. Rollin Farrand, Director of the Department of Public Works, made the presentation for the ordinance. He explained that, because of the expansion at the Wastewater Treatment Plant and additional monitoring as required by the State Board of Health and the Environmental Protection Agency, it was found that the increased amount of testing also required an increased amount of floor space in order to perform the work. He stated that, originally it was thought an addition to the present laboratory would be sufficient. He indicated that this would have been extremely costly so the matter was re- evaluated and it was thought a more effective approach would be to relocate the present garage facility and use this structure after remodeling as the laboratory addition. By doing this, the present garage facility could be updated. He stated that a steel building could be constructed to house the garage facility and then remodel the existing garage into the lab facility. Mr. Gene Evans, Executive Secretary of the Civic Planning Association, wondered if the garage and administration building would be connected. Mr. Farrand indicated that the administration buildin and garage would not be connected. Mr. Evans wondered about the suitability for heating and drainage. Mr. Farrand stated that the plans for the garage have not been completed but are under- way. Councilman Serge spoke in support of the project. He felt the laboratory was overcrowded, and the lab work was also being done for the Bureau of Water. Councilman Serge made a motion that the ordinance be recommended favorably to the Common Council, seconded jointly by Councilman Horvath and Councilman Szymkowiak. The motion carried. ORDINANCE AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $12,600.00 FROM THE FEDERAL ASSISTANCE GRANT COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS GENERAL REVENUE SHARING, FOR VARIOUS PUBLIC SAFETY PROGRAMS, TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND THROUGH ITS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY. This being the time heretofore set for public hearing on the above ordinance, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Mr. Michael Carrington, Public Safety Director, made the presentation for the ordinance. He stated that the funds would be used to continue the computer services being performed by the South Bend Community School Corporation. He stated that a contract with the corporation would provide the required services. It was decided to use this approach rather than trying to meet current salary increases in the hiring of a civilian director. Mr. Gene Evans, Executive Secretary of the Civic Planning Association, stated that there was an individual within the Police Department who was to perform this function at one time. He wondered about this. Mr. Carrington indicated that that was true; however, the services have been provided all along and have been funded through the Criminal Justice Planning Grant. He felt the appro- priation of this amount was a necessity. Mr. Evans wondered if this was funded in the 1975 budget for a computer person. Mr. Carrington indicated that he did not think there was an amount budgete Mr. Evans hoped there would be no duplication of services. If not, he could see no problems with the request. Councilman Miller also wondered if this was included in any portion of the 1975 budget. He stated that the sergeant in charge of computer work retired early in 1974 and revenue sharing funds were used for the balance of the year. He wondered if this was correct. Mr. Walter Lantz, Chief Deputy Controller, indicated that, last year, the same appropriation ordinance was filed with the Council. He stated that the same amount was being requested this year. Councilman Miller wondered if there was anyone within the Police Department who could handle the program. Mr. Carrington indicated that he was not aware of anyone. He asked that Mr. Larry Low, Computer Director, explain the duties required in the job. Mr. Low stated that, about three and one -half years ago, there were three officers involved. At this time, two sworn officers were used and thi amount being requested was used as a supplement. He felt that the proper training would take a great deal of time because the background was very unique. Councilman Miller indicated that he did not understand the specific interpretation of the data. Mr. Low talked about the three terminal computers and connection into the seven surrounding states and into Indianapolis and Washington, D.C. He stated that the individual hired for the job was a technician involved in all aspects dealing with changes in the system. Councilman Miller wondered about the output in the services for the Police Department. Mr. Low stated that daily logs are run on stolen automobiles, bikes, etc. This was done according to time of day, etc. Reports were also done on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. Various information was also obtained through the system concerning criminals, etc. He talked'about police law enforcement programs and the small percentage the computer work cost the city. Councilman Miller wondered if this information could be furnished the Council, and Mr. Low indicated that this could be done. Councilman Taylor wondered if any attempt had been made to fund the program through the Criminal Justice funds. Mr. Carrington stated that the funds would be provided through Criminal Justice;.however, they are continually pulled back each year. He indicated that this was the concept of the funding from the Criminal Justice Grant. Councilman Serge made a motion that the ordinance be recommended favorably to the Common Council, seconded by Councilman Horvath. The motion carried. There being no further business to a motion to rise and report to the ATTEST: ^ CITY CLERK come before the Committee of the Whole, Councilman Miller made Council, seconded by Councilman Taylor. The motion carried. ATTE 4 AIRMAN