03-24-75 Council Meeting Minutes

Home Browse Search

REGULAR MEETING MARCH 24, 1975 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING (CONTINUED) ORDINANCE AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A CONTRACT BETWEEN THE BUREAU OF WATER OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AND GATES CHEVROLET CORPORATION OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, FOR THE PURCHASE OF CERTAIN MOTOR VEHICLES IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $8,725.00. 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 Bureau of Water, made the presentation for the ordinance. He stated that, in the 1975 budget, three cars and one truck had been requested; however, at this time, he was only asking for replacement of the three cars which were a 1968 Ford, a 1971 Plymouth and a 1973 Chevrolet. Councilman Kopczynski wondered about the mileage on the 1968 Ford, and Mr. Krueper indicated that the automobile had 53,131 miles on it. Councilman Kopczynski felt this car should have one more year of service left) He felt this particular car should be cut from the purchase. Council President Parent wondered if the three cars were approved in the 1975 budget, and Mr. Krueper indicated that this had been approved in the budget when it was adopted. Councilman Miller wondered about the total cars in the Water Works Department under Mr. Krueper's jurisdiction. Mr. Krueper stated that there were 42 vehicles. Councilman Miller stated that the vehicles were generally used by foremen or super- intendents to go from one pumping station to another. Mr. Krueper indicated that this was correct The three cars were being used as a mobile route truck, a mobile unit car and the car used by the retired foreman of the new construction crew. Councilman Miller wondered how many units were assigned to the administrative staff, and Mr. Krueper answered that the administrative staff utilized four automobiles. He drove one of the cars, the auditor drove another, and the remaining two cars were assigned to the 'meter foreman and shut -off man. Councilman Miller wondered what the auditor used the car for, and Mr. Krueper indicated that the car was utilized for doing business from the Water Works Department to the County -City Building, and the car was used by others as well. Councilman Miller mentioned the possibility of the utilities making certain payments to some cities in the state. He stated that a half million dollars had been lost by the city since the budget was adopted. He indicated that the economic conditions have changed with inflation. He wondered about Mr. Krueper's choice of totally eliminating one car. Mr. Krueper mentioned the start of the program on repairing the stop boxes and the need for the three vehicles. He also mentioned the meters which the department was not able to read in the past. Councilman Nemeth wondered if the three cars could be cut. He talked about the utility rates and he felt the city should anticipate the future. He indicated that the taxpayers were having to make their old cars do for another year because of theeeonomic conditions. Mr. Krueper talked about the depreciation of the cars and the possible breakdown of the present vehicles. He indicated that any cars over a mileage of 65,000 would have to be replaced. Councilman Nemeth wondered about the repair bill for each automobile during the past year, and Mr. Krueper indicated that he did not have that information. Councilman Nemeth wondered if that information should not be taken into consideratio He asked that Mr. Krueper not purchase the three automobiles at this time unless there was a break down, at which time he could request a replacement from the Council. Councilman Horvath wondered if any of the automobiles requested last year were cut from the budget. Mr. Krueper stated that he had requested five cars and the Council had cut this to four. Councilman Horvath felt two cars would be sufficient for purchase at this time. He, too, talked about inflation and the anticipate costs to the city in the future. Mr. Krueper felt if the cars were not purchased, the city would have to pay for maintenance costs. Councilman Szymkowiak wondered about the cost of a pickup truc compared to an automobile. He stated that they cost somewhat less and perhaps should be utilized rather than the cars. He wondered about the mileage being driven a week by Mr. Krueper. Mr. Krueper indicated that he averaged between 75 and 100 miles a week. Councilman Szymkowiak felt money would be saved if the employees utilized their own cars and were paid mileage. He stated that a person would maintain the cars better if they were his own. Councilman Taylor indicated that he would support a motion to eliminate the three cars and hope the department could get one more year's service out of the present vehicles. Councilman Nemeth indicated that he would second such a motion. Councilman Serge talked about replacement of the vehicles, and he stated that these cars were budgeted for in the 1975 budget. Mr. Krueper indicated that, even if the city replaced only 10% of the vehicles each year, that would only be four vehicles. Councilman Kopczynski indicated that, regarding the 1968 Ford, according to his computations, 7,500 miles a year were put on the vehicle. He indicated that the cars were not garaged at the Water Works. He stated that the cars were being driven home by the employees. Mr. Krueper indicated that not all the cars were being driven home. Councilman Kopczynski stated that 7,000 miles a year were being put on the cars by employees driving to and from work. He felt this mileage far exceeded the mileage put on the cars for working purposes. He felt it was time that the Council be given a policy on the use of the cars in the Water Works Department. He, too, wondered about the possi- bility of giving the employees mileage on their own personal cars rather than use of the city's automobiles. He urged that the Council check into the matter. He felt this would produce a savings to the city, and it was only fair that the administration put into writing the policy governing the use of the cars by employees under the jurisdiction of the Water Works. He requeste' that Mr. Krueper provide this information. Mr. Krueper indicated that he was following the established policy concerning vehicles which the Council made three years ago. He stated that the three cars were not "pleasure cars in any way ". Councilman Kopczynski indicated that the city government if run with cooperation on both sides could run smoothly, and the Council might have to dictate when necessary. He felt the city should restrain its spending. Council President Parent felt a certain number of cars have to be replaced periodically; however, at this time, he would support a motion to strike the ordinance. Council President Parent made a motion to strike the ordinance from the files, seconded by Councilman Nemeth. Councilman Serge stated that, by striking the ordinance, $8,725 would be save( He wondered where the money would be placed. Mr. Krueper indicated that this money would be taker from the Depreciation Fund and only 10% would be saved each year on a 10 -year basis according to the rules and regulations of the Public Service Commission. Councilman Kopczynski felt the Counc: was saying that some real thought should be given to reducing the city's car fleet. There was a call for the question. The motion carried. ORDINANCE AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A CONTRACT BETWEEN THE BUREAU OF WATER OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AND (1) INLAND CHEMICAL (continued)