04-21-75 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING APRIL 21 1 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING (CONTINUED) ORDINANCE AN ORDINANCE REGULATING SALARIES PAID TO CITY OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES. This being the time heretofore set for public hearing on the above ordinance, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Councilman Nemeth made the presentation for the ordinance. He stated that, under state law, salaries of the city employees are set by the Mayor and approved by the Common Council, except for policemen and firemen. He indicated that the proposed ordinance would require the setting of federally- funded salaries for employees. Mr. Gene Evans, Executive Secretary of the Civic Planning Association, asked for a brief explanation of Section III of the ordinance. Councilman Nemeth indicated that Section III would apply such as in the instance of a Water Works Commissioner receiving a regular salary as a city employee and also receiving an additional salary as a member of that board. Ms. Barbara Schankerman, 1615 Rockne Drive, read into the record the following statement: I would like to suggest that this ordinance be expanded to include the right of this Council to approve or disapprove WHO is hired, as well as the salary to be paid. Let me explain what I mean by giving you an example. Last Tuesday, John Smith, President of UAW Local #5, stated, in my presence, that jobs with the city have been guaranteed for all the 11 persons who were recently fired for walking out at the AM General plant in Mishawaka. He later explained that these jobs would be created through the use of CETA funds. Three workers from the AM General plant in.Mishawaka informed me that it's common knowledge around the plant that Jerry Miller agreed to create jobs for the fired workers in return for John Smith's assurance that Miller would get the UAW CAP Council's endorsement for Mayor. These workers further explained that John Smith prematurely spread the news around about the jobs because he will be running for re- election as Union President, and he felt that this deal would assure him of getting the much - needed votes of the AM General portion of the Local #5 in the upcoming Union election. Since John Smith's home company is Allied Products, he needs to foster recognition at AM General, they added. Now, first of all, at the present time there are city employees who are still laid off. It seems only fair that these city employees should have priority if any jobs can be made available. Secon ly, Manpower and CETA funds should be dis- bursed in accordance with the LAW - -to those persons who meet the governmental guidelines- -not according to Miller patronage standards. What I am suggesting is this: There should be some provision for Councilmatic control of hiring practices, in addition to salaries, to insure the taxpayers that salary money will be spent to meet the needs of the community- -not to buy Miller a Mayorship, nor to help buy Mr. Smith a Union Presidency. Mrs. Irene Mutzl, 320 Parkovash, a member of the Fair Tax Association, felt the public would like to see the Council have the powers the ordinance would give it. She wondered if it would be feasible for the Council to also have control over the hiring process. She urged that the ordina be passed and that consideration be given to her suggestion concerning Council involvement in the hiring process. Council President Parent made a motion that the ordinance be recommended favorably to the Common Council, seconded by Councilman Horvath. Councilman Kopczynski wondered if Councilman Nemeth had given any consideration to the need of the positions and the persons hired to fill those positions Councilman Nemeth indicated that he had not considered that. He felt the Council should at least, at this time, pass the ordinance regulating the federal salaries. He suggested that perhaps such an ordinance could be prepared concerning Councilman Kopczynski's suggestion. Councilman Kopczyns indicated that he would be checking into the matter. There being no further business to come before the Committee of the Whole, Councilman Taylor made a motion to rise and report to the Council and take a short recess, seconded by •Council President Parent. The motion carried, and the Council recessed at 9:20 p.m. ATTEST: ATT CITY CLERK C A RMAN REGULAR MEETING - RECONVENED Be it remembered that the regular meeting of the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Ind reconvened in the Council Chambers at 9:35 p.m., Council President Parent presiding and nine members present. REPORT FROM THE SUB - COMMITTEE ON MINUTES To the Common Council of the City of South Bend: Your sub - committee on the inspection and supervision of the minutes would respectfully report that it has inspected the minutes of the April 7, 1975, regular meeting of the Council and found them correct. The sub - committee, therefore, recommends that the same be approved. s/ Roger O. Parent Councilman Newburn made a motion that the report be accepted as read and placed on file and the minutes be approved, seconded by Councilman Kopczynski. The motion carried. ;e