08-11-75 Council Meeting Minutes

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COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING (CONTINUED) Councilman Kopczynski indicated that he had wished to appropriate funds for the purchase of two cars when Mr. Krueper had previously appeared before the Council for the purchase of three cars. He wondered if this was the same request, and Mr. Krueper indicated that it was. He stressed the need for the purchase of the three automobiles. Councilman Szymkowiak wondered if the department could get by at the present time with only two vehicles. Mr. Krueper indicated that, once a car was five years old or had 50,000 miles on it, it should be replaced. He talked about the problem, of replacing cars and the need to replace the cars periodically. Councilman Szymkowiak suggested that the department rotate the vehicles. Mr. Krueper indicated that the vehicles were costing the city much money in maintenance. He indicated that he wished to start a program of vehicle replace ment. He stated that the same number of vehicles were being utilized at the present time as when he had been appointed manager four years ago. He indicated that, if the three cars were approved at this time, he would only have to request purchase of four cars next year. Councilman Kopczynsk felt that approval should be granted for the purchase of the three vehicles. Councilman Miller made a motion that the ordinance be recommended favorably to the Common Council, seconded by Councilman Serge. The motion carried, with Councilman Szymkowiak opposing. ORDINANCE AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A CONTRACT BETWEEN THE BUREAU OF WATER OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AND CLOW CORPORATION, SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, FOR THE PURCHASE OF: I. DUCTILE IRON PIPE AND FITTINGS; II. LARGE BUTTERFLY VALVES, 16" AND 20 "; AND DRESSER MANUFACTURING COMPANY, BRADFORD, PENNSYLVANIA, FOR THE PURCHASE OF: I. GATE VALVES - ALL SIZES; II. SMALLER BUTTERFLY VALVES, 12" OR SMALLER FOR A PERIOD FROM JUNE 1, 1975, TO MAY 31, 1976, IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $260,733.02. 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, was present to make a presentation; however, Chairman Newburn felt the title of the ordinance was self- explanatory. He,asked if there were any questions or comments, and there appeared to be none. Councilman Taylor made a motion that the ordinance be recommended favorably to the Common Council, seconded by Councilman Kopczynski. The motion carried, with Councilman Szymkowiak opposing. ORDINANCE AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $25,000.00 FROM THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GRANT FUND, FOR VARIOUS PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMS, TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND THROUGH ITS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS. 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 the sidewalk improve- ments would be added on the north side of Ireland Road along the Erskine Golf Course in order to provide for the anticipated heavy pedestrian traffic associated with the school redistricting. Mr. Gene Evans, Executive Secretary of the Civic Planning Association, talked about the installati of the walk -wait signals at the intersection. He questioned the advisability of a sidewalk along Ireland Road. He felt the students would cut across the field near the school and go down Widener Lane. He wondered if sidewalks had been considered along Widener. Mr. Farrand indicated that, because of time constraints, it had been felt construction of the sidewalks along Ireland Road wou be the best route to take. He indicated that construction would be accomplished in less time. He admitted that Mr. Evans had a point but he felt that the sidewalks along Ireland Road would be utilized especially in cases of bad weather. Mr. Evans wondered if the sidewalks along the golf course would be maintained and cleared of snow during the winter months. He felt it would be more likely that the residents would clear the sidewalks if constructed along Widener Lane. He asked i the amount of $25,000 was to be used for installation of sidewalks only, and Mr. Farrand indicated that it would be. He stated that the construction of the sidewalk along Ireland had been determin to be much less costly. Councilman Taylor felt Mr. Evans' point was well taken; however, he felt it was incorrect to say that the sidewalk would not be used. He indicated that school would be open soon and the time element had to be considered. He felt that, in the future, there would have to be sidewalks along Widener Lane. Councilman Kopczynski indicated that there was a similar situation on North Ironwoo concerning the sidewalk construction and the city had mandated the residents that sidewalks be put in. He felt the residents along Widener should also be mandated to have sidewalks constructed. He felt the Council should not appropriate the money at this time. Councilman Serge indicated his support of the project. Councilman Szymkowiak felt that the South Bend Community School Corporati 'should be contacted to keep the sidewalks along the golf course cleared during the school days. Councilman Horvath felt it would be safer for the students to go down Fellows and Widener to the back of the school. He agreed with Mr. Evans that the students would take the shortest route (possible. He felt the matter should be delayed at this time. Councilman Nemeth felt Mr. Evans' comments should be considered, and he made a motion to refer the ordinance to the Public Works Committee for further study and the possibility of perhaps con- structing the sidewalk in a different location, seconded by Councilman Kopczynski. The motion carried, with Councilmen Miller and Taylor opposing. ORDINANCE AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE $31,500.00 FROM THE LOCAL ROAD AND STREETS FUND, AND $3,500.00 FROM THE CUMULATIVE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND TO PROJECT R & S 85, SIGNALIZATION OF FELLOWS STREET AT IRELAND ROAD. 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