11-10-75 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 10, 1975 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING (CONTINUED) against the city. He indicated that he supported Mayor Miller's proposal regarding parking. He concluded by indicating that he felt the "symptom and not the disease was being treated ". Councilman Serge indicated that the businessmen were concerned about who would occupy the free parking spaces. He stated that they hoped their own employees would not utilize the spaces. He felt something was drastically needed to "boost the heart of South Bend ". Councilman Szymkowiak also talked about the problem of employees parking in the free spaces. He felt there was sufficier vacant land in the downtown area which could be utilized for parking. He felt the parking garage on Colfax Avenue was a "white elephant and he again stated that the vacant land downtown should be utilized for free parking. Councilman Horvath indicated that he supported the ordinance for this year; however, he wondered what would be done in January or February. He felt a time limit should be included in the ordinance. Council President Parent felt it was not right to set time limits on ordinances. He indicated that the next administration would be actively studying the matter for a solution. He stated that he did not know where the money would come from in 1976. Councilman Horvath felt there was not sufficient money for the program in 1976. Council President Parent felt money would be found for the program because it would only cost, at the most, $2,000 a month. He stated that he was not sure of the revenue loss and it could possibly be even less than what he had figured. Councilman Kopczynski wondered about the operation of the Jefferson Street garage. He asked about the rate of occupancy. Mr. Farrand indicated that, generally, that garage was full and it fluctuated according to the hourly parkers. Councilman Kopczynski wondered if it was able to sustain itself financially. Mr. Farrand indicated that those revenues were high enough and the garage "pretty well breaks even ". Councilman Kopczynski felt it would be well if the administration would provide a breakdown of the revenues from each garage. He felt the Jefferson Street garage should be excluded from the proposal. Mr. Farrand indicated that he had available the breakdown for each garage and this information was submitted to the Council every month. Councilman Kopczynski felt the garages should be treated separately in the budget, as well as the monthly breakdown. Councilman Taylor indicated that he wanted to show a willingnes, to experiment with the parking situation. He felt a solution would be found and some action would be taken by the next administration. Councilman Taylor made a motion that the ordinance be recommended favorably, as amended, to the Common Council, seconded by Councilman Serge. The motion carried, with Councilman Miller opposing, At this time, Chairman Newburn recognized Boy Scout Troop No. 584 from St. Anthony's Parish. ORDINANCE AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A CONTRACT BETWEEN THE BUREAU OF WATER OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AND SHAMROCK FORD TRUCK SALES, INC. OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, FOR THE PURCHASE OF A 1976 TRUCK IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $6,524.00. 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 explained that bids for purchase of the truck were let according to the statutes, and the contract had been awarded to Shamrock Ford Truck Sales by the Water Works Commissioners on October 6th. He stated that this bid had been $200 lower than the other three bids received. He indicated that a 1965 Chevrolet would be traded in for $600. Mr. Gene Evans, Executive Secretary of the Civic Planning Association, indicated that, in the 1975 budget, it was proposed that a certain truck be replaced. He wondered if this was the truck, and Mr. Krueper indicated that it was. There were no comments or questions from the Council members. Councilman Kopczynski made a motion that the ordinance be recommended favorably to the Common Council, seconded by Councilman Serge. The motion carried. ORDINANCE AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $45,000.00 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 indicated that the request for Community Development funds would be used for improvements to the Western Avenue viaduct, includin lighting and painting. He indicated that lights would be installed at a capital improvement cost of $14,375. He stated that the lights would be city - owned and would save the city approximately $2,495 per year which would normally be paid to the Indiana and Michigan Electric Company. He indicated that approximately $600 would be used for painting the viaduct which would be accomplish in spring, utilizing the summer program employees. He stated that the balance of the funds would be used to supplement curb replacement throughout the city. Councilman Serge wondered if anything had been done to help the flooding in the area of the via- duct. Mr. Farrand indicated that the sewers were kept as clean as possible; however, the city had not addressed itself to additional sewers. Councilman Kopczynski wondered about a set figure on the curb replacement program. Mr. Farrand indicated that he would come back to the Council for approval for the curb replacement programs if the Council desired. Councilman Kopczynski indicated that the flooding Councilman Serge had referred to had been alleviated to quite a degree except in cases of very heavy rains. Councilman Szymkowiak felt there was a great need for lighting under the viaduct. He felt the citizens were fearful of stopping at the stop lights at the viaduct because there was not adequate lighting. Councilman Miller wondered about.the curb replacement program. Mr. Farrand indicated that about $200,000 had been given for curb replace- ment, and about $75,000 was allocated for the Walnut Street project. He indicated that that money had been spent for the projects with some funds used for Westmoor Street, Miami Street, Walnut Street retaining walls, and Huron Street. He indicated that bad street areas were located on Kaley, Meade and Monroe, and there was need for curb replacement on Johnson Street and some parts of Campeau Street; also, an area on Wilber, and Oakside west of Fellows. He stated that he hoped the department could do a great.deal of the work itself. Councilman Miller wondered if these