02-12-79 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 23, 1979 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING (CONTINUED This being the time heretofore set for public hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponent; were given an opportunity to be heard. Mr. Kenneth Fedder, attorney for the Economic Developmen Commission, made the presentation for the bill. He indicated that this $250,000 bond issue was for the purchase of land and the construction of a new building at the corner of Monroe and Columbia. He said the new facility will initially employ approximately five new people. Mr. Lloyd Allen, attorney for the firm, indicated he would answer any questions the Council might have regarding this bond issue. Mr. T. Brooks Brademas, 1614 Devon Circle, indicated that the homes should not be destroyed in the Monroe /Sample area. He indicated that the tire service and Business Systems should not be located in that particular area. Mayor Peter J. Nemeth indicated it was agreed, in a meeting, that the tire service center would proceed with their plans and Business Systems would be willing to move to an area to the west of this particular site. He filed a resolution which indicated the support of the Council regarding the new site for Business Systems. Mr. John Borg, who owns an apartment building at 711 Lincolnway East, asked how the Mayor could agree to something this morning that the Council will do tonight. Mayor Nemeth indicated they had agreed among themselves what they would ask the Council to do. Council Member Horvath indicated he was glad things had worked out so we could keep both businesses in South Bend. Council Member Adams made a motion to recommend this bill to the Council favorable, seconded by Council Member Kopczynski. The motion carried. BILL NO. 9 -79 A BILL APPROPRIATING $12,000.00 OF YOUTH SERVICES BUREAU MONIES FROM THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND CRIME CONTROL FUND FOR VARIOUS YOUTH SERVICE BUREAU ACTIVITIES DURING THE PERIOD JANUARY 1, 1979 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 1979. This being the time hretofore set for public hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Ms. Bonnie Stricker, Director of the Bureau, made the presentation for the bill. She indicated that these funds represent monies received from the County Commissioners of St. Joseph County, and are considered to be reimbursement for care and Counseling services used by the non - residents of South Bend. Council Member Miller made a motio: to recommend this bill to the Council favorable, seconded by Council Member Adams. The motion carried. BILL NO. 11 -79 A BILL AMENDING CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE 15, DIVISION 3 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, COMMONLY KNOWN AS A MERIT SYSTEM OF PROMOTIONS FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT. This being the time heretofore set for public hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponent: were given an opportunity to be heard. Mayor Peter J. Nemeth, made the presentation for the bil: He indicated that approximately four years ago the initial ordinance was passed by the Council supporting a merit system for the police department. He briefly covered the amendments proposed in this bill. Terry Bensely, President of the F.O.P., indicated that the F.O.P. had voted three times against the merit system. He indicated that this system does not have the cooperation of the members of the police department. Ms. Holly Brown, 215 E. Bronson, indicated that the Council should ask themselves what is the Mayor's interest in this system. Mr. Richard Albright 415 LaMonte Terrace, president of the Merit Board, spoke in favor of this bill. He said that given time and full cooperation from the police department a workable system could be establishes from the amended bill. John Cimino, coordinator for the Merit Board, thanked the Mayor for his leadership, and the members of the Merit Board for their work. He indicated he would answer any questions the Council might have about the system. Mike Carrington, assistant to the Mayor, indicated that the alternative to the merit system was the Board of Safety. He indicated that we have to support the merit system. Council Member Adams indicated that this bill was quite similar to the one defeated in December.. She asked that the Council examine the information she gave them in the informal meeting regarding a merit system established in Fairfax County, Virginia. She made a motion to refer this bill to the Public Safety Committee, seconded by Council Member Kopczynski. Council Member Serge indicated that we should have something that suits South Bend and we cannot take some other merit system and implement it in South Bend. Council President Parent indicated that this amendment would make the merit system easier to implement. Council Member Taylor indicated that if the Council did not adopt this plan then the police department would be back in the old situation of political patronage. Council Member Kopczynski indicated that some system should be developed that would be palatable to all concerned. He inddcated that they did not need Council approval for a merit system. He said this bill should be referred to the Public Safety Committee. Council Member Dombrowski indicated he did not support this bill. Council Member Miller spoke in favor or this bill. The motion to refer to committee passed by a roll call vote of five ayes and four nays (Council Members Szymkowiak, Miller, Taylor and Parent.) There being Parent made Dombrowski. ATTEST: no further business to come before the Committee of the Whole, Council President a motion to rise and report to the Council and recess, seconded by Council Member The motion carried and the meeting was recessed at 8:20 p.m. ATTEST: C I Y CLERK CHAIRMAN