06-26-72 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING JUNE 26, 1972 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING (CONTINUED) ORDINANCE AN ORDINANCE TRANSFERRING FUNDS WITHIN THE FIRE DEPARTMENT OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA. This being the time heretofore set for public hearing on the above ordinance proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard thereon. Fire Chief Jack Bland made a presenta- tion for the ordinance. He said that there is a very serious problem within the Department regarding the condition of the apparatus. The need is for fire pumpers. They have had a series of mechanical mishaps and problems. The snorkel was out of service for a time due to an acci- dent. In March it was necessary to borrow a pumper from Notre Dame to satisfy fire requirements at Station Three, an area with four hospitals and several nursing homes and schools. There has been a dilution of our fire fighting capabilities over a period of several years. Under a lease - purchase agreement we can get the needed apparatus as quickly as possible at the current market price. For three years in: °a row, 1965, 1966, and 1967, no pumpers were purchased. The cost is continually rising. The cost of a pumper in 1961 was $27,000 and the cost in 1971 was $46,000. A lease - purchase plan will provide a logical replacement program for the Department. Mrs. Janet Allen asked Chief Bland if this money was being transferred from the $83,500 motor equipment item in the budget and Chief Bland replied that it was. Miss Guthrie commended Chief Bland on an excellent report and said that, in view of the time element involved in the delivery of such equipment, the Council should consider immediately ordering two trucks. Councilman Kopczynski asked Chief Bland a number of questions about the replacement and repair of equipment, capacity of existing tankers, and operational accidents. Chief Bland said that disciplinary action is taken where there is willful negligence in the damaging of fire apparatus. He said that the Master Mechanic of the Fire Department works long hours, including week ends and nights, in an attempt to keep the equipment in running order. Councilman Miller asked City Attorney Sweeney if the Board of Public Works had recommended purchasing six pumpers. Mr. Sweeney said that this was the consensus of opinion at a staff meeting with the Mayor and Controller. Councilman Szymkowiak asked Chief Bland if they had investigated the best possible way to finance these pumpers at the best interest rate. Chief Bland replied that they advertise for competitive bids. Councilman Miller made -a motion to amend the ordinance to read in Section Q -52 "two (2) pieces of firefighting apparatus over a period not to exceed two (2) years ". Councilman Taylor seconded the motion. The motion was defeated by a vote of two ayes (Councilmen Miller and Taylor seven nays (Councilmen Serge, Szymkowiak, Parent, Kopczynski, Horvath, Newburn and Nemeth). Councilman Nemeth questioned the wording of the ordinance to appropriate $60,000 for six years since this would be more than the amount needed. Attorney Sweeney said it was the intent of the ordinance to purchase six pieces of equipment in the next succeeding five years until the lease - purchase agreement is terminated. In effect, they would be transferring $60,000 this year and appropriating $60,000 a year for the next four years. Councilman Nemeth moved to amend the ordinance changing the number of pieces of equipment to be purchased to three and the number of years to three. Councilman Kopczynski seconded the motion to amend and it carried. Councilman Kopczynski moved that the ordinance go to the Council as favorable, as amended, seconded by Councilman Szymkowiak, and carried. Chairman Newburn called for a five minute recess at 8:25 p.m. The regular meeting reconvened at 8:35 p.m. ORDINANCE AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE $175,000.00 FROM THE LOCAL ROAD AND STREET FUND TO THE ACCOUNT "SERVICES CONTRACTUAL" WITHIN THE LOCAL ROAD AND STREET FUND. This being the time heretofore set for public hearing on the above ordinance, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard thereon. Mr. William Richardson, Director of Public Works, explained that this would cover the cost of 50% of the reconstruction of the Penn Central tracks on South Main Street. This is a part of the TOPICS program and is 50% federally funded. Under the downtown renewal program, Michigan and St. Joseph Streets will be one way north and Main Street one way south. The viaduct at Main Street between Bronson and South has only a 12 foot clearance. The new construction will provide 14' 6" clearance, reconstruction of pavement, new drainage, curbs, walks and traffic signals. Construction is to begin in July. Councilman Kopczynski asked Mr. Richardson why, if the TOPICS program is to help move traffic on arterial streets, the Sample - Walnut area is not considered. Mr. Richardson said that there is an over -all comprehensive plan, but that the area Councilman Kopczynski referred to involves large structures which would have to be moved and would involve relocating people. This area will be included in the long -range plans but there is nothing on paper today as a timetable. Councilman Horvath referred to the Olive- Sample Street crossing as a problem that has existed for over 25 years and nothing has been done about it. Mr. Richardson explained that TOPICS does not encompass projects like the Olive- Sample crossing. 90 families must be relocated in that project. Councilman Miller moved that the ordinance go to the Council as favorable, seconded by Councilman Taylor. Motion carried. ORDINANCE AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE $180,000.00 FROM THE LOCAL ROAD AND STREET FUND TO THE ACCOUNT "SERVICES CONTRACTUAL" WITHIN THE LOCAL ROAD AND STREET FUND. This being the time heretofore set for public hearing on the above ordinance, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard thereon. Mr. William Richardson, Director of Public Works, spoke for the ordinance. This ordinance covers reconstruction of Main Street from Chippewa to Bronson and Chippewa from Main to Michigan Streets. This would involve a new inter- section at Chippewa and Michigan, and the widening of Main Street. $30,000 for this project would come from the cumulative capital improvement fund. Mr. Roman Kowalski, 802 Birchwood, asked Mr. Richardson where South Bend's share of this project cost would come from. Mr. Richard- son said that the Local Road and Street Fund is the 7th and 8th cent tax on gasoline which is allocated to the cities on a pro -rated basis. We have $1,200,000 in this account but must apply for the funds for each project. The other portion of this ordinance deals with preliminary engineering for Ironwood Drive and Ireland Road. The overall cost of this project is $2,500,000 and it is being forced on us by the construction of the Scottsdale Mall. If the city will show intent to reconstruct Ironwood, the state will reconsider an interchange with the bypass at Ironwood Road. U. S. 31 is the only road north and south through the city. Ironwood is the only other road running north in the city. When final plans, specifications and right -of -way data are available, the Board of Public Works will hold a pbblic hearing so that the citizens of South Bend can have input in this project. Councilman Kopczynski asked Mr. Richardson if the Board of Works hearing would be held at a time when the public would be able to attend. Mr. Richardson said he could guarantee it would be an evening meeting. Councilman Parent made a motion that the ordinance go to,--the Council as favorable, seconded by Councilman Szymkowiak. Motion carried.