07-09-73 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING JULY 9, 1973 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING (CONTINUED) demolition of the houses. Councilman Miller asked how many additional houses were being added on a monthly basis. Mr. Gallagher indicated that the Fire Department informs Mr. Steed of any house that is burned out in a given week. He indicated that sometimes it averages three to five houses each week.. He also mentioned that there is more vandalism during the summer months and once a hom is fired, the cost of demolition is greater. He indicated that an average figure was difficult to project. Councilman Miller indicated that the cost of tearing down the houses had increased and h wondered why this was the case. Mr. Steed indicated that many commercial structures had been demolished. Councilman Miller asked if the $40,000 of Criminal Justice Planning money would be going into the budget on the Peak School and if that amount would be used to purchase the property Mr. Gallagher indicated that the money would be used for renovation of the building. Councilman Miller wondered if the only cost to the city would be in the purchase of the land, and he indicate that the Council members would like to have a copy of the grant from the Criminal Justice Planning Agency and its requirements. He asked if the Peak School was within the city limits. Mr. Gallagh indicated that it was not at the nresent time_ Councilman Miller asked about maintenance of the building and an estimated cost, and Mr. Gallagher indicated that he did not have that figure available. Councilman Miller asked about a cost for furnishing the building. Mr. Gallagher indicated that this would be taken care of under the federal grant. Councilman Miller asked about security at the building. Mr. Gallagher indicated that the security would include protective screens., lighting, etc. Councilman Miller asked about the possibility of getting the county to operate the facility. Mr. Gallagher indicated that the property was deeded to the city and the county had expressed no interest in accepting the property or running the academy, and he felt tha should be in the hands of the city. Councilman Miller agreed; however, he did not have any figure on what the costs and additional expenses would be. He felt this information should be made available. Councilman Miller also questioned the request for $10,000 for educational incentive pa Mr. Gallagher indicated that the money previously appropriated for that reason had almost been use up. Councilman Miller felt the figures for special compensation and incentive pay could be inter- changeable under the "P" accounts. He questioned the fact that additional funds were requested when other funds had not been used. Mr. David Sypniewski, Fiscal Officer for the Police Departmen indicated that $57,000 was the balance in the educational incentive pay account for the remainder of the year. Councilman Miller felt the request for $10,000 in the educational incentive pay account was not necessary. He expressed concern about the matter. Mr. Sypniewski indicated that the department had operated on the percentages expended to date and the basis for that was a com- pilation of figures over the years. He indicated that in some years, excess expenditures were mad and budget shifts were needed. He indicated that he wanted to prevent this in the future. Councilman Miller felt there was no reason for additional money in the account until the money presently in the account was used up. Mr. Sypniewski indicated that was true if Councilman Miller wanted to take the attitude similar to persons who wait until their homes burn down and then buy insurance. Councilman.Miller indicated that was not the point in question. Mr. Sypniewski indi- cated that 90 days' preparation had gone into the ordinance and it had involved a great deal of re tape and paper work. He indicated that, if the ordinance was postponed, funds in the accounts might be exhausted. Councilman Miller asked how much money was left in revenue sharing for 1973. Mr. James Barcome, City Controller, indicated that there was about 1.2 million dollars. Councilma Miller asked if that figure included 1973 money. Mr. Barcome indicated that the figure included 1972 and part of 1973. Councilman Szymkowiak indicated that much money has been received through the Criminal Justice Planning Agency. He indicated that years ago, less money was needed and used in fighting crime and there was less crime. He stated that now more money is needed and the crime has increased. He felt the judges and attorneys were responsible for this and they should "crack down" on the crime situation and punish the criminal. Council President Nemeth asked what the figure of $6,500 in Program FA18 would be used for. Mr. Gallagher indicated that this money would be used to in- crease the number of men as far as availability. He indicated that, towards the end of August, this would be increased more. Council President Nemeth asked how many extra men would be obtained. Mr. Gallagher indicated that there would be 30 men at $5 an hour. Council President Nemeth asked if that amount would take Mr. Gallagher to the end of the year. Mr. Gallagher indicated that it would continue into 1974 until the funds were depleted. Council President Nemeth asked about the tuition at the State Police Academy at Bloomington. Mr. Gallagher indicated that the state takes care of the tuition. Council President Nemeth indicated that the city was paying twice for their police officers' training. He asked how much money would be coming off the tax roll if the Peak School was purchased. Mr. Gallagher indicated that school property was not taxable. He indicated that the building was owned by the School Corporation, then reverted to the Peak family and was now deeded to the city. Council President Nemeth indicated that, during 90 days' preparation, 'ianswers and supporting figures to the questions asked at the hearing should have been made available. He asked about the trainers for the school and additional payment to them. Mr. Gallagher indicated that all other time was donated by the trainers. Regarding Program FA25, Council President Nemeth indicated that money in that account was to be used only for courses per- taining to police training. Mr. Gallagher indicated that, out of 18 men, there were 5 or 7 men who already had degrees. He mentioned that the number of B.A. degrees was being doubled in July, and with the increased caliber of the applicant, more people with college background would take advan- tage of the educational incentive program. He felt this was the only way to attract and retain a professional police officer. Council President Nemeth indicated that the crime rate was increasing and more time and money was being used in teaching the officers. Mr. Gallagher indicated that he did not think there was any profession that would eliminate this requirement. He felt educational incentive was being increased. Council President Nemeth wondered if the training and education standpoint was being over - emphasized. Mr. Gallagher indicated that it was only through education that the men could be brought up to that level. Council President Nemeth felt experience played a bigger part in the training. He requested a list of officers and the courses they were taking. Mr. Gallagher indicated that 500 of the force had seven years of service or under. He indicated that that group had been more extensively exposed to education. Chairman Newburn indicated that he agreed with Council President Nemeth. He indicated that the Council wanted to see what the academy was doing. He expressed the feeling that education should not be over - emphasized. Mr. Gallagher stated that the Council was aware that the cadet program was approved and the cadets scored higher in testing. He indicated that, if the city encouraged these men to enter the Police Department, the city must require them to remain in college as specified in the cadet program. Council Preside Nemeth asked if that was a federal requirement. Mr. Gallagher indicated that other groups have had federal funding for the program; however, the new classes will not have federal funding available. Councilman Horvath asked when most of the crimes are committed. Mr. Gallagher stated that most Part I offenses occur between the hours of 6:00 and 9:00 p.m. and 12:00 and 1:30 a.m. Service calls occur between 4 :00 and 8:00 p.m. Most accidents occur around noon and late at night. Councilman Horvath asked about the number of men on the various shifts in the department. Chief Urban indicated that there were about 30 men on the day shift (7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.), 50 men on t