08-27-73 Council Meeting Minutes

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RR ULAR MERTTMa AUGUST 27, 1973 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING (CONTINUED) and was only a few blocks long. He questioned the need for five mini - bikes. Chief Urban indicates that this had been implemented prior to his becoming chief; however, he indicated that the bikes would not only be used in the downtown mall but in other similar areas throughout the city. Councilman Szymkowiak asked if the mini -bikes that were purchased were similar to the bikes pur- chased by the New York Police Department, and Chief Urban indicated that they were. Councilman Szymkowiak felt the purchase of the bikes was a good investment. Councilman Serge also felt it was a good idea. He indicated that the Minneapolis Mall has been very successful using the same equipment. Miss Guthrie requested the Council to not consider appropriating $40,000 for education incentive pay because it was not being used for the purpose for which it was anticipated. She asked about the number of cars to be purchased. Chief Urban indicated that he had a breakdown for Miss Guthrie regarding the cars. Miss Guthrie asked about the Mayor's car license, and Chief Urbar indicated that it has been a tradition in the past for the Mayor's car license to be paid for out of the 570 account. Miss Guthrie felt that the license should be made a part of the Mayor's budget next year. Councilman Serge indicated that the morale on the Police Department was at a 50/50 basis. He felt that, if the incentive pay was taken away, the morale would drop still lower. Chi( Urban indicated that he was in agreement with Councilman Serge. Council President Nemeth made.a motion to take a recess, seconded by Councilman Kopczynski. The motion carried, and the Council recessed at 9:26 p.m. Reconvened at 9:45 p.m. SAFETY DEPARTMENT - FIRE Council President Nemeth indicated that the Council proposed that certain accounts be cut as follows: Account 110 ................ $7,512 Account 120 ................ 6,675 Account 213 ................ 400 Account 222 ................ 1,480 Account 224 ................ 535 Account 331 ................ 800 Account 370 ................ 100 Account 723 ................ 100 Account 721 ................ 300 Account 724 ................ 4,000 Account 726 ................ 2,000 Miss Guthrie asked about other equipment, and Fire Chief Bland indicated that the department was in need of two typewriters and some equipment for the trucks. He indicated that foam was also needed for fire fighting. Miss. Guthrie asked about the motor equipment, and Chief Bland indicated that this would take care of the replacement of three sedans and one 1 -ton truck. He indicated that, at present, the department is licensing 24 vehicles. Council President Nemeth asked about the sedans, wondering if perhaps smaller cars could be used. Fire Chief Bland indicated that that route had not been taken; however, it was worth considering. He did state; however, that the specifications would still have to be met. Councilman Miller asked about the purchase of a rescue truck, and Chief Bland indicated that it was not being considered at this time as he felt the seda and truck were a higher priority. He stated that the truck would have mounted equipment which could be used in such places as the mall where another fire truck would not be adequate. Council- man Horvath asked if the equipment was included in the purchase price, and Chief Bland indicated that the equipment had to be scheduled under the "Other Equipment" account. Councilman Horvath stated that, if that was the case, the truck alone would cost $7,000, and Chief Bland indicated that he was correct. Councilman Kopczynski asked about the colors of the other cars within the department, and Chief Bland indicated that all the cars are marked; however, his car was blue and not red like the other cars. Miss Guthrie indicated that operation and maintenance of the down- town mall was entering into various city departmental budgets, and Council President Nemeth stated that the Council was just being made aware of that fact also. Chief Bland indicated that the true to be purchased would be moved around the city and would not be confined to the downtown mall. Councilman Serge asked if the firemen were working on the truck, and Chief Bland indicated that th department was working on the internal parts. Council President Nemeth asked about the rescue truck and its purpose. Chief Bland indicated that this truck was run to every fire in the City of South Bend and special emergencies that the department is called to. He stated that it was not th type of truck to take that kind of abuse. Councilman Miller indicated that he would like to see that some equipment be purchased in that regard. Councilman Szymkowiak asked about the number of firemen, and Chief Bland indicated that 15 men were being processed at the present time. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES Council President Nemeth indicated that the Council had no proposed cuts in that department. STUDEBAKER HISTORICAL Council President Nemeth indicated that the Council proposed that certain accounts be cut as follows: Account 251 ................. $1,000 Account 252 ................. 2,000 Account 430 ................. 300 Miss Guthrie asked about the increase in travel, and Councilman Szymkowiak explained that, when a person donates a car to the museum, the car has to be picked up. TRAFFIC DEPARTMENT Council President Nemeth indicated that the Council proposed that certain accounts be cut as follows: Account 261.3 ............... $ 200 Account 440 ................. 1,000 Account 726 ................. 1,000