04-28-69 Council Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes

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COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE APRIL 28, 1969 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING (Continued) Councilman Laven then read his letter sent to Mr. James A. Bickel, City Controller. Mr. James A. Bickel City Controller City of South Bend South Bend, Indiana Dear Mr. Bickel: Upon a recommendation of the Ordinance Committee, I am writing in their behalf, stating that in order to comply with the Ordinance amending Section 25 -60 of Section 59 of Chapter 29 of the Code of 1949, as amended, if passed by the Common Council, the following will have to be done: An additional appropriation may be necessary for the purchase of parking meters to replace the two -hour dual -type meters presently installed throughout the city.' This appropriation is necessary, subject to the passage of this Ordinance, because these meters cannot be corrected to comply with its provisions on parking meter rates. Robert 0. Laven Chairman - Ordinance Committee ROL /cv Mr. Glen Vories, 214 E. Ewing Avenue, South Bend, objected to the increase in parking meter rates and said the extra nickel will drive motorists away from downtown. Mr. Jack C. Dunfee, Jr., Attorney, representing the South Bend Parking Company, which operates downtown parking lots, said the meter increase really amounts to a tax, because meter funds ordinarily used for purposes that helped keep the tax rate down, now will have to be made up in some other way. With the rate boost, anticipated meter revenues will increase from about $120,000 a year to $170,000 Mr. Lloyd Taylor, City Attorney, said. Councilman Allen said the two structures will be in direct competition with the city's bus system by encouraging residents to drive their own cars downtown instead of using buses. Councilman Szymkowiak said the meter fee raise was not smart and also said if the downtown merchants want to push this, why didn't they form a corporation and build their own parking g Councilman Wise stated he was still opposed to the increase because the Council was doing some they said they would not do- -using money other than garage income to pay for the facilities. Mr. Roman J. Kowalski, 802 Birchwood Dr., charged that the city is undertaking too many losing projects and cited the bus system. He said he thought building of the garages should be left to private enterprise. Mr. Alvin Reeder, Superintendent of the parking meter department, said the 36- minute meters, at one -cent for 12 minutes in frortof the South Bend Supply Company were there five years ago when he became superintendent. Councilman Allen stated that she wanted to go on record as recommend- ing that these meters remain as they are. Councilman Laven objected to her statement, and said this was a Board of Works decision. Councilman Grounds made a motion to amend the Ordinance to read (Section-'.I a) "Parking or standing a vehicle in a designated space in a parking meter zone shall be lawful for twelve minutes upon deposit of a one - cent," Councilman Allen seconded the motion. Motion carried. ICouncilman Craven made a motion that the Ordinance go to the Council favorable as amended. Councilman Reinke seconded the motion. Motion carried. II nDnTWaMOW AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 25 -66 OF SECTION 65 OF CHAPTER 29 OF THE CODE OF 1949, AS AMENDED, PROVIDING A PENALTY FOR THE VIOLATION OF SAID ORDINANCE. 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. Max Jena, South Bend Taxpayer asked why two weeks ago it was necessary to raise this to $3.00 and this week lower the fine to $1.00. Councilman Laven replied that this is for the repeated violater who feeds the meter- -they will receive compound tickets. Councilman Grounds said it would be a mistake to fine someone $3.00 who was late coming back to the meter from a doctors appointment - -this ordi- riance was designed for the persons who always violate the parking meter time limit. Councilman Craven stated if a car sets in the parking zone, it will be towed away. Councilman Szymkowiak said this Ordinance will eliminate "curb hogs ".