07-26-71 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING (Continued) ORDINANCE JULY 26, 1971 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A CONTRACT BETWEEN THE WATER WORKS OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AND CLOW CORPORATION, BENSENVILLE, ILLINOIS, FOR THE PURCHASE OF: I. CAST IRON OR DUCTILE PIPE AND FITTINGS; II. MECHANICAL JOINT GATE VALVES, IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $618,063.13' b,. 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. John L. Hunter, Water Works Super- intendent for the City of South Bend, said that negotiation for the contract for a three -year period was entered into on June 17, 1971. Prices for the above utilities were the same for the first two years with a possible 6/ increase in prices for the third year which was likely due to the escalating economy throughout the nation. Chairman Grounds opened the ordinance to dis- cussion from the floor. Miss Virginia Guthrie, Executive Secretary of the Civic Planning Asso- ciation, asked if prices did not increase would the City receive the benefit of any decrease. Mr. Hunter replied that no decrease was forseeable and that the City would get no benefit of a decrease. Mr. Hunter stated that prices are based on an estimate of a purchase of 10,000 feet of pipe; City could buy any quantity or none. We buy none until contract is signed and delivery is made dependent upon need. Mrs. Faith A. Martin, Secretary for the St. Joseph County Fair Tax Association, asked if this was the first time the City would enter into a three -year contract for such utilities. Mr. Hunter specified that this is the first time a request has been made for a three -year contract. Others have been for only one year. Mr. Hunter referred to his letter to the Council dated June 23, 1971 which recommends that Clow Corporation be awarded the contract We can justify the award, and the prices for the fittings are lower. Councilman Janet Allen stated that she did not approve of a three -year contract for these utilities; 1968 -69 and 1970 -71 prices were too different. Mr. Hunter noted it was a mistake in not awarding a three -year con- tract last year. He stated that he did not believe present prices would stay, he felt they would increase. Seven companies submitted bids and Clow Corporation was the lowest bidder with no increase in prices for two years. Councilman Janet Allen asked for alternates on this ordinance. Mr. Hunter stated that the contract can be let for one year or any alternate; but recommended that the Board sign a three -year contract. Councilman Reinke requested figures for a one -year contract and Council President Laven mentioned that Mr. Hunter said the Council had requested alternate bids for two and three years. Mr. Hunter replied the City could have a one -, two -, or three -year contract. City Attorney Shepard J. Crumpacker noted that the Council cannot approve or disapprove a contract; such action can only be taken on an amendment to the present ordinance or a new ordinance. Mr. Hunter stated his department would have submitted alternates if it was known they were wanted. Council President Laven inquired, if there are alternates, whether the Council could vote on a suggestion of accepting the contract for the first two years. City Attorney Crumpacker stated the Council could adopt a resolution to this effect. Councilman Janet Allen stated there was an increase in the two -year contract and Councilman Palmer asked which bid was the lowest. Mr. Hunter replied that Clow Corporation bid was the lowest because of trans - portation costs. Councilman Janet Allen made a motion that this ordinance go to the Council as unfavorable, seconded by Councilman Reinke. Motion carried. 7 ayes, 1 nay, 1 absent (Council- man Zielinski). ORDINANCE AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 11 SECTION 11 -18, ORDINANCE NUMBERS 3913, 1 7, AND 4537 -62, A 3, OF THE NUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, PROVIDING FOR STANDARDS FOR INSTALLATION OF ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT GENERALLY. Mr. Forrest West, Building Commissioner for the City of South Bend, stated that this ordinance, as proposed, is to establish an editorial change to delete from the ordinance the words, "and all amendments thereafter ". This being the time heretofore set for public hearing on the above ordinance, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard thereon. Miss Virginia Guthrie asked, "What does it affect ?" City Attorney Crumpacker stated the ordinance provides to adopt any changes to above equipment in the future. Councilman Palmer made a motion that the ordinance/' econded,by Co ncilm Wise. 8 ayes, 1 absent (Councilman Zielinski). go o Council as avorable, ORDINANCE AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 9, SECTION 9 -3, ORDINANCE NUMBER 4381 -61, ARTICLE 32, SECTION 1700.0, OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, PROVIDING FOR THE STANDARDS OF ACCEPTED ENGINEERING PRACTICE OF PLUMBING SERVICES GENERALLY. 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. Forrest West, Building Commissioner for the City of South Bend, stated that this action is necessary by some requirements of the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. He stated the City of South Bend and the State of Indiana should adopt standard codes; Amendment by the State of Indiana, Volume 3, 1968 is the latest plumbing code. He felt the City should stay with Indiana for plumbing codes in the future. Mr. Roman Kowalski, 802 Birchway, South Bend, Indiana, inquired if this was another editorial change. Mr. West replied that it is to the effect that we are endorsing the Indiana State Code. Mr. Kowalski stated he felt we needed to follow the directives of the Federal Government. Councilman Craven 'inquired if we were weakening our current codes by these adoptions, and if we-were allowing Romex in high -rise buildings. He stated we are endorsing the Indiana State Code and that our city codes were better than those of the State. Mr. West replied that the City code is too restrictive. Councilman Reinke made a motion to adopt the ordinance as favorable, seconded by Council President Laven. Motion carried. 8 ayes, 1 absent (Councilman Zielinski) .