07-26-71 Council Meeting Minutes

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601'0 REGULAR MEETING COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (Continued) ORDINANCE (Continued July 26, 1971 Fanny Grunwald, 227 South Frances Street, South Bend, Indiana, stated that rising taxes were hard on the retired employee on limited income. She noted that when Social Security payments go up, the City taxes also go up. She felt the taxes should be. held and relief provided so as not to create hardship on citizens with limited income. City Attorney Crumpacker stated the City had hoped to save money to apply to the Recruit Program (police). He said such employees would be employed at a civilian status while they were being trained. During training, these recruits could be observed to determine if they would make good police officers by their talents, atti- tudes, etc. and thereby the City would be able to ascertain if they were qualified to make good police officers. As is now, Police Cadets, once sworn in, cannot be discharged if they show to be poor officers or improper attitude, unless they commit some serious infraction of the police code. He further stated that salaries for cadets total - than for recruits. This pro- gram would also release present police officers to do ncessary police duties, patroling, etc., and the recruits could be kept inside to handle routine paper work and similar minor duties now being handled by present properly qualified and trained officers. He stated this program would save the City much in tax dollars for the program of recruits budget is some 24 to 25 thousand dollars lower than that of the police cadet training program. It was further pointed out that a saving could also be made as recruits were not covered in the Police Pension Plan. Councilman Palmer questioned this educational program because police cadets are also under a training pro- gram; this recruit program would add other trainees -- where would the saving be? City Attorney Crumpacker stated the City would have these people on the payroll in one capacity or another. Councilman Palmer stated he could not understand that the recruits would save the City any money. Councilman Craven stated that formerly the Council used to interview prospective police officers (cadets). He said that the Council had received no word on this program of recruits. Robert L. Hostetler, 206 Jennings Avenue, South Bend, Indiana, stated that every corner that can be cut should be taken. He stated we need industry in South Bend; the more industry coming in broadens the tax base and South Bend's taxpayers need tax relief. He further stated that of cities all over the country of comparable size, 134 have a lower tax rate than South Bend. Fanny Grunwald asked for clarification of the difference between police cadets and recruits. It was explained that in the age bracket of 25 -30 and older, many men wish to get on the Police Force. Perhaps they are not sure they will be happy as police officers, or perhaps they will not qualify. Recruits are employed on civilian status and unqualified men will not be accepted as police officers as opposed to cadets who are sworn in as officers prior to training. At this point Council Chairman Grounds suggested that the Council recess for fifteen minutes to discuss proposed salaries. It was moved by Councilman Palmer and seconded by Council- man Wise in favor of the recess. 8 ayes, 1 absent (Councilman Zielinski). Motion carried. Time 10:15 P.M. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING - RECONVENED Be it remembered that the Committee of the Whole of the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, reconvened in the Council Chambers in the County -City Building on Monday, July 26, 1971 at 11:00 P.M. after a recess and the meeting was called to order by Council Chairman Grounds. Councilman Reinke read the new recommended salary changes for the 1972 Budget including two changes for hourly rates, and recommended that these changes be adopted by a motion, which was seconded by Council President Laven. Councilman Reinke made the motion that the salary ordinance .be adopted as amended; seconded by Council President Laven. Motion carried. 8 aye, 1 absent (Councilman Zielinski). There being no further business to be considered before the Committee of the Whole, Chairman Grounds entertained a motion to rise and report to the Council. Councilman Re' ke so moved, seconded by Councilman Craven. Motion carried. Time: 1 10, P.M. ATTEST • CITY CLERK APPROVED: �/:� CHAIRMAN REGULAR MEETI G - R CONVEN Be it remembered that the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, reconvened in the Council Chambers in the County -City Building on Monday, July 26, 1971 at 11:11 P.M. The meeting was called to order by Council President Laven who presided. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MINUTES Your committee-on the inspection and supervision of the minutes would respectfully report that they have inspected the minutes of the July 12, 1971 regular meeting of the Council and found them correct. They therefore recommend that the same be approved. /s/ Robert 0. Laven 767 Janet S. Allen s/ Albert E. Palmer There being no objections, the report was accepted as read and placed on file. CITIZENS REQUESTS - MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS Council President Laven dispensed with the citizens requests and miscellaneous matters, due to the late hour., Council agreed.