08-29-60 Council Special Meeting Minutes

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VL LVV iLaa1 administer and perform these services in the same manner we did ten years ago. It is now time to re- evaluate the manner in which these services are rendered to bring about consolidation, uniformity and more efficiency or else we shall tax our local industries and businesses to the point that they can no longer remain competitive in their fields and jeopardize the equities of our thousands of homeowners. This attitude was accepted by many of our local citizens voluntarily several years ago when a prominent local industry explained their cost problems to their workers and adjustments in wages and consolidations of inter - plant partments were accepted to alleviate the problem. Certainly we cannot expenct our citizens and industries to con- tinue to make such adjustments while their local government gives little or no consideration to similar adjustments within the framework of.their services. We, therefore, propose a bold new approach to this rising cost of local government through the appointment-of a "little Hoover commission" composed of an impartial committee of citizens from both political parties to review the functions of local governmental units for the purpose of'making recommendations for the consideration of the councils and school board, which through better efficiency and consolidation would bring about reduced costs in the rendering of these services. This is an approach which even our highest levels of government have recognized as essential to maintain the economy of our nation. As our tax =rise is now even more pronounced on the local level a similar approach should receive the serious consideration of the local elected officials responsible for the administration of these services. It is our recommendation that the state boards also be made aware of this proposal and assist such a committee in making such�I-ecommendations so as to conform to the laws governing the procedure of operation of the governmental units. With`this assistance the recommendations can be both practical and workable. This proposal has been adopted unanimously by our membership as a resolution,and to accomplish this end we would also place at the disposal of such a committee the services of our Association for whatever purposes the committee would see fit to call upon us. Undoubtedly, either community organizations, representing affiliations of local businessmen, would volunteer their assistance in like manner if asked. Surely this is a,probiem that concerns our elected officials, as well as our citizens. They will recognize the value of this assistance from men skilled in this field in local industries and businesses. It is a challenge to these officials to bring about the best possible governing of our community in their tenure of office and it will give them the continued respect and confidence of the citizens for their offices. Very truly yours, SOUTH BEND CIVIC PLANNING ASSN., INC. /s/ H. R. GOODHEW Howard R. Goodhew President. The Budget was read in full and each departmental appropriation was considered individually. OFFICE OF MAYOR Councilman Kroll made a motion to amend A -261, Public Relations (Municipal Hospitality) $2,000.00, by deleting the item. Councilman Coleman seconded the motion. Motion carried. Councilman Coleman then made a motion that the Budget for the Office of the Mayor go to the Council favorable as amended. Councilman Kroll seconded the motion. Motion carried. OFFICE OF CONTROLLER Councilman Kroll made a motion to amend B -60 Employees Hospitalization and Medical Insurance by striking $48,600.00 and inserting $18,600.00 thereby excluding the Police and Fire Departments. Councilman Allen seconded the motion. Motion carried. Councilman Kroll then made a motion that the budget for the Office of Controller go to the Council favorable as amended. Councilman Glass seconded the motion. Motion carried. OFFICE OF CITY CLERK Councilman Krueper made a motion that the Budget for the Office of City Clerk be approved and go to the Council as favorable. Councilman Muszynski seconded the motion. Motion carried. OFFICE OF CITY TREASURER. Councilman Muszynski made.a motion that the budget for the office of City Treasurer be approved and go to the Council as favorable. Councilman Kroll seconded the motion. Motion carried. OFFICE OF CITY JUDGE Councilman Allen made a motion that the Budget for the Office of City Judge be approved and go to the Council as favorable. Councilman Kroll seconded the motion. Motion carried. COMMON COUNCIL Councilman Glass made a motion that the budget for the Common Council be approved and go to the Council as favorable. Councilman Kroll seconded the motion. Motion carried. OFFICE OF CITY ATTORNEY Councilman Ladewski made a motion that the Budget for the Office of City Attorney be approved and go to the Council as favorable. Councilman Muszynski seconded the motion. Motion carried. OFFICE OF THE BOARD Councilman Tellson made a motion that the Budget for the Office of the Board be approved and go to the Council as favorable. Councilman Muszynski seconded the motion. Motion carried. SEWER DEPARTMENT Councilman Coleman made a motion that the Budget for the Sewer Department be approved and go to the Council as favorable. Councilman Kroll seconded the motion. Motion carried.