01-08-51 Council Meeting Minutes

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Certain charges have been made that our equipment is in a deplorable condition by reason of certain shop employees having been laid off. This reduction in force is not the cause of service delays as, of the 13 persons affected by the force reduction, only three were in the mechanical end of the shop, the remainder being washers and cleaners As is usual on all properties, when adverse weather conditions occur, we were prepared to work overtime in order to repair broken springs, burned -out clutches, etc, but, as a part of the aforementioned strategy, our union refuse to allow its members to work overtime in the emergency. Also, in discussions with the union committee they charged us with not having sufficient driving personnel. We stated, correctly, that we were endeavoring to employ additional bus operators, and actually took applications from upwards of 12 men. in the past two months whom. we were prepared to put- to work. The union's answer to that was to refuse to break in new men, for which the regular operators also receive extra pay. Add to these items the fact that weather and roadway conditions, plus the Xmas shopping rush, threw an unprecedentec ten to fifteen thousand additional passengers daily onto our system, and we unequivocably state that, all things considered, the number of bona fide complaints received by this Company was relatively few, and every possible step was taken to remove the cause of those, as is our usual procedure. As to what steps we are taking to improve the service, we wish to repeat that within the next two weeks we have been promised delivery of twenty new large - capacity General Motors Diesel coaches. This equipment will definitely preclude any possibilities of service delays other than those beyond our control by reason of the lesser maintenance and repair problems. Further than this, the new additions to our fleet will provide the latest improvements in public transportation vehicles to our patrons. Also, the increase in the number of buses owned will enable us to utilize the replaced vehicles in emergency movements, or sudden increases in passengers such as recently experienced. Other plans for improved service include programs of so- called refresher courses for all employees which, as has been proven in other cities, will result in marked improvements in operations and employee- public relations generally. Also, a revised system of service requirement traffic checks is being worked out and a resultant revision of our scheduling procedures will take place, which, again, will provide all- around operating improvements. Among other things, it wan suggested that a further fare increase be imposed on the people of South Bend and Mishawaka, in the mistaken belief that it would be productive of sufficient additional revenue to appease our union employees. Aside from the city -wide economic question thus ;,posed, it has been proven conclusively that, in cities where fares have been increased to a multiple coin rate, the drop; in passengers carried have been all the way from 1% to 21%. These drops fore - ordain a like reduction in service if the operating company hopes to stay solvent, and an insolvent public utility is of no use to anyone, including is employees. In closing, we respectfully submit that, coupled with the improvements planned by the Company, if our union would reverse its so- called strategy, and cooperate in every way instead of penalizing the public by its coercive tactics, we would then be in a position to make a substantial improvement in the service and at the present ten -cent rate of fare. if it`be the pleasure of your honorable body that we submit any further information, or appear in person at any time, we shall be most happy to comply with your wishes in the premises. Respectfully submitted, NORTHERN INDIANA TRANSIT, INC. (Signed) R. R. Smith, President " E. G. Crandon, Vice - President & General Manager Councilman Korpal made a motion that the Clerk send a copy of the report from the bus company to all members of the Council and delay action until the next Council meeting. Councilman Kemper seconded the motion. Motion carried. REPORT OF CITY PLAN COMMISSION To,the Common Council City of South Bend, Indiana Gentlemen: Petition of Josephine Korpal for change of zoning of Lot No. 111 in Linden Place Addition from C commercial district to A residence district was given public hearing December 7, 1950. This petition does not ask for change in height, and area district but should be made A height and area district to correspond to the A residence classification. With this modification, the change is recommended. This lot is at the southeast corner of Sibley Avenue and Brookfield Street, Respectfully, D. Moomaw, Secretary 'Councilman Tellson made a motion that the report be accepted. Councilman Korpal seconded the motion. Motion 'carried. 'ORDINANCE NO. 3792 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 37020 COMMONLY KNOWN AS THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA. . (Lot No. 111 in Linden Place Addition) The ordinance was given first reading by title and second reading in full. Councilman Erler made a motion for suspension of rules. Councilman Glass seconded the motion. Motion carried by a roll call vote of 8-ayes - 0 nays. The ordinance was given third reading and passed by a roll call vote of 8 ayes - 0 nays.