HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-14-86 Committe of the Whole •
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The April 14 , 1986 meeting of the Committee of the Whole
of the Common Council 'was called to order by Council President
Beverlie Beck at 4 :55 p.m. in the Council ' informal meeting room.
Persons in attendance included: Councilmen Puzzello,
Barcome, Zakrzewski, Braboy, Serge, Voorde, Pa.szek, Beck and Taylor;
Doug Carpenter, City Clerk Irene Gammon, Joann Haper, Carol Sanders,
Michael Vance, members of the news media and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand
Councilman Beck noted that the purpose of the meeting was
to listen to the request of City Clerk Irene Gammon with regard to
computer needs for her office.
Mrs. Gammon noted that since 1981 she has requested
computer services. She has been told by the Controller's Office that
the computer systems do not "talk with" the -Indianapolis computers
with regard to licenses. She noted that such Cities as Elkhart and
Muncie have very effective computer programs which address ticketing
procedures.
She noted that the 'Siate Board of Accounts stated that
from 1982 to 1984 the City of South Bend has received 68% of parking
ticket collections. This compares to 80% which is the collection
rate in Muncie. In response to a question from Councilman Barcome,
a 68%- re-turn represents approximately $90,000 of revenue. Mrs.
Gammon noted that through the use of the magnetic tape letters go
out within a.. month in the Muncie system. She stated that for the, City
of South Bend oftentimes letters are six to eight months after the
ticket was issued. She noted that over 500 snow tickets had to be •
issued through her department because the Legal Department was too
busy. She also noted that a copy of the ticket must be filed and
upon payment the cross-check system is to be implemented at the request
of the State Board of Accounts. She noted that a hard drive system
was needed and compatability with the Indianapolis computer. She
stated that she has seen the system in Code Enforcement which has seven
(7) computers and five (5) printers with two (2) printers on order.
She also noted that the Engineering Department is networked. Mrs.
Gammon concluded that for over six (6) years she has received .
nothing with regard to assisting her in the parking ticket area.
Councilman Beck noted that the parking ticket area could be
a money making operation. Mr. Vance noted that it is income
producing. Councilman Barcome noted that if the system could be
improved income could be increased by over one-third.
FREE PRESS PUBLISHING CO.
Pige 2.
Committee of the Whole
Mr. Vance noted that the computer equipment was not received
for the City until late 1984. He further noted that the original
approach with the PC' s is not going to work with regard to parking
tickets. He did acknowledge that Crowe Chizek had worked with the
City Clerk' s office for over four days. He further acknowledged
that the problem is "talking with" the Bureau of Motor Vehicles '
computers since the City's is not compatible. . Councilman Beck noted
her concern over the design proposed by Crowe Chizek. She also
questioned whether Crowe Chizek should be obligated to design at no
charge a system which would work.
Mr. Vance stated that money would have to be found within the
Department. Councilman Barcome questioned whether a lease-purchase
arrangement would be an option. Mr. Vance stated that he would be
willing to work out a possible solution to the situation.
Mrs. Gammon noted that Fort Wayne now charges for parking tickets
$5.00 and $10. 00.
Mrs. Gammon further stated that if she could have access to the
computers upstairs on a basis of twice per month perhaps a system
could be worked out. Mr. Vance stated that this could be a possibility
but again the question of equipment compability was raised.
Councilman Barcome volunteered to work with the City Clerk's office
and the City Controller' s office in attempting to resolve this
situation. Mr. Vance agreed to prepare a work-sheet showing the
projected cost of implementing such a system. A suggested deadline
of three weeks from todays date was recommended.
There being no further business to come before the Committee, the
meeting was adjourned at 5 :20 p.m.
Respectfully; submitted,
Beverlie J. Beck
Council President