HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-08-34 Council Meeting MinutesZ,
January 8th, 1934. REGULAR MEETING.
MINUTES.
Be it Remembered that the Common0ouncil of the City of South Bend, Indiana, me4 in the
Regular Session in ftee Council Chambers of the City Hall, Monday evening Januargt 8th, 1934 at
7*55 o'clock P. M. President Nelson presided. Sx AM Members present. The Minutes of the
previous meeting were read and-on Motion of Councilman Hull were accepted as read. Motion carri
CARD OF THANKS. 0,
We wish to acknowledge with sincere thanksmthe kind expression of your sympathy. Mrs. Hele
Allardt, Be We Cruickshank and Family. On Motion of Councilman Rokop the Card of Thanks was
accepted and ordered to be placed on file. Motion carried.
COMMUNICATION.
South Bend Central Labor Union
Jan. 4-- 1934-
South Bend City Council.
Gentlemen: This will introduce Harry L.- Lewis, who has been appointed by the South Bend Cent
Union to appear at your meeting on Jana 8th, on behalf of the International Association of Fir
Fighters Local #362.-Pres. Edwin Turnock Sec. -Fred Voudersmith.
COMMUNICATION.
St. Stanislaus' N Be M. Rectory.
South Bend, Indiana. January 8, 1934.
Mr. Jos.-Si Jaworski, Councilman,
Second Ward, South Bend, Ind.'
Dear Mr. Jaworski: I take the liberty of suggesting to the Council of which you are a member, a
increase in salary for the employees on the fire department.`
If. there is a body of men that deserve a consideration.to a higher rouge, they are the men:on ou
fire department because they are called every hour of the night and day to protect the property
and the lives of our citizens. Thanking you for suggesting this to the Council, I remain with b
wishes, Sincerely yours. Rev. S. Kuszynski
COMMUNICATION.
J; P. R.ozplochowski & Co.
South Bend, Ind. January 4 5, 1934.
To the Honorable Council of City of South Bend Ind.
Gentlemen: In regards to our South Bend Fire Department, I have the honor to say that South Be
Fire Dept. is one of best in the State for their loyalty and faithful service.
To my judgment they are under paid according to other cities. 34 cents an Wr in not enough pa
for a fireman. Ist do recommend 50 cents per g.'hour for this organization. Very Traily yours.xioz
J. P. Rozplochowski &u.
COMMUNICATIOlte
Holy Cross Rectory, 1520 Vassar Avenue
South Bend, Ind. January 6th, 1934.
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John F. DeGroote, US C.S.C.
COMMUNICATION.
South Bend, Ind. Jan. 5 — 34.
To the honorable Council, City of South Bend
Gentlemen:: The undersigned as a taxpayer of the City of So. Bend, let me say a few words; about
our fire department. We all know that they are underxid paid, even to the smallest town in S
Joseph County so please consider this at your next meeting as a protection for our city. Respectfully
yours, A. Piswosz. r
COMMUNICATION. St. Matthef's P arish, 1701 Miami Street
South Bend, Ind. January 7-, 19.34.
The City.Council, South Bend, Ind.
Dear Sirs : — In behalf of the Firemen and Policemen ofthe City of South Bend, I am writing this
letter with the understanding that it might benefit not only the above mentioned but all the
citizens of this city.
There is no one, I believe, who has escaped a reduction in monthly wages. The present :policy o
the.government is to increase rather than decrease the buying power ofthe individual. To further
reduce the wages of the Firemen and Policemen would, in my opinion, be detarimental to the COMMLnity.
According to the adage -- we give in proportion as we receive - -, a reduction ern wages, would
necessarily weaken the safety, protection and well being afforded the citizens by these two cla
ses.
I hope the above will be received in the same spirit as it is written and intended. With kindest
regards, Sincerely yoyrs, A. J. Wibbert.
COMMUNICATION. y' ='
January 6, 1934.
To the Honorable Council C1ty of South Bend:
Gentlemen: In regards to our South Bend Fire Dept. I understand the duty of the Fireman,.and I must
say that I do not know the reason why the South Bend Fire Dept* receives less pay than any other
City in St. Joseph County for their faithful servvice, I recommend to your honorable body to in
rease"
their pay. Respectfully Yoursk, Nazmir Fiwek, 450 So. Carlisle.
COMMUNICATION.
January 6, 19340 `
To the Honorable Council, Uty of South Bend,
Gentlemen : — Regards to our South Bend Fire Dept. must say South Bend has one of the best Fire D
pt.
in the State of Indiana in accordance , the fires we have in the City, we have one of the
lowest loses in the Northern part of the State and I fully understand that this Dept. is lowest
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paid in the State so I hereby recommend thegir salary should be increased at least according to
the
National Code. Respectfully Yours, Joseph IM Dusiynsk: ., 1226 Dunham St.
COMMUNICATION. January 6, 1934. r
To the Honorable Council City of So. Bend.
Gentlemen : — In regards to our South Bend Fire Dept. I have the honor to say that-South Bend fir
dept. is onwmof the best in the state for their to ality and faithful service, to my judgement
they are under paid according to other Citieg. 34 � per hr* is not enough pay for firemen. I d(
10'&
recommend an increase in salary for this organization. Respectfully Yours, Edward Be Magera.
Napier St. South Bend, Ind.
COMMUNICATION.
South Bend, Indiana, January 25, 1934.`
City Council, South Bend, Ind.
Gentlemen: In my estimation the South Bend Fire Department is one of the best in the State of
•
Indiana, for their loyal:yty and faithful service. They are underpaid according to other Cittes,
and
I firmly believe that their compensation should be higher for their hazardous work and the
Dr. M. J. Palic
i,
great service they are performing to the City of South Bend. Very truly yours,
M.J.P. MJP.RBY.
The Fair, 1924 Western Aveenue
South Bend, Indiana, Jan.' 6 19340
To the Honary Council of the City of South Bend Ind.'
Gentlemen: Much to my regret that I cannot appear in person to discuss the City Firemenla pay
( S -ee page 2251.
let me be allowed to express my opinion that we one of the must dependable, Royal and Trust-
worthy Firemen In this State and yet the least paid In this State, let me be allowed to
state as a tax payer of the City of South Bend to the Honary Council that you Gentlemen make
necessary appropriations to meet the demands of our City Firemen and make adjustments of their
back pay, so that they may be on equal basis with other Cities of our size and population. I
beg to remain, Respectfully yours, Val. Buezynski.
COMMUNICATION. -321 So. Michigan St.,
Gateley's I A South Bend Ind. January 1Tx 6, 193+.
City Council of South Bend, South Bend, Indiana.
Gentlemen: Kindly be advised that we are greatly in favor in seeing that the Fire and Police 'Ok
Departments of our City be restored to their 1932 wage scale. Inasmuch as conditions generally
speaking have improved considerably in the past eight--months, we feel that these gentlemen
who have worked so faithfully to protect our interests should be restored to a satisfactory
wage. Very respectfully yours, M. W. Sweeney, Gately Company._ MWS /FB
COMMUNICATION.
Westminster Presbyterian Churdh, Scott and Lindsey Streets
- South Bend, Indiana, January 4. 1934-
The Common Council, South Bend, Indiana
Dear Sirst— May I. in this way, express the hope that in your consideration of the Budget
and expenditures for the coming year you may see your way clear to hold the pay of the city
firemen from further maiY cut. They are a loyal proup of men. They stand ready at all times
to give of their very best in service. I-am well aware that it is no east task that you face
in determinlhg the Budget items in timesi like these. However, if in your general view of
things you can sustain them in and through the pay that they receive I for one would be pleased,
With kind regards and the best of all good, _wishes, Sincerely yours, Phys Price X Jones,
COMMUNICATION.
Bt. Stephens Hungarian Church 223 South McPherson Street
South Bend, Indiana, January t, 1934.
Hon. City':- >Counoil, City Rall, South Bend, Indiana.
Gen tlemew I wish to add my word to those who favor a well —paid uniformed force in this city*-,
A wage scaled down so low as to be little more than a mere pittance is not economy to the city
or the taxpayer. The risks a man will take depends a great deal upon the reward he gets for
taking it
It seems foolish to trust the safety of our :p lives and property to underpaid men. How can other
cities of smaller size pay their firemen and policemen more than South Bend? Perhaps their
appreciation of the dangers faced by these men is greater than ours. Perhaps.the peace of mind
derived from protection by -well —paid men is recoi#pense enough for the cost. Let us stand
behind these men at this time and they will reward us in our hour of need. Respectfully, Razz
Rev. Tarzman Kukle. Pastdr.,
COMMUNICATION.
CITY OF SOUTH BEND INDIANA
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
William R.' Hinkle
Mayor
January. �, 1934.
To the Members of the Common Council
City of South Bend, . Indiana
Gentlemen
South Bend is to be,aongratulated on the improvement-made in the past few .
months in its economic. -oondition.` Credit -for -this is. largely.-due its ci- tizena
and influences outside official departments: There is also a fine improvement
in the status of its municipal finances. Credit for this is due to officials
of the various departmentse'
On June first, last, I submitted recommenda#ions to your honorable body for
decreasing the cost of municipal government/ Many of these recommendations
have been followed and the cost pro3cvided for in the public budget has been
greatly reduced.` The threatened deficit was averted. All payrolls were met
and I am glad to say that there is enough cash on hand to meet the General
Fund matured indebtedness i except that of several departments to each other`
These can be fully met by departmental exchange when a part of the taxes I
still delinquent are paid and further bank deposits are released.
In my message to you of June 1, 1933 regarding the pay of policemen, firemen
and city employees, I proposed that any surplus remaining on December 34,
1933, of the 1933 tax collection should be distributed to city employees who
had taken reductions for the purpose of balancingnthe budgettl.' As there will
be no surplus funds I have no recommendation to Make.'-
As you known, the September session of the Ste Joseph County Tax Adjustment
Board made changes in the 1934 budge *.` Among these it reduced the pay of city
firemen 100 below the pay of city policemen and this not quite fairs in my
judgment* I have constantly tried to have persons in similar positions
receive like salaries.
The City Controller must recommend all changes in city expenditures and he is
willing to join in recommending to you that you authorize the restoration of
this 10% reduction to the members of the Fire Department thus equalizing their
pay with that of the policemen.' The improvement in the present condition
of the Cityrs finances over -that when.the Adjustment Board was in session in
September, makes this recommendation sound.'
I further recommend last June that provision be made by ordinance for maint-
aining the salaries and wages of city employee= on a pat with those paid for
similar services in private enterprise. I believe that with the change veeemn
recommended above the salaries now paid in the City are equal to those
paid in private enterprise and, with the exception of very few instances,
they equal those paid by other local governmental units.'
As a means of building up a surplus with which to meet any increases in
salaries that may be necessary to offset a general rise in local wages and
salaries I recommend to you that in any proposed ordinance designed foT -the
purpose of regulating the activities, time of closing and limitation of so-
called night clubs, saloons, bars and/ or taverns that you fix licenses fees
on a graduated scale for saloons, bars or taverns, and at least $x1000000 per
annum for night clubs. The threat of closing any of these places plus the
loss of a heavy license fee will assure a stricter obedience to the
ordinance by these groups.
The moral conditions, now a matter of general conversation among our citizens,
again brings up the point of divided responsibility for the moral cleanliness
of our city. I have previously recommended to your body that the Board of
Public forks and Board of Public Safety be abolished as provided under
Chapter 233 pf the Acts of 1933. I again recommend to you that this action be
taken. The financial saving to the city, while not exceedingly large, will be
helpful in building up a surplus and I feel sure that the efficiency of the
departments will be improved through the establishment of a single board for
both said functions of the City. Respectfully:
W. R. Hinkle, Mayor
On Motion of Councilman Altfeld the Communication was referred to the Committee of the
Whole. Motion carried.
PETITION. }
TO THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA : -
We, the unders-igned,- owners and proprietors of restaurants, inns, clubs and taverns,
within -the incorporated limits of the City of South Bend, Indiana, each having qualified
and secured permits to sell alcoholic beverages pursuant to the provisions of an Act of the
General Assembly of the State of Indiana entitled "'An Act Concerning Alcoholic 3FBeverages
and Declaring an Emergency„, being Chapter 80 of the Acts of 1933, respectfully petition the
Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, to anact a proper and suitable ordinance
governing the hours of our business operations and to include in said ordinance other
regulations and restrictions incident thereto. We severally and separately promise our full
co- operation and approval in such measure and respectfully recommend and suggest that the
following conditions be imposed and incorporated in-said ordinance:-
1. That all restaurants, inns, clubs and taverns dispensing-alcoholic beverages pursuant
to the provisions of an Act. of the General Assembly of the State of Indiana and situate`
within the copporate limits of the City of South Bend, Indiana, shall be open'for business
during the hours of six (6) o'clock A. M., andtwo (2) o'clock Ae M. each day of the week,
excepting Saturday, when such ;places shall open azt the same hour and shall close at the
hour of Thre (3) otclock A. M. Sunday.
2. That in conformity with the Act of the Generab Assembly of the State of Indiana no
alcoholic beverages shall be sold, bartered, exchanged, given, provided or furnished to any
person under the age of twenty -one (21) years, or to any person known to be an habitual
drunkard.
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3. That all places of business dispensing alcoholic beverages pursuant to the provisions
of an Act of the General Assembly of the State of Indiana, and situate within the corporate
limits of the City of South Bend, regardless of its classification, shall be subject to said
restrictions and conditions without discrimination and that said ordinance shall apply to
.all kinds of business engaged in the sale of alcoholic_ beverages at retail. Respectfully
submitted. ( 19 signers) On Motion of Councilman Goetz the Petition was referred to the
Committee on Ordinances to report back to the Committee of the Whole. Motion carried.
REPORT OF THE CITY CONTROLLER OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND FOR THE MONTH OF November 1933.
Balance on Hand First of Month ........... ............- ..................; - .158 313.42
Balance :gov�.., -30t. 1933 ......1 ................... ...................... 1944736.28
Respectfully Submitted, E. J. McErlain, City Controller.
The report was accepted by the Council and ordered to be placed on file. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE NO. 3044.
An.Ordinance ratifying a certain contract between the City of South Bend, Indiana, by
and through its Board of Public Works, and The Standard Sanitary Manufacturing Company, South
Bend, Indiana, for the purchase of Cast Iron Pipe.
The Ordinance was given its first reading by title, its second reading in full and on
Motion of Councilman Goetz the Rules were suspended by the following vote: Nelson, Whiteman,
Rokop,_ Goetz, Hull, Jaworski, Altfeld, Hiss, Oakley, Grzeskowiak, Cripe and Gustin, Ayes 12,,,
Nays 0. Rules suspended and Ordinance goes to third reading.'
The Ordinance was given its third reading by titre, and was placed upon its passage and
assed by the following vote: Nelson, Whiteman, Rokop,.Goetz, Hull, Jaworski, Altfeld, Hiss,
8akley,_Grzeskowiak, Crip a and Gustin, Ayes 120 Nays 0. Ordinance adopted.
RESOLUTION.
J[on:. pity Council City of South Bend
Gentlemen:
RESOLUTION
At two meetings held by the International Association of Fire Fighters, local 362 of A
South Bend, Indiana, on the 18th and 19th day of December, 1933, the following resolution was
unanimously adoptedl :
WHEREAS, for years firemen received low compensation while men in industry were receivin€
far better compensation in spite of the fact that they were not called on to face the danger
to life, and limb that firemen must face; and,
WHEREAS, firemen are required to work eighty —four (S) hours a week which is more than
double the hours commonly prevailing in industry, especially under the N.R.A. and.are also.
subject to call at all times even when off duty, without extra compensation; and,
WHEREAS, by an Act of the Special Session of our'Legislature on August ,18,,19 2, the
reduced only for the year 1933 from one hundred. seventy (170.00)
salaries of firemen were red y
dollars per month to one hundred fifty —three ($153,00) dollars; and
WHEREAS; due to the slow collection of taxes the Common Council of the city of South Bei
adopted an ordinance on June 7, 1933 further reducing the salaries of firemen from one
hundred f9f ty —three 0153.00) dollars per month to one hundred twenty —five (125.60) dollars
for the remainder of the year 1933; and,
WHEREAS, collection of taxes has since appreciably improved and in addition thereto the
Federal Government came to the assistance of the City by doing certain public work and
.supplying funds therefor, thereby taking off an ad�.3tional burden from our City Treasury; and
WHEREAS, it is the express.policy of our Federal Government, under the leadership of
P resident.Roosevelt, to raise wages: and lower working hours throughout the United states, and
considering further twat even at one hundred seventy ($170.00) dollars per month the rate of
` See page 227
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u
pay for firemen per hour amounts to about -forty -f ive cents (.45) which is less than that paid
for common labor under the C. W. A.
NOW, THEREFOREBE IT RESOLVED, that while we do not complain of the hours, we do hereby
appeal to and request from the Honorable Officials of our City, to- wit: the Mayor, the Common
Council and the Board of Public JD Safety, that beginning January 1, 1934, the firemen's
salariea per month shall be resumed. to that of one hundred seventy ($170.00) dollars and that
the higher officers in the fire department be likewise raised to the rate of prevailing prig
to 1933 in accordance with the spirit and intent of the aforementioned Act of our Legislature
and our City Ordinance -and in harmony with the express policy of our Federab Government.
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS LOCAL 362
OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA.
( Corporate Seal) BY Chas. A. Rupe
President
Charles DeVleeschower
Secretary
On Motion of Councilman Altfeld the Resolution was referred to Committee.on Ways and Means to
report back to the Cor*mittee of the Whole. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION. INTRODUCED BY COUNCILMAN JOHN C. NELSON. - -
WHEREAS, the Supreme Ruler of the Universe has called to his reward, J. Henry Hartzer,
a former member pf the Common Council of South Bend, and
WHEREAS, the deceased has spent practically all his life in the City, where he was
known and loved by many of his friends and where he was prominent in matters pertaining to
Civic Welfare.
THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Common Council of the City of South Bead., Indiana,
that we deeply regret the-passing of the deceased and extend to his bereaved family the
condolence of this Council, and further be it resolved that a copy of this Resolution
certified by the City Clerk be sent to the members of the family of the deceased.
On Motion -of Councilman-Cripe the Resolution was adopted. Motion carried.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON ORDINANCES. -
to the Common Council of the City of South Bend:
Your committee on ordinances begs to submit the following report:
Since the common council was last in session reports of a deplorable condition: have arisen
in the city regarding night clubs, and a deplorable character of publicity has accompanied
these reports.
No self - respecting man or woman, since the legal return of liquor, desires to see the city
left in the uncontrolled hands of dispensers of beer. At the same time the better thinking
classes, and especially the business men of the city whose trade from surrounding territory
will thereby suffer, must certainly be opposed to an exaggerated brand of publicity on the
subject, emanating from selfish or political sources, which will do severe farm to every
interest of the city. _
The repeal of the l8th amendmbnt must not bring the return of the saloon or the brothel and
its former evils. President Roosevelt warns against itxx against it and right—thinking people
and offidials throughout the country should lend their moral support and a prompt helping
hand to at once stifle any such developtent.
Your committee takes this first opportunity which presents itself thus to express its
views on the subject , and to recommend prompt action
The pitiful figure who presumes to acir as mayor of the city, backed by his administration
mouthpiece, conceives the idea that the suddenly arising night club situation will now avail
him the opportunity to rid himself of his board of safety, and finally place the police
department in his ooLvinimoompetent hands.
It is unthinkable to permit such a calamity to come to the city as the transfer of the
control of the police department and all law enforcement agencies at such a time as trhis
into the hands of this man as mayor whose known and determined purpose two years ago was to
open the city wide to Chicago gambling, liquor and prostitution racketeers.
The despicable political influence wlich directed and dominated his course regarding the
recent redistricting of the city, and the breakdown of eleotridal inspection, ( and the
threatened law suit which never came), now continues brazenly to dominate and dictate in this
matter, for political purposes and otherwise, the mayor's every word and every action.
Without defending the board of safety, we point out thattthe "court—made board of safety,"
as insyltingly referred to, is retained in power by court order solely on. account of the law
which says it shall not be discharged except for cause. If it is true, as the mayor through
his supporter and mo:tuthpiece says, that the board 6f safety has refused to enforce the law, or
for any other just cause deserves remorvals that removal can be at once accomplished and no
court action in the land can stop or enjoin the mayor from doing so upon such a showing.
If the mayor will make such a showing against the board, he will not need, the assistance
of the council, such as he asks, to place full police authorlaty into his own hands,, and at the
same time into t1ye hands of a political influence which covete,control partly to protect the
rent profits which it receives from the night club and beer business for a building it owns on
North Main Street.
The mayor has had ample time to have ordered the preparation of an ordinance for submission
to the council tonight emobodying needed liquor regulations. We have a rightt to assumes, in
view of the propaganda forthcoming on the subject which he has sanctioned and encouragedsthat
such an ordinance will be forthcoming tonight*
If the mayor, as the executive head of the city, fails in this duty, or unless a councilman
introduces-an ordinances then we recommend that the city attorney be ordered-at once to prepare'
an orctinance and submit it without delay to the council, which shall prohibit debasing dances
and entertainments in places where liquor is sold., provide for the closing Cc such places at
a proper hour, the prevention of sale to minors, including license feature with power-af XZXZXX
revocation, and such other provisions deemed necessary or proper*
An intelligent and self—reppectitigr,,public probably knows that ano such insulting, brow-
beating tactics as employed ny the partizsan political influenowhioh dominates the mayor could
possibly be expected to affect the council in the pr@pgrperformance of its duty; that the chief
V
effect of such a line of conduct is merely to further disgust an already long—patient public..
with such tactics.
As interested as the people of 98ut1h Bend must be in seeing that its i#terests are safe-
guarded, we believe that they desire effprtl to this end to be divorced wholly from politics,
and free frown unnecessary insult to a board of safety and chief of police. We be believe that
the merchants of this city, whose trade is at stake, can hardly relish the besmearing of-,the
city's reputation by exaggeration and by prominently publishing that the city-is notorious for
its sinfulness*'
Under any circumstances we think the public should be informed that this council will
not be bludgeoned into any course of action which will tend in,the least to place law entforce-
ment control of the city into the hands or under the domination of this pernicious, political
J
( 2 See page 228) ',
A
Concluded )
influence which itself profits from the night club and beer business.
Respectfully submitted, this 8th day of January, 1934.
Jno. C. Hiss, •
Julius Altf eld r
Committee on Ordinances.
On Motion of Councilman Grzeskoviak the Report was accepted and ordered to NZ be place on
file. Motion carried.
MOTION. ( orally)
Councilman Altfeld` takes a Motion that an Ordinance be drawn concerning night
. axdx b, the City Attorney and that the Mayor, Board of Public Safety
clubs a�az etc y Y Y
and the Chief of Police be present in drafting- said Ordinance.` Motion carried.`.
On Motion of Councilman Altfeld the Council adjourned at 9;25 o'clock P. M. Motion carried
ATTEST APPROVED
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OLE7 t�,�aP S ENT
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