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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-11-41 Council Meeting MinutesBe it remembered that the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, met in regular session in the Council Chambers, City Hall, Monday, August 11, 1941, at 8:18 P.M. with all members present except Councilman Bishop. President Richardson presided. The reading of the minutes of the previous meeting was waived by agreement. COMMUNICATION August 11, 1941 To the Common Council of the City of South Bend Gentlemen: The Board of Water Works Trustees desires to call certain matters to your attention. As you are no doubt aware, the Water Works was recently relieved of its obligation to pay taxes to St. Joseph County. It is the opinion of the Trustees, that the Water Works should bear its fair share of the tax burden of the city of South Bend. These taxes, if paid, would amount approximately to $19,450.00 per year. The Trustees therefore request that the Council by proper ordinance, cause the transfer from the Water Works general fund, to the general fund of the city of South Beni, the amount of $38,900.00, as the amount representing taxes which would have been payable in the years 1940 and 1941. In addition,thereto, the Trustees feel that they are able to report the result of certain increases of efficiency i the operation of the Water Works. This increase in efficiency is partially reflected by way of collection of aecou permitted, in earlier years, to become delinquent. This efficient operation carried out under the supervision of Mr. Giles Cain, Superintendent of the Water Works, has resultedin a substantial improvement of the financial condi- tion of the Water Works. It is the opinion of the Trustees that the reduction of the delinquent accounts makes it possible to transfer the additional amount of $8,000.00 from the general fund of the city Water Works, to the gener fund of the city of South Bend. The transfer of these amount totaling X46,900.00, will provide a means for assisting the citizens of the Community by making possible a reduction of the local tax burden of the property owners, and thereby making it easier for these citizens to bear their fair share of the increasing cost of National Defense. Respectfully submitted, By HARRY S. DRIGGS Chairman, Board of Water Trustees Councilman Pulaski made a motion that the City Attorney be instructed to draw up an ordinance to cover the transfer of said funds from the Water Works general fund to the general fund of the city of South Bend. Councilman Niezgodski seconded the motion. Motion carried by a vote of 8 ayes - 0 nays - 1 absent. COGLMUNICATION August 11 -1941 President and Members of the Common Council City of South Bend, Indiana Gentlemen:- I wish to take this opportunity to thank the members of your Honorable Body for your splendid cooperation during the past year and not only appreciate your constructive assistance and cooperation with my office, but I also appreciate your cooperation with the various Department Heads of the City. It is my privilege to present to you the proposed annual budget for the Civil City of South Bend covering the year 194219 the proposed annual budget covering the Park City and the annual salary ordinance covering the Police and Fire Departments and various other city employees. There has been an almost universal request on the part of the City employees for an increase of wages for the year 1942. This request is based on the increased cost of living, due in large measure to the present National emergency I feel, that I am certain you also feel, that these requests are quite justifiable as long as they are conservative in their demand, and are in line with those people employed in private industries. I feel too that there should not be an attempt made to establish at this time a new base rate of pay, but that any increases granted now are of a temporary nature occasioned because of the increased cost of living. When the emergency is passed and living condi- tions have readjusted themselves to a normal basis, then it should be understood that the base rates now in effect should be resumed. I realize, also, that none of us know how long this emergency may continue, or the extent of its effect, and it may therefore become necessary to make still further advances in some cases than those now proposed, in order to treat the employees of the city equitable and fairly. I would like first to call your attention to the salary ordinance insofar as it applies to the Police and Fire dep ments. There is no recommendation for a change in the rate of pay to the members of these Departments. However, they are to have a hearing before the Finance Committee on the subject. We realize, of course, that when there is an increase in the cost of living, it effects the members of these Departments the same as it effects employees in other Departments of the City, or those in private industries. There are, however, extenuating circumstances for the failure to grant the 15/ increase requested by the Wage Committee of the Police, Fire and Electrical Departments. The police and firemen are protected in their jobs over a long period of years and can only be removed for cause at any time. They are members of the Police and Firemen Pension Fund that gives to each of them a pension of 185.00 per month at the completion of twenty years of service up to 4103.00 per month on the completion of twenty -five years of service. There are also features in this pension 'plan which grants pensions to the widows and support of minor children of deceased police- or..firemen. A survey made by one of the large insurance companies shows that the benefits accruing under the pension plan to any member of either of these Departments would cost the individual more than $700.00 per year to purchase. The pay of these in- dividuals is more stabilized throughout the years and is not effected as drastically during the period of depression, Statistics show that the members of these Departments are now next to the highest paid of any Department in the Sta of Indiana, and are paid higher salaries than the average of similar departments in industrial cities of a similar and larger population than this city. There are several positions in the city where the salaries are fixed by the Council for a period of four years. These include the Mayor, Controller, Deputy Controller, City Clerk, ex- officio City Treasurer, City Judge, City Attorney, City Engineer and members of the Common Council. It is recommended, and the salary ordinance and the proposed budgets will in most cases show, that an increase of 10% is set up for city employees, whose salaries are now less than $3000.00. II have no desire to try and point out in this communication all the items that account for changes in the proposed budget from the-budget-of last year. I would, however, like to set forth briefly the major items. It is proposed to add to the present personnel of the Police Department fifteen persons. The year 1940 was the wor year in the history of South Bend from the standpoint of traffic accidents and fatalities. The traffic problem has 2'7 5. been increasing annually due to the increased number of motor vehicles on our streets and with the increasing de- fense activity throughout this area. I realize the problem will continue to grow. It is, therefore, proposed to set up a separate traffic division within the Department and the added personnel is necessary to man the Department. The unfortunate angle of this added expense to the taxpayer, is, that here is an expense that he must assume purely because he is unwilling to police his or her own actions while at the wheel of an autbmobile. Courtesy, good manne and the evercise of individual caution could have eliminated this tax item in its entirety. In the Fire Department budget is an item of $1500.00 set up to provide a drill tower for the use of this Department There is mi item of $10,000.00 for preparation for future expansion of the Department, together with the formation of a Fire Prevention. Bureau. It is planned that a survey will be made to determine the proper procedure to give greater efficiency to the Department, either through the consolidation of Stations No. 3 or No. 5 with another Station; the relocation of one or both of these stations or the creation of a double station at the present locatio of No. 10 Hose House. $10,000.00 is set aside for use when this survey and recommendation is completed. It is realized, I am sure, that with the city limits being extended, there is greater areas to be covered by the Depart- ment and with the greater increased building program under way, we must prepare the Department to properly protect the property of our citizens and taxpayers. There is a 5X increase in the levy to provide the necessary funds for the Bond Sinking Fund account. It is necessary.to provide $7,000.00 to defray the expense of a city election. This item is included at the sugges tion of Mr. Henry S. Mu rray,.Chairman of the Indiana Tax Board, because of the uncertainty of the validity of the Skip Election Bill passed by the last session of legislature. $4,000.00 addition added to the Street Lighting Account. An increase of $29,000.00 in the Street Department, which also includes the funds for the Traffic Department. There is an increase of approximately $7,000.00 in the Park Department to care for increase of wages and other items. It is proposed to add an additional inspector in the Board of Health .to be used jointly as Food and Milk Inspector. There is an item of $14,500.00 in the budget for repair of bridges. This money is.expected to be used in the repair of the Sample Street bridge, which is now in serious need of repairs. The total Civil City rate for the year 1941 was 83. 5, the proposed rate for the year 1942' is 82.3X. This, in view of the increased money necessary for the operation of the city, and the revenue necessary to take care of the in- creased costs this year, is expected to come from the following sources: Approximately 554,600.00 from increased gasoline funds; approximately $35,000.00 from the increased assessed valua- tions; approximately $16,500.00 from Barrett Law recovery; approximately $5,000.00 from the sale of properties. It is also proposed to transfer $46,900.00 from the General Funds of the Water Department to the Civil City. The Water Department is no longer required to pay property taxes on their holdings, and since the money which they paid has the effect of lowering the taxes of other taxpayers, it is my thought that an amount of .money equal to the amoux of these property taxes, should be transferred to the Civil City in order that these tazpayers may not be penalized from the loss of revenue which they have had in the past. It is, therefore, proposed to.transfer approximately $38,000.00 representative of two years property tax on the Water Department, plus an-item of approximately $8,900.00 which represents the amount which delinquent accounts in the Department have been reduced. . After transferring this amount of $46,W0,00 from the Water Department to the Civil City, and after paying for all improvements which have been made, which includes three 38" wells with a capacity of nine million gallons of water daily, the rehabilitation of the downtown mains and valves, and other construction work, there still remains ample funds in the Department to provide for any emergency that might arise, for the maintenance of reserve accounts, foi the payment of maturing bonds or other necessary items in the Department. At the time this Department was taken over by this Administration, the liquid funds of the Department had been reduced to approximately $3,000.00. These funds have now been built up to the point where this transfer can safely be made and the taxpayers benefited by such transfer. It has been the hope and desire of myself together with the various Department Heads, that this years tax rate shot not be increased regardless of the large amount of increase of money necessary for the proper operation of the city realizing as they did the emergency which existed and the vast amount of taxes necessary to maintain our defense program. However, as is characteristic of most urban citizens because their local government is in direct and quick reach, they demand greater economy in municipal expenditures,b ut at the same time continue to call for more and better services. Keeping in mind, as I know you will. the necessity for the economical administration of governmental costs consiste with proper services, I submit herewith this budget for your careful consideration. JIP IMB' Very truly yours, JESSE I. PAVEY Mayor of South Bend Councilman Pulaski made a motion that the communication from the Mayor and the attached budget ordinances be referr to the Finance Committee. Councilman Niezgodski seconded the motion. Motion carried. REPORT OF THE C(NAVITTEE OF THE WHOLE To the Common Council of the City of South Bend: August 11, 1941 Your Committee of the Whole to whom was referred "An ordinance annexing contiguous territory to the City of South Bend, Indiana" Respectfully report that they have examined the matter and that in their opinion this ordinance shall be referred to the Council favorably. LEO M. JORDAN, Chairman Councilman Brannan made a motion to accept the report. Councilman Pulaski seconded the motion. Motion carried. REPORT OF THE COINITTEE OF THE WHOLE To the Common Council of the City of South Bend:. August 11, 1941 Your Committee of the Whole to whom was referred an ordinance amending an ordinance #3146 and entitled "An ordinance regulating traffic upon the public streets of the City of South Bend, Indiana, and repealing all other ordinances and sections of ordinances in conflict herewith ". Respectfully report that they have examined the matter and that in their opinion this ordinatice shall be reported to the Council favorably. LEO M. JORDAT, Chairman Councilman Pulaski made a motion to accept the report. Councilman Niezgodski seconded the motion.k Motion carries., 2'7 6 REPORT OF THE CQAMITTEE OF THE WHOLE To the Common Council of the City of South Bend: August 11, 1941 Your Committee of the Whole to whom was referred an ordinance repealing an Ordinance 3321 (as amended) and entitle "An ordinance amending certain sections of, and certain schedules attached to and made a part of, an ordinance entitled 'An ordinance regulating traffic upon the public streets of the City of South Bend, Indiana, and repealing all other ordinances and sections of ordinances in conflict herewith which is Ordinance #3146" Respectfully report that they have examined the matter and that in their opinion this ordinance shall-be reported to the Council favorably. LEO M. JORDAN, Chairman Councilman Brannan made a motion to accept the report. Councilman Hull seconded the motion. Motion carried. ORDINANCE NO. 3381 AN ORDU1ASICE ANNEXING CONTIGUOUS TERRITORY TO THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA The ordinance was given third reading and passed by a roll call vote of 8 ayes -.0 nays - 1 absent. ORDINANCE NO. 3382 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AN ORDINANCE NUMBERED 3146 AND ENTITLED "AN ORDINANCE REGULATING TRAFFIC UPON THE PUBLIC STREETS OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AND REPEALING ALL OTHER ORDINANCES AND SECTIONS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH ". The ordinance was given third reading and passed by a roll call vote of 8 ayes - O nays - 1 absent. ORDINANCE NO. 3383 AN ORDINANCE REPEALING AN ORDINANCE NUMBERED 3321 (AS AMENDED) AND ENTITLED "AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CERTAIN SECTIONS OF, AND CERTAIN SCHEDULES ATTACHED TO AND MADE A PART OF, AN ORDINANCE. ENTITLED 'AN ORDINANCE REGULATING TR.��FFIC UPON THE PUBLIC STREETS OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AND REPEALING ALL OTHER ORDINANCES AID SECTIONS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH' WHICH IS ORDINANCE 3146". The ordinance was given third reading and passed by a roll call vote of 8 ayes - 0 nays - 1 absent. II ORDINANCE AN ORDINANCE TRANSFERRING CERTAIN FUNDS FROM THE GENERAL FUND OF -THE CITY WATERWORKS DEPARTMENT TO THE GENERAL FUND OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA. The ordinance was given first and second reading. Councilman McCarthy made a motion to refer the ordinance to the Committee of the Whole. Councilman Heideman seconded the motion. Motion carried. At 8 :39 P.M. President Richardson announced a recess of the Council. The meeting of the Council was r6sumed at 9:00 o'clock P.M. RESOLUTION RESOLUTION ALLOCATING THE SUM OF THIRTY THOUSAND DOLLARS (430,000.00) FROM THE AMOUNT APP90PRIATED FOR WPA AND PWA IN THE 1941 BUDGET UNDER ACCOUNT H -27 FOR DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS TO SPECIAL WPA ACCOUNT. BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana: . That the sum of Thirty Thousand Dollars (:$30,000.00) be and the same is hereby allocated from Account H -27, Depar went of Public Works in the 1941 Budget to Special WPA Account, and that this amount so allocated by the Common Council may be used during the year 1941, for the purchase of materials, labor and other items chargeable to the various City WPA projects subject to the approval of the Board of Works. The amount so allocated shall be deduct from the amount of One Hundred Fifty -Eight Thousand, Five Hundred Dollars ($158,500.00), appropriated in the 1941 Budget under Account H -27, Department of Public Works. Councilman Pulaski made a motion for the adoption of the Resolution. Councilman Jordan seconded the motion. Doti carried. CMWUNICATION (with Resolution) To the Common Council of the City of,South Bend Gentlemen: August 11, 1941 At the regular meeting of..the Board of Water Trustees, upon motion duly made and seconded, the following resolu was unanimously adopted: RESOLVED: That the Common Council be requested to approve the leasing of the following described property, belonging to the City Water Works, towit: Beginning at the end of the South line of Tasher Avenue, and the East line of Section 23, Township 37, North, Range 2 East; thence South along the East line of said section to the South line of Jennings Street; thence West along the South line of Jennings Street, produced to the East line of the Pennsylvania Railroad right-of-way; thence North East along the said East line of the Pennsylvania Railroad right-of-way to the South line of Tasher Avenue, produced West; thence East on Tasher Avenue produced to the place of beginning; to the Basalt Rock Products Company., of Napa, California, for a period of one year, renewable for an additional period of one year, unless the said property be needed by the City Water Works, for a rental of $300.00 per year, Payable in advance, and subject to the installation of sewage disposal facilities, approval by the Board of Public Works of the City of South Bend, and under covenant .to leave the land in substantially its present condition at the termination of said lease. Respectfully submitted, BOARD OF WATER. TRUSTEES By HARRY S. DRIGGS . 1 2-77 Councilman McCarthy made a motion for the adoption of the Resolution. Councilman Brannan seconded the motion. Motion carried. At this time, President Richardson stated that if no objection was voiced, the reading of the budget ordinances by caption would be accepted as first and second reading. No objection was voiced.and the ordinances were read in the following order: , AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING MONIES FOR THE PURPOSE OF DEFRAYING THE EXPENSES OF THE POLICEMEN'S PENSION FUND OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 1942, AND ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1942, INCLUD- ING ALL OUTSTANDING CLAIMS AND OBLIGATIONS, AND FIXING A TIME WHEN THE SAME SHALL TAKE EFFECT. AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING MONIES FOR THE PURPOSE OF DEFRAYING THE EXPENSES OF THE FIREMEN'S PENSION FUND OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 1942 AND ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1942, INCLUD_ ING ALL OUTSTANDING CLAIMS AND OBLIGATIONS, AND FIXING A TIME WHEN THE SAME SHALL TAKE EFFECT. AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING MONIES FOR THE PURPOSE OF DEFRAYING THE EXPENSES OF' THE CITY PLAN COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 1942, AND ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1942, INCLUDING ALL CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND FIXING A TIME WHEN THE SAME SHALL TAKE EFFECT. AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING MONEYS FOR THE PURPOSE OF DEFRAYING THE EXPENSE OF THE PARK DEPARTMENT OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 1942, AND ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1942, INCLUDING ALL OUTSTANDING CLAIMS ARID OBLIGATIONS, AND FIXING A TIME-WHEN THE SAME SHALL TAKE EFFECT. AN ORDINANCE FIXING THE SALARIES FOR THE VARIOUS OFFICIALS OF THE CIVIL CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, FOR THE PERIOD COMMENCING JANUARY 1, 1942 AND ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1942, BOTH INCLUSIVE. AN ORDINANCE FIXING THE-SALARIESAND PROVIDING FOR PAID VACATIONS OF CERTAIN CITY OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE MUNICIPAL CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AND REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES AND PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT THEREWITH. AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING MONEYFOR THE PURPOSE OF DEFRAYING THE EXPENSES OF 'THE SEVERAL DEPARTMENTS OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 1942 AND ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1942, INCLUDING ALL OUTSTANDING CLA12AS AND OBLIGATIONS, AND FIXING A TIME WHEN THE SAME SHALL TAKE EFFECT. AN ORDINANCE FIXING THE TAX LEVY FOR THE YEAR 1942 FOR THE MUNICIPAL CITY OF SCUTH BEND, INDIANA. Councilman Hull made a motion that the ordinances be referred to the Finance Committee. Councilman McCarthy sec ed the motion. Motion carried. President Richardson stated there would be a meeting of the Finance Committee held August 12, 1941 at 7:30 P.M. Councilman McCarthy made a motion for adjournment. Councilman Pulaski seconded the motion. Councilman McCarthy withdrew his motion for adjournment and made a.motion that the ordinances covering the budget be referred to the Committee of the Whole for public hearing at 7:30 Pm, August 25 1941. Councilman Pulaski seconded thb motion. Motion carried. There being no further business, the meeting of the Common Council ad' urned at 9 :17 P.M. ATTEST: APP Aet� 2V/ CITY CLERK P R E S-TeDE