08-19-01 Council Special Meeting Minutes

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SPECIAL MEETING AUGUST 19, 2001 at this bill it appears that police officers are funding their own raise. Money that was allotted as a cash allowance for equipment was deliberately put there years ago by politicians that did not want to give the pension and the pensioners an increase in their retirement fund. He stated that he believes in a fair wage and those companies that receive tax abatements should pay union wages. Councilmember Kirsits stated that he believes in collective bargaining with last chance binding arbitration. He noted that he was confused as to where all the numbers are but one thing that he cannot support is "take aways" where an ordinance is passed that says we're going to give you less if you don't take what you have been offered over here and he therefore cannot support this bill. Council President Pfeifer thanked all those involved in this negotiation process and the community for voicing their opinions as well as the police officers who during this time continued to do a good job. Councilmember Ujdak stated that the negotiation process was fraught with harsh words and accusations which are part of labor negotiations. He noted that he was told by someone who was a member of the administration over thirty (30) years ago that the City purposely kept the pension base down because they knew what the costs would be down the road. The City is now dealing with long delayed advances that cannot be fixed overnight but a ratification of this offer is a significant step there. In terms of the budget, the City cannot allow expenses to outstrip growth. In the next few years the Council will take a good hard look at the efficiency of the government and perhaps some things that should be privatized. Councilmember Ujdak thanked everyone for their time and involvement in this long process. Councilmember Kelly made a motion to send second substitute Bill No. 69 -01 as amended to the full Council with a favorable recommendation. Councilmember Varner seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of seven (7) ayes and one (1) nay by Councilmember Kirsits. RISE AND REPORT Councilmember Kelly made motion to rise and report to the full Council. Councilmember Varner seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes. ATTEST: orett . Du , Cit Cle ATTEST: dy\+VV ,Chairperson Committee o the Whole REGULAR MEETING RECONVENED Be it remembered that the Common Council of the City of South Bend reconvened in the Council Chambers on the fourth floor of the County -City Building at 5:50 p.m. Council President Charlotte Pfeifer presided with eight (8) members present. BILLS - THIRD READING ORDINANCE NO. 9243 -01 A SECOND SUBSTITUTE ORDINANCE FIXING THE ANNUAL PAY AND MONETARY FRINGE BENEFITS FOR MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH BEND POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR CALENDAR YEARS 2002, 2003,2004 AND 2005