12-16-74 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 16, 1974 REGULAR MEETING - RECONVENED (CONTINUED) ORDINANCE AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $10,000.00 FROM THE FEDERAL ASSISTANCE GRANT COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS GENERAL REVENUE SHARING, FOR VARIOUS PUBLIC SAFETY PROGRAMS, TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND THROUGH ITS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY. This ordinance had first reading. Councilman Taylor made a motion to set the ordinance for public hearing and second reading on January 13, 1975, seconded by Councilman Newburn. The motion carriec ORDINANCE AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $26,986.00 FROM THE FEDERAL ASSISTANCE GRANT COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS GENERAL REVENUE SHARING, FOR VARIOUS PUBLIC SAFETY PROGRAMS, TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND THROUGH ITS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY. This ordinance had first reading. Councilman Taylor made a motion to set the ordinance for public hearing and second reading on January 13, 1975, seconded by Councilman Horvath. The motion carriec PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR Mr. James Roemer, City Attorney, spoke regarding the policemen's salaries for 1975. He stated that the administration wanted to make an adjustment in the pension. He indicated that the ordinar was introduced and stricken from the record. He stated that the administration also wanted the Fir Department's pension considered; however, the ordinance had not been signed by any of the Council members before the meeting. He indicated that the Mayor was considering calling a special meeting on December 30th; however, he felt that it would be a complete waste of time. He felt it was clear that the Common Council wanted the original ordinances to remain in effect. Mr. Roemer stated that if the Council met on December 30th, the necessary ordinances could be amended accordingly. He felt it was apparent, however, that it was the intent of the Council that the pensioners receive only $128.50. Councilman Parent stated that the issues were discussed at great lengths when the ordinance was passed, and he felt the Council had not changed its mind since that time. He did not feel anything would be gained by bringing the issue up again. Mr. Roemer stated that he hoped the Council would appreciate his position, and he felt there was a conflict in the ordinance. Councils Taylor stated that he was satisfied that the bargaining that went on during the summer was clear ar sufficiently debated. He talked about the large amount of money going into the pension funds every year (approximately $2 million), and he felt that something would have to be done regarding this matter. He stated that the Council favored an efficient fire and police department and also sufficient salaries; however, he felt something would have to be done about the pension funds. Mr, Roemer indicated that, when the schedule was passed for the salaries, certain language in Section was not clear, in his opinion, and it conflicted with the schedule. Council President Nemeth stated that, in July when the public hearings were held, there was no concern exhibited for the pensioners by the administration. He indicated that the salary ordinances were established prior to the time when the budget was prepared. Since that time, it was determined that the budget wouR be short. He felt that the ordinance was very clear. He stated that the Board of Public Safety wZ given the discretion regarding Section 3 of the ordinance. Councilman Miller asked Mr. Roemer who he served, and Mr. Roemer answered by stating that he served the citizens of South Bend, the Commoi Council and the Mayor. Councilman Miller stated that the Council's intent was to provide a salary schedule as defined. He wondered if the city was trying to make a political point, and he suggested that the administration bow to the Council's wishes. He tried to clarify Mr. Roemer's question. He stated that the Council would be happy to meet with the administration regarding the issue; however, the administration had not even attempted to discuss the issue with the councilmen and he felt this was merely a political move. Councilman Kopczynski indicated that he understood Council President Nemeth very clearly and he was not an attorney like Mr. Roemer. He could not understand why Mr. Roemer still was unclear regarding the ordinance. Councilman Parent stated that the Council did not want any officer to get less than a $600 increase; therefore, the Board of Public Safety was given the authority to give the $600 increase. Council President Nemeth stated that he felt the issue had been debated sufficiently, and he felt sure Mr. Roemer knew where the Council stood on the subject. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Councilman Newburn, Chairman of the Council's Special Committee on the Police Department, presentec to the City Clerk the final report on the Council's investigation of the Police Department. He requested that the committee be dissolved. Councilman Parent made a motion to accept, approve and file the report of the committee, seconded by Councilman Taylor. The motion carried. Councilman Kopczynski stated that he had not signed the report because he felt the investigation should have been carried on one step farther. He felt it was incomplete because all parties concerned were not interrogated, i.e., the Mayor and the Board of Public Safety. NEW BUSINESS Council President Nemeth thanked the City Clerk and her deputies for their help and assistance during his term as President of the Council. He also thanked each and every member of the Council for their cooperation. He felt the Council should be proud of its record, and he hoped that he ha( represented the Council in a good and proper manner. There being no further business to come before the Council, unfinished or new, Councilman Taylor made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Councilman Newburn. The motion carried, and the meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m. ATTEST: AP OU D: CITY CLERK PRESIDENT +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + ++ e S L� 1