03-24-75 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING MARCH 24, 1975 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING (CONTINUED) ORDINANCE (CONTINUED) OF MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN, FOR THE PURCHASE OF CERTAIN WATER METERS IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $156,976.80. This being the time heretofore set for public hearing on the above ordinance, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Mr. Paul Krueper, Manager of the Bureau of Water made the presentation for the ordinance. He explained that the ordinance was an annual contract for the purchase of water meters, as needed. He indicated that the figures were merely estimates and were subject to change. He stated that $100,000 was the total amount he was allowed, and he would not exceed that amount. Council President Parent wondered why the ordinance contained the $156,976.80 figure if only $100,000 was allowed. Mr. Krueper explained that the bids were some- what higher than what was needed. He indicated that he might have to shift from one group of meters to another. Councilman Nemeth stated that, if all the items were purchased, the amount would be $156,976.80; however, not everything would be purchased, and Mr. Krueper indicated that he was correct. Councilman Miller wondered about the inventory of meters, and Mr. Krueper stated that his inventory was probably less than 1,000 in the small meters. Councilman Serge wondered how many meters were being installed in the project undertaken by the department. Mr. Krueper indicated that 42% have been installed, and with the purchase of the meters listed in the proposed ordinance, the city would be at 50% of the project., He explained the procedure for installation of the meters and the effort to contact the 3,000 persons which were referred to as "must reads ". A gentleman in the audience indicated that he wished to speak, and Chairman Newburn indicated that there had not been any indication previously that anyone in the audience wished to speak on the matter. He stated that he would, however, allow the gentleman to speak if the Council agreed. Council President Parent made a motion to allow the gentleman to speak, seconded by Councilman Nemeth. The motion carried. Mr. Walter Willis, Jr., 1119 West Colfax Avenue, indicated that he had been told by the Water Department that the wires were cut on his meter, and he stated that he would not do such a thing. He hoped the problem would be resolved, and he felt he had been abused in the accusation made by the Water Works Department. Councilman Miller made a motion that the ordinance be recommended favorably to the Common Council,] seconded by Council President Parent. The motion carried. ORDINANCE AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING THE SUM OF $35,900.00 FROM THE GENERAL PARK FUND TO ACCOUNT #260.0, OTHER CONTRACTUAL SERVICES. This being the time heretofore set for public hearing on the above ordinance, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Mr. James Seitz,,, Director of the Department of Public Parks, made the presentation for the ordinance. He explained that the City of South Bend had received a $40,000 grant from the American Revolution Bicentennial Commission towards the development of the Bicentennial Park, and it was necessary to approve the balance in the amount of $35,900 in order to alleviate making an emergency appropriation for every partial payment required by the contractors. A reimbursement payment in the amount of $35,900 would be received from the commission during the construction of the park. He indicated that there had been some confusion with the Bicentennial Commission, but he felt this would be cleared up. Councilman Nemeth wondered if the money had been deposited in the city's treasury, and Mr. Seitz indicated that it was in the state treasury. When a bill was received from the contractor, which was Hickey Construction Company, the city would pay half and the commission would send the city a lik amount. Councilman Nemeth wondered what would be accomplished at the park, and Mr. Seitz stated that gabions would be installed under the Colfax Bridge, and there would be a great deal of land- scaping done. Councilman Nemeth indicated that the landscaping was much better, in his opinion, than the original plans for the amphitheatre. Councilman Serge made a motion that the ordinance be recommended favorably to the Common Council, seconded by Councilman Miller. The motion carried. ORDINANCE AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $100,000 FROM THE FEDERAL ASSISTANCE GRANT COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS GENERAL REVENUE SHARING, FOR VARIOUS PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMS, TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND THROUGH ITS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS. This being the time heretofore set for public hearing on the above ordinance, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Mr. Rollin Farrand, Director of the Department of Public Works, made the presentation for the ordinance. He explained that the ordinance con- tained basically two expenditures: the amount of $52,800 would be for purchase of motor equip - ment and the remaining amount would be for purchase of materials for the Bureau of Streets. The motor equipment was for the purchase of two street sweepers. He indicated that a varied sweeping schedule was utilized and the addition of the sweepers would greatly increase the street sweeping project. He stated that the amount for materials was not the full amount and would only start the program. Mr. James Russell, Voice of the Peace Newsletter, wondered how many sweepers the city had and the areas which were covered. Mr. Farrand indicated that the city had five sweepers and would even- tually cover all the areas of the city. The machines were not used in the winter, however, becau the water used in the street sweeping process froze, thereby making it an impossible task. Mr. Walter Willis, Jr., 1119 West Colfax Avenue, wondered about the price of the machines, and Mr. Farrand stated that the two machines would cost $52,800. Mr. Willis suggested that the purchase of the machines be held up for a year and additional men be employed to do the job in an effort to help the unemployment problem. Councilman Kopczynski wondered if the diesel sweepers were of the same model already purchased by the city, and Mr. Farrand indicated that they were. Councilm Kopczynski wondered if the gross vehicle weight would be the same as the other machines already purchased, and Mr. Farrand stated that he was under the impression that the equipment was the sam as what the city presently had. Councilman Kopczynski wondered if any optional equipment was to be purchased to prevent the bigger pieces being thrown up onto the sidewalk. He felt such an attachment would be a worthwhile piece of equipment to purchase. Mr. Farrand indicated that he was not aware of any such equipment but he felt some modification could be made to allow for a