04-07-75 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING APRIL 7 197 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING (CONTINUED) recommended that the Parent ordinance be amended and then acted upon favorably. Councilman Szymkowiak stated that he was glad to see the citizen participation at the meeting. He felt both ordinances were well done and there was very little difference. He stated that he had signed the ordinance of the A- Residential Association in order to bring it before the Council. He expressed concern for the handicapped. Councilman Kopczynski asked for a show of hands from those people in the audience who resided in the Sixth District'. He stated that there were shortcomings in both ordinances. He talked about widows and their need to rent in order to receive an income. He could not understand how people who have resided in the city only a couple years could suddenly be experts on the problems facing South Bend. He stated that he had requested, over two and one - half years ago, an explanation of the causes of deterioration and had never received a reply from Dr. John Kromkowski, the then director of the Human Resources Department. He felt the problem was being attacked in the wrong way and he felt neither ordinance would help solve the problem. He felt it was very obvious what was happening and the laws of the city were not being enforced. He stated that the ordinances being considered were insignificant to the problem, and the zoning laws must be enforced. Councilman Serge stated that he, too, felt the laws should be enforced and some solution to the problem would be given. He felt the Parent ordinance was more restrictive; however, he hoped there would be more time to consider the issue. Chairman Newburn stated that he wanted to give credit to both sides and he indicated that he really appreciated the citizens' comments concerning an issue that was very controversial. He indicated that he would not be pressured into making a decision, and he felt the two ordinances could be drawn together and the majority of the people would be satisfied. He stated that not everyone would be pleased with the outcome. Council President Parent indicated that every ordinance could be improved upon. He felt compromises had been made on his proposal, and he stated that he had conducted a meeting concernin the matter and considerable time had been put into the issue. He hoped there would not be a delay He wondered what further compromise would be possible. He urged passage of the ordinance at this time, rather than delaying the issue. Council President Parent made a motion to amend the ordinance he had sponsored as he had requested earlier in the public hearing, seconded by Councilman Miller. The motion carried. Councilman Taylor stated that he felt, if he was to vote on the ordinance at this time, he would be doing so because many people wanted action. He felt this was not wise. He stated that he recognized that the issue was important and should be dealt with. He stated that, when he was ready, he would take a clear -cut stand; however, he felt, at this time, that he would like a minimum of 30 days to reflect on the comments made. He indicated that the citizens involved had spent much time researching the matter and the councilmen had not been given that opportunity. Councilman Horvath, felt the ordinances would not stop deterioration but might have some affect on the problem. He, too, felt more time was needed on behalf of the Council in view of the many comments made by the citizens. Council President Parent made a motion that the ordinance be recommended favorably to the Common Council, as amended, seconded by Councilman Miller. Chairman Newburn requested a roll call vote on the motion. The motion carried by a roll call vote of five ayes (Councilmen Serge, Szymkowiak, Miller, Newburn and Parent) and three nays (Councilmen Taylor, Kopczynski and Horvath) with Councilman Nemeth absent. Councilman Miller then made a motion to strike the ordinance of the A- Residential Association, signed by Councilman Szymkowiak. The motion was seconded by Council President Parent. The motion carried. There was a request for a short recess. Recessed at 12:15 a.m. Reconvened at 12:35 a.m. ORDINANCE AN ORDINANCE REGULATING SALARIES PAID TO CITY OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES. Councilman Miller made a motion to continue the public hearing to the April 21, 1975, regular meeting of the Council, seconded by Councilman Kopczynski. Council President Parent felt the public hearing could be conducted at this time. Councilman Miller indicated that the ordinance h been sponsored by Councilman Nemeth and he was not at the meeting to make a presentation of the ordinance as he was ill. He felt it was only fair to continue the public hearing. The motion carried. ORDINANCE AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $4,500.00 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 being the time heretofore set for public hearing on the above ordinance, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Mr. Michael Carrington, Public Safety Director, made the presentation for the ordinance. He explained that the funds would be used to complete the furnishing of Fire Station No. 4, which would include the purchase of a gas range, three refrigerators, 40 beds and lockers, dining -room chairs and tables. Councilman Kopczynski wondered if the new---station was built according to the recommendations of the National Insurance Association. Mr. Carrington indicated that he could not answer Councilman Kopczynski's question. Councilman Kopczynski wondered if Mr. Carrington agreed that the location of the station was adequate, and Mr. Carrington indicated that he would go along with the recommen dation of the Fire Chief on the matter. Councilman Kopczynski indicated that the location of the fire station was not the site recommended in a study made which cost the city $30,000. He felt the location of this station would not upgrade the city's fire rating. He felt the safety directo should research the entire issue. He asked that the ordinance be tabled until such a time that answers were given as to why the fire station was constructed at the Olive Street site. Mr. Carrington indicated that the station was already constructed, and he hoped the department could occupy the station as soon as possible so that it could be put to use. Councilman Szymkowiak stated that he was under the impression that the cost of furnishing the station was included in th original price tag. Mr. Carrington talked about the increase in materials. He indicated that the original amount was primarily for the construction and landscaping. Councilman Szymkowiak indicated that the station had been cut down from its original proposal. He could not understand