05-01-72 Council Meeting Minutes

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,1 12 REGULAR MEETING MAY 1, 1972 The deliberations of in arriving at the above and will be forwarded to report. HB:ld encl. ID the Area Plan Commission and points considered decision are shown in excerpts of the minutes you at a later date to be made a part of this Very truly yours, /s/ Howard Bellinger Howard Bellinger Executive Director LU Councilman Parent made a motion that the Ordinance referring to the above mentioned rezoning be set for public hearing on May 8th, legal advertising having been complied with. Councilman Horvath seconded the motion and it was carried. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Council President Nemeth entertained a motion to waive the reading of the Committee of the Whole report, so moved by Councilman Parent, seconded by Councilman Horvath. The motion carried unanimously. ORDINANCES, THIRD READING ORDINANCE NO. 5389 -72 AN ORDINANCE ORDERING AND PROVIDING FOR THE SALE OF CERTAIN REAL ESTATE IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, WHICH SAID REAL-.ESTATE IS OWNED BY SAID CITY FOR USE OF ITS PARK DEPARTMENT. (South Side of Ireland Road, West of Commercial Area at Miami) This Ordinance was given third reading. Councilman Taylor made a motion for passage of the ordinance, seconded by Councilman Szymkowiak. The ordinance passed by a roll call vote of nine ayes (Councilmen Serge, Szymkowiak, Miller, Parent, Taylor, Kopczynski, Horvath, Newburn and Nemeth) 0 nays. ORDINANCE NO. 5390 -72 AN ORDINANCE REORGANIZING THE STRUCTURE OF THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH OF GOVERNMENT OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA. This Ordinance was given third reading. Councilman Miller made a motion for passage of the ordinance, seconded by Councilman Serge. Under discussion, Councilman Miller said that the Council had given much time to studying the ordinance and, at the same time, felt that they had made this much more difficult than it is. He said that in talking about changing our government system much was said about adding more people. He continued that it might not be necessary to add any additional executive people at all. Councilman Miller continued that, in his recent campaign, he learned that there are three major areas of concern among the citizens: crime, taxes, and the economy. A Public Safety Director might attack these problems from a different. viewpoint. This new restructuring does not have to increase costs. We will be subject to citizens pointing a finger later if this happens. A Director of Human Resources could investi- gate Federal programs we do not have here and bring some of them to South Bend. Councilman Nemeth asked City Attorney whether Councilman Miller could properly speak for the ordinance at this time. Mr. Sweeney said that it was his opinion that Councilman Miller had the floor and could speak. Councilman Miller continued that a lack of planning has been one of South Bend's problems. The Cabinet style of government could give quicker planning. The ordinance could provide more coordination in the Model Cities program. He said that he would be against appoint- ing a Safety Director in 1972. All the powers existing now would remain where they are. All budgets would come before the Common Council, including the Water Works. Also, an annual report will be required in each category. Council President Nemeth said that each Councilman, excluding the third district, could now speak. Councilman Serge asked Mayor Miller if the Public Safety Director would have the power to hire and fire. The Mayor answered that he would have the same power as the Mayor and the Board of Public Works and Safety have now. Councilman Parent spoke in favor of the reorganization ordinance. He said federally funded programs have worked for South Bend. The restructuring could add coordination and responsiveness. We could eliminate duplication of staff in some areas. Savings can be realized in some federally funded programs. He said he ran for the Council on a program of trying to solve the problems of the city. He said the Council could approve the ordinance and if they find it was a mistake, rectify it. Councilman Taylor said that he was for passage of the ordinance because it provided a better system than we have now. It is up to the Mayor to bring about improvement He said that he had not looked at the proposal in a partisan way but felt that the Republicans and Democrats were both playing a part in bringing it about. He would like to see more power returned to local government. The Council must live up to its responsibility to the citizens. Councilman Kop- czynski said that he is for progress. He questioned where the administration would find a man who could be helpful to such complex departments as the Police and Fire Departments. He said that he felt the ordinance was not specific enough in regard to the Park Department. He said organizations have raised questions as to some points that are open in the ordinance and that could cause trouble in the future. Councilman Horvath said that he had come to the meeting to- night undecided about the ordinance but, after the Mayor's presentation, he felt they should give the Mayor a chance. He said the Councilmen have been receiving letters and telegrams asking them to delay their vote from local labor organizations, but since the labor spokesmen have with- drawn their request for a delay, he would be in favor of passing the ordinance. Councilman Newburn said that extensive studies have been made by the members of the Council. He said that he favored the concept but wanted to be sure that each section of the proposal was workable. He did not feel they had been given sufficient time to study. He said that he had doubts about the Director of Safety position. He said that taxpayers demand service from local government and he is not sure what this proposal will do for them. The Ordinance passed by a roll call vote of seven ayes (Councilmen Serge, Miller, Parent, Taylor, Horvath, Newburn and Nemeth) and two nays (Councilmen Szymkowiak and Kopczynski).