05-14-73 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING MAY 14, 1973 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING (CONTINUED) that this would only be a start, and that the building would be metal and was under design at the present time. He indicated that the initial plans called for "off- season" storage in that in the winter months, summer equipment would be parked in the building. He indicated that the 6,000 squa foot building would not fulfill the requirements of putting all the equipment under storage; how- ever, the parking and fencing arrangements were being revised in the hopes that some day a complet security system would be utilized. Mrs. Janet Allen, 125 West Marion Street, asked if the building would be heated, and Mr. Richardso indicated that the only utility would be electricity for lighting; however, the building would be insulated. Councilman Kopczynski indicated that he felt this building was a very good idea becaus it would be something that would be with the city for a great many years and would provide better services for the taxes that the citizens pay. Chairman Newburn asked if the building would confor to the Building Code, and Mr. Richardson assured him that it would. Councilman Serge made a motion that the ordinance go to the Council as favorable, seconded by Councilman Kopczynski. The motion carried. ORDINANCE AN ORDINANCE TRANSFERRING THE SUM OF $45,000.00 BETWEEN VARIOUS ACCOUNTS IN THE FEDERAL ASSIS- TANCE PROGRAM FA -10, "BUREAU OF SOLID WASTE ", ALL ACCOUNTS BEING WITHIN THE BUREAU OF SOLID WASTE, CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA. This being the time heretofore set for public hearing on the above ordinance, proponents were given the opportunity to be heard, and also opponents. Mr. William J. Richardson, Director of the Department of Public Works, made the presentation for the ordinance. He explained that many pro - blems had been encountered in getting the new program underway; however, he felt it was well on th way to being a success. He indicated that one of the problems had to do with the tremendous amoun of trash to be hauled. He indicated that six additional men were needed at $150.00 per week and that there would be no change in the total budget as presented in revenue sharing by the transfer of this sum. He mentioned that the transfer would probably have to be reinstituted in the fall. He indicated that the transfer would decrease the landfill costs from $20,000 to $15,000 with $5,000 left which would not last beyond August and the maintenance and fuel would also have to be reinstituted. He indicated that, originally, the account for motor equipment was $25,000. The sum of $15,000 could be transferred this year without any further action. He mentioned that the department is in the process of purchasing the flat bed truck. Also, outside of the six additiona men would be the overtime and extra help of $10,800. He concluded by indicating that it was hoped the department could start work in conjunction with the Department of Public Safety regarding yard and alley complaints. Mr. Clouise McCarty, 52174 Oakland Avenue, asked if the charges for the solid waste would be dropped. He thought Mr. Richardson had indicated that the charges would be decreased. Mr. Richardson clarified this point by indicating that the city has and will continue to pay for the dumpings. When the city closed its landfill, there was a surplus bulldozer, and it was sold to the county with the city taking a credit of $20,000 in dumping fees. He indicated that, this month, the credit would be wiped out. The Council had originally appropriated $20,000 for landfil costs, and he was requesting that $15,000 of this be transferred, leaving a $5,000 balance to pay the county. He indicated that, in August, the Council would have to re- appropriate money from the users' fees to continue paying the cost of the dumping. Councilman Miller asked when the revenue from this would reimburse the Federal Assistance Grant. Mr. Richardson indicated that, in the original budget that was passed, a "zero" amount of dollars was set out as far as revenue sharing funds. He was hopeful that the program would be able to pay back in 1974, and he indicated that he had not really projected any figure for that. Councilman Serge asked if complaints about bad alleys and yards should still be referred to the Department of Public Safety even though Public Works and Public Safety would be working in conjunction with each other. Mr. Richardson indicated that the correct procedure to follow was still notifying the Department of Public Safety. In that way, the property would be properly red tagged and if not corrected in a certain amount of time, i would be referred to the Public Works Department to take care of the situation. Councilman Szymkowiak made a motion that the ordinance go to the Council as favorable, seconded by Councilman Kopczynski. The motion carried. ORDINANCE AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $393,983.00 FROM THE FEDERAL ASSISTANCE GRANT FUND, COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS GENERAL REVENUE SHARING, FOR VARIOUS PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMS, FOR VARIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS IN THE AREA OF PARKS AND RECREATION, TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC PARKS OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA. 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 Departments of Parks and Recreation, made the presentation for the ordinance. He proceeded to outline the line items incorporated in the ordinance. He explained that Program FA23 was a recreation program to open the school gyms and pools during the summer months. He mentioned that the four schools would be Riley, LaSalle, Adams and Washington, and he indicated that it was estimated that over 1,600 persons a week would use the facilities. In Program FA24, he explained that the renovation of Potawatomi Zoo was very important because the zoo was one of the most popular attractions and it had been neglected in the past. He indicated that $100,000 would only be a start for the project and it would involve additional monies in future years and could cost up to $700,000. He indicate that it was estimated that over 200,000 people visited the zoo each year. He expressed concern about the city possibly being ordered to close the present zoo because of its present condition. He explained that part of the money appropriated would be used to hire a planner to help in the design of the project because a detailed plan is needed. He was hopeful that private donations would also be received. In Program FA25, he indicated that lighting was needed at two additional softball diamonds with the renovation of lighting at one ball diamond. He explained that the present lighting system is very antiquated. He mentioned Boland Park and Booth Tarkington Park. In Program FA26, he indicated that the rest rooms were in dire need of repairs. In Program FA27, he indicated that a study committee had been formed to consider the possibility of the Rum Village Nature Education Center. He named the members of the committee. The report from that committee indicated that South Bend was very fortunate in having the park within the city limits as the