07-23-73 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING JULY 23 1973 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING (CONTINUED) May 22, 1973, an article appeared regarding President Nixon's Phase III economic controls and it stated that the cost of living had increased at an annual rate of 9.2 %. On June 7, 1973, the wholesale price index took a jump of 2.1% over April. On June 21, 1973, the rise in the cost of living in May worked out to an annual rate of 7.2 %, and in July, an article appeared regarding the increase in farm products. Mr. Lawrence indicated that he was aware of the fiscal problems of the Council and the city, he realized the option tax was not adopted by the County Council and he also realized the needs of the city were enormous; however, he indicated that other Indiana cities were able to provide a more realistic wage increase. He indicated that the following cities were con- sidering the following increases: Richmond .. ............................... 6% Mishawaka ................................ 5% and up St. Joseph County Highway Department ..... 5% St. Joseph County Park Department ........52% and up Fort Wayne ... ............................15� per hour Terre Haute .. ............................12� to 15� per hour Michigan City ............................ 7% Evansville ... ............................52% and up He wondered why South Bend could not do the same. He quoted a portion of Mayor Miller's 1972 annual report referring to the establishment of the Department of Human Resources and Economic Development. He felt that the administration and the Council had failed in its responsibility to the 1,475 city employees. He stated that the only real tool the workers possess is the right to strike and that had been denied them. He referred to portions of a report entitled "Collective Bargaining in American Government" which referred to the establishment of a special board to work at such a time as was present. He concluded by indicating that the union would like that fact - finding concept considered by the Council at some later date. Mr. Maurice Cohen, 725 East Eckman, talked briefly about the Street Department employees. He felt the city was not allocating funds properly, and he referred to the increase in the Mayor's secretary's salary and the cabinet officials' increases. He felt nepotism, favortism and patronage should not be taken into consider tion. Mrs. Irene Gammon, City Clerk, explained her reasons for the increases proposed for the positions of Chief Deputy and Deputy. She indicated that, at the time the budgets were submitted, the department heads were asked to leave the salaries blank. She indicated that she had tried to receive some guidance regarding the salary increases but had not received any. She stated that, at this time, she would not want her employees to receive a greater increase than was being given to other city employees and she hoped the Council would reduce the salaries of her workers in line with other employees. Chairman Newburn referred to the remark made by the Mayor regarding the absence of the councilmen at the salary caucus meeting by stating that he would have attended the meeting; however, he had been involved with contract negotiations at AM General Corporation. Miss Virginia Guthrie, Executive Secretary of the Civic Planning Association, indicated that when pri- vate business must cut back, the rest of the people must work more. She mentioned that it was difficult to tell exactly what the total increase in the budget would be. She wondered how many people were employed in the various positions and talked about reduction of employees. She indicated that, as of May 1, 1974, the County Council would again consider the option tax and, at that time, it might become effective. She stated that many people in the community were not even getting a cost of living increase. Mrs. Lee Swan, 2022 Swygart, referred to the increase proposed for the Mayor's secretary and some cabinet members. She indicated that the Mayor's secretary has a secretary, to which much of the work is "shuffled ", along with a great deal -of work being referred to the Mayor's Action Line. She indicated that it is not easy to obtain the right infor- mation from that center. She indicated that, in increasing some of the salaries of the cabinet officials, considering the fringe benefits, it amounts to $20,000. Mr. John Braboy, Chief Steward in the Street Department, indicated that $200 was not a sufficient increase. He indicated that, after deductions, a person could not even live on that. He indicated that he takes home only $195 every two weeks, and he concluded by indicating that he was working for nothing. Mr. Lucian Szymanski, 810 South Lake Street, quoted a statement from the St. Joseph County Wage and Salary Committee regarding the proposed city salary increases. Mr. Larry Cook, 1510 Johnson Street, indicated that about 90% of the firemen in the union voted for a strike, and he mentioned that the E men mean what they say. He stated that they could not live on what they are taking home. He con- cluded by stating that the firemen get paid for what they know, not who they know. Mr. Maurice Cohen, 725 East Eckman, referred to the position of Legislative Assistant to the Council for $15,0 He indicated that state senators and representatives were in South Bend, and he questioned why this position was needed when the policemen and firemen could not even get a decent raise. He question c the position of dog catcher and indicated that the animal problem should be handled by the Humane Society because it is receiving funds from the city. He indicated that he appreciated the fact that Mrs. Gammon had decreased the salaries of her employees from the proposed amount. He also mentioned that he wondered if the citizens were aware that the City Controller received a salary o $15,000 and also received $2,000 from being a member of the Water Works Commission. He also state that cars are furnished to the cabinet members in many cases. He questioned the payroll of the Water Department. Mrs. Janet Allen, 125 West Marion Street, also questioned the position of dog catcher and indicated that the Humane Society was taking care of the problem and it was covered through the Model Cities programs in that area. She concluded by indicating that the only equitable thing to do was to give all employees a $200 increase. Mayor Miller indicated that the Water Department budget was presented and would be again. He mentioned that there was a decrease in payroll in that department. A gentleman employed by the Street Department indicated that the city could not.survive without that department, and he felt it was just as important to South Bend as its police and fire protection. Council President Nemeth made a motion to amend the ordinance by deleting the position of General Foreman at the Municipal Services Facility and inserting the position of Maintenance Supervisor at a rate of $12,000, seconded by Councilman Kopczynski. The motion carried. Council President Neme i then made a motion to amend the ordinance further as follows: Chief Deputy City Attorney ........ Director, Human Resources ................. Superintendent of Parks ................... Recreation Planner ........................ Senior Citizens Director .................. Director, Public Safety ................... Secretary I ......... Accounting Clerk I ........................ Stenographer I ............................ $ 7,571 16,200 15,950 12,000 5,015 15,200 4,500 Minimum 5,000 Minimum 4,500 Minimum