07-20-70 Council Special Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes

Home Browse Search

SPECIAL MEETING - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING JULY 20, 1970 nPnTNANCE AN ORDINANCE FIXING THE ANNUAL PAY OF FIREMEN FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 1971. This being the time heretofore set for public hearing on the above Ordinance, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard thereon. Miss Virginia Guthrie, Assistant Secre- tary , South Bend Civic Planning Association, said the same letter as read for the Police Annual Pay Ordinance would also apply to the Firemen's Annual Pay Ordinance,(see page 400). There were no further comments on the Ordinance. Councilmen Szymkowiak made a motion that the Ordinance go to the Council as favorable. Councilman Zielinski seconded the motion. Motion carried. 8 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. ORDINANCE AN ORDINANCE FIXING MAXIMUM SALARIES OF APPOINTED OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, FOR THE YEAR 1971. This being the time heretofore set for public hearing on the above Ordinance, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard thereon. Mayor Lloyd M. Allen spoke on behalf of the proposed ordinance. He stated that the Council had a.difficult task before them. However, he stated that they must arrive at an equitable balance, keeping in mind that they have a respon- sibility to the taxpayers and the employees of the city. Mr. Kenneth Buhle, a representative of the Teamsters Union, which represents many city employees, submitted the following letter in support of the proposed ordinance. July 20, 1970 Mr. Frederick D. Craven 1012 East Fairview South Bend, Indiana 46614 Dear Mr. Craven: The City Council will shortly be considering the budget insofar as it affects the South Bend City Employees. As you may know, we represent a significant number of the City Employees in the various departments. I wish to let you know that we strongly support the recommendations of the City Administration that these employees be given a 6/ increase in their wages. We are all aware of the repid increase in the cost -of- living which has dealt very harshly with employees in the wage brackets under consideration. For example, the cost -of- living rose slightly over 2/ during the first four months of this year. Projected for the full year of 1970, we would have in excess of a 6/ rise in the cost -of- living. This increase would, of course, never be recovered even if the 6/ increase in wages is approved for next year. Incidentally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has determined that an urban family of four would require an annual income of $10,077.00 to maintain what they classify as an "intermediate" standard living in the spring of •1969. This so- called intermediate standard of living, which is by no means a luxury one, is 11/ higher than the identical budget figured for the spring of 1967. I don't have to tell you that the income of the men whom we represent does not approach the standard of living outlined in the BLS survey. In general, therefore, while we truly believe that the proposed 6% increase is inadequate, we ask you to support it as the very minimum owed by the community to its employees. Sincerely, CHAUFFEURS, TEAMSTERS AND HELPERS LOCAL UNION NO. 364 /s/ Norman C. Murrin President 9w cc: Michael J. Lawrence Ken Buhle