11-13-50 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 13TH, 1950 There seemed to be mutual agreement of all concerned that a plan of action to be followed was: 1. A study of our actual conditions summarized by a group of people qualified to make such a study or survey. 2. Careful analysis of this survey or summary by a committee of qualified local technical men. 3. Formulate an ordinance which will give consideration to all present problems as well as control future equipment and processes to control smoke and air pollution. It was pointed out that approximately 70% of all smoke offenses could be corrected by education and installation of more modern and efficient equipment, accessories and use of same. Mr. Rudbeck pointed out that Bendix had installed one new steam generating unit and had effected a coal savings of 6,000 tons of coal in one years time. Mr. Bowman, Studebakers, verifies savings from new equipment and points out that many schools and small industries could not afford financially to install new equipment but could stand costs of educational equipment such as: CO2 Analyzers, Flue gas temperature Ind., Draft -gages, Overfire air jets, Repairs to grate equipment, Tighten and seal refractory settings. Mr. Lammers ask if any money is available in the city funds for putting into effect a smoke and air pollution ordinance. Mr. Erle stated that no funds were available in 1950 budget and asks what the cost of operation might be. Mr. Lammers points out that a qualified Engineer to operate such an ordinance would cost from 10 to 12,000 per year. He must have: Office space and equipment; Laboratory space; Assistants for field work; Chemist for analysis; Secretary; Transportation. No general cost was given but it can be seen that such a dept. would cost the taxpayers additional taxes. Mr. Lammers felt that the proper approach would be a survey, analysis and co- operative educational plan to start with, should this fail, then continue use of State Nuisance Law and formulate city ordinance. Mr. Bowman = Studebakers - pointed out that air pollution was possibly the greatest offenders - and not smoke. He explained that at one time they made a chemical analysis of the air at various points of the city and found considerable contamination such ast acids - alkalis - coustics - color etc. He pointed out there were a number of foundries in this area which pollute the air. Mr. Lammers believed that the Indiana Coal producers Association could solve excessive smoke problems as far as coal is concerned. To summarize the results of the meeting the following was offered: 1. What is the problem? 29 What is in the air's Survey of city by areas and groups as 1. Industrial; 2. Railroads; 3. Schools; 4. Small plants, apt. etc. Laundries. 5. , Public, Buildings. Analyse weather and prevailing wind. Follow this by analysis of those contributors to air pollution and smoke by determining causes. 4 Establish programs for offenders and general public. 1. Lectures; 2. Physcological effect; 3. Technical programs. Coal heating service offers aid; Equipment manufacturers would suggest aid; Coal producers Association would aic National Association of Power Engineers; St. Joe Valley Engineers. Mr.. Howell pointed out the Mishawaka area would follow our lead in a definite program of smoke and air pollution control. It was pointed out that conversion to oil or gas was not a definite answer to complete elimination of smoke. Formulation of an ordinance must give all due consideration to present and future contributors and not be of such a nature to keep new industry away--or drive away those now in the city. Meeting was closed with the thought that Mr. Erler would present the results of this meeting to the council for approval, to call Mr. Lammers group to give us a survey which would be at no cost to the city. Meeting adjourned. Councilman Niezgodski made a motion that the minutes of the Anti -Air Pollution Committee be accepted. Councilman Muszynski seconded the motion. Motion carried. NEW BUSINESS Councilman Korpal made a motion that bus company officials, union officials and bus riders be invited to attend the next Council meeting on November 27th relative to bus - service rendered to the public. Councilman Niezgodski seconded the motion. Motion carried. There being no further business, Councilman Niezgodski made a motion to adjourn, which motion was seconded by Councilman Korpal. Motion carried, and Council adjourned at 9 :35 P.M. ATTEST: APPROVED: