HomeMy Public PortalAbout02-10-1972 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS & SAFETY OF THE
CITY OF RICHMOND, INDIANA, FEBRUARY 10, 1972
The Board of Public Works and Safety of the City of Richmond, Indiana, met in
regular session February 10, 1972, at the hour of 9:00 a.m. in the Municipal
Building of said City. Mr. Judge presided with Mr. Benner and Miss Wynegar
present. The following business was had to-wit:
Mr. Benner moved to approve the minutes of the previous meeting, seconded by
Miss Wynegar, and on unanimous voice vote the motion was carried.
The City Plan Department presented to the Board a plaque which represents a
Distinguished Achievement Award given to the City for the second consecutive
year for its Community Improvement Program in the National Clean-Up Contest.
Assistant Police Chief Major Lewis Doren requested permission to send Sgts.
Howard Crist and Richard Smith to a school for "Supervision of Police Personnel " ,
to be held at Indiana University, February 21-25, 1972, with all expenses except
transportation to be paid by the Indiana Criminal Justice Planning Agency. Miss
Wynegar moved the Board approve the request, seconded by Mr. Benner, and on
unanimous voice vote the motion was carried.
Major Lewis Doren recommended the Board appoint Michael John Jennings as Pro-
bationary Patrolman, Mr. Jennings having complied with all mental and physical
requirements, effective February 11 , 1972. Mr. Benner moved the Board approve
the appointment, seconded by Miss Wynegar, and on unanimous voice vote the
motion was carried.
Mr. Judge read the following letter:
February 9, 1972
Board of Public Works
City Building
Richmond, Indiana
Dear Members,
This letter is in reference to your plan for the removal of dead
trees from city-owned areas.
Perhaps it should be noted at this time that hundreds of birds
and animals within the limits of our city depend upon dead trees for
homes , as holes due to storm-damage and decay provide them with shelter
and security. Since these holes are not closed up by growth, they are
in continuous use.
I would respectfully suggest that dead trees which are not too
unsightly or hazardous be allowed to remain, out of consideration for
our diminishing wildlife and the hardships these little creatures will
suffer if their homes are destroyed in the cold season, or for that
matter, in any season. It is a part of the natural order that cavaties
in dead trees are necessary to certain animals and birds, among them,
the fast-vanishing bluebird.
Many dead trees are sturdy and well rooted. In some places, vines
planted around such trees grow up to give them a decorative appearance
and at the same time protect the lives and homes of wildlife.
Sincerely,
/s/ Esther Kellner
(Mrs. ) Lee Kellner
The Board ordered the Clerk to notify the Street Commissioner and the Park Com-
missioner of the concern.
Street Commissioner Elmer Toschlog complained that cars are being double parked
at Garden Avenue and South "E" Street, so as to make difficult for Street Depart-
ment trucks to pass. The complaint was referred to the Traffic Division.
Board of Works Minutes
February 10, 1972
Page 2
Street Commissioner Toschlog complained that Shook Company trucks are blacking
streets at South Sixth and "A" Streets and leaving debris around. Mr. Benner
explained that this is a Redevelopment project, but referred the complaint to
the Traffic Division.
Mr. Judge reported he had had a complaint from Councilman Williams that a
house behind a former alley at 1414 North "G" Street has water entering it,
coming from the former alley. Street Commissioner Toschlog said he would
check it.
Mr. Judge reported that he had checked Councilman William's complaint regarding
parking tickets issued on South 9th Street,' and said that none had been issued
for the past week.
Tom Atkinson presented a petition for a sanitary sewer, to be constructed with
Barrett Law funds on Straight Line Pike. Mr. Benner moved the Board refer the
petition to the Engineer for study, Miss Wynegar seconded the motion and on
unanimous voice vote the motion was carried.
Dr. Warrick, Tom Atkinson, and Sam Emrick appeared to discuss the sewer situ-
ation on the Earlham compus. Dr. Warrick explained that a 66" (sixty-six inch)
combination sewer line overflows during heavy storm water periods and leaves
raw sewage in the valley, causing muchhunsightlyness and a bad odor, mainly
in the vicinity of Yokefellow House. The problem has been discussed with the
Sanitary District, but they were told to bring it to the Board of Works. . Mr.
Benner explained that the problem is due to build-up of the area and poor
planning many years ago. He said not only the immediate'area is concerned
but the entire Whitewater Valley, that it is a joint problem between the City
and the Sanitary District, and that the pollutant index of the ditch should be
checked. He explained that it is possible to resolve the problem but that
millions of dollars would be involved and that locally it could not be done
except through directives and financial assistance from the Federal Government.
He suggested Earlham tile over the opening of the sewer as an immediate solution
and be,:said he would take it up with the Sanitary Commission to see how the City
and the Sanitary District could help.
There being no further business on motion duly made, seconded and passed, the
meeting was adjourned.
Jerald J. Judge, President
ATTEST: Lotte Hoskins, Clerk of the Board