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HomeMy Public PortalAbout02-06-1969 l 01/ BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS AND SAFETY OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND, INDIANA, FEBRUARY 6, 1969 The Board of Public Works and Safety of the City of Richmond, Indiana met in regular session in the Municipal Building, February 6, 1969, at the hour of 9:00 a.m. (est) . Mr. Cecere presiding with Mr. Hoskins and Mr. Jacobs present. The following business was had to-wit: Mr. Hoskins moved that the minutes of the previous meeting be acdepted, seconded by Mr. Jacobs and on unanimous voice vote, was carried. Ron Mefford, representing the Penn-Central Railroad, appeared to dis- cuss the condition of railroad crossings in Richmond, with particular emphases on the corssing on Union Pike. Street Commissioner Elmer Toschlog explained that the crossing had been patched temporarily recently, that all the temporary pavings were washing out, and that almost all railroad crossings had large holes. It has been his ex- perience that it takes about three weeks to get the railroad to patch holes, and then only temporarily. The crossings §hduldrbe built up with ties. Mr. Mefford admitted that this was true but he said per- manent repairs would have to wait for better weather. Mr. Cecere said that the City was asking the railroad to make a commitment for a schedule of permanent repairs. He said that part of the problem was that the City deals with too many people, many of whom do not have the authority to make a commitment for the railroad. Mr. Mefford explained that the railroad has many crossings in many cities and that the problem is a matter of getting around to each one. He said his office assumes the responsibility for all corssings. There is a program of repairs and the Union Pike crossing is high on the list, but hecould give no date. He said Richmond crossings are handled out of Anderson. Mr. Cecere requested that Mr. Mefford' s office write a letter to the Board, stating their intent of having the crossings fixed, and Mr. Mefford agreed to this request. Mr. Toschlog asked the Board to request utilities, when they dig in the streets, to leave a marker identifying which utility was responsible for the digging. He said he often receives complaints about holes in the streets not properly barricaded, and there is no way for his De- partment to know whith whom they should get in touch. He slowed a sample marker which could be used, (small patch of colored paint on the curb) . Mr. Cecere said that some way should be found so tka t utilities which dig several holes in a row should be made to pay part of the cost of re- paving streets in which they have dug. He sais just patching the hole does not leave the street in good condition, as, Eor example, on No. "A" between 6th and 7th Sts. Mr. Jacobs said that City specifications should state that when utilities dig in a continuous line, they must repave the street, rather than patch holes. Mr. Jacobs moved that the City Attorney should look into establishing a formula for utilities which dig in the streets to hear part of the burden of repaving, seconded by Mr. Hoskins and on unanimous voice vote, the motion was carried. Mr. Toschlog asked the Board' s approval for laying out a program of regular street sweeping, to include the prohibiting of parking on, one side of certain streets on regular nights. Mr. Cecere said that the Board would consider the plan after it has been submitted. Fire Chief Donovan Johnson submitted the following requests to the Board: Andrew Cecere, President Board of Public Works & Safety City of Richmond, Indiana Dear Sir: The following is presented to the Board of Public Works and Safety for action. 1/,Z 1) Marshal Kern, 208 North West 18th Street, has passed all physical and mental examinations to become a probationary fireman. I recommend that Mr. Kern be appointed a probationary fireman effective February 7, 1969. 2) Request removal of all parking meters located on the parking lot between South 5th and South 6th Streets on South "A" Street so that construction on the New #1 Fire Station can start immediately. Respectfully submitted, /s/ Donavon Johnson, Chief Richmond.Fire Department Mr. Hoskins moved that Chief Johnson' s requests be approved, seconded by Mr. Jacobs and on unanimous voice vote, the motion was carried. The Fire Chief also explained the hiring procedure of new firemen. Applicants are given a two-hour indoctrination; are given a test by Dr. Fred Groshmeyer of the Earlham psychology department, which Dr. Grohsmeyer grades; letters of recommendation are considered: a police check of each applicant is made; a personal interview conducted: the applicant' s rvice record is reviewed; and he is given an eye exam- ination by Dr. Barnhart. Captain Walter Stout of the Traffic Division reported that the traffic signal at 15th and No. "A" St. , which the Board had ordered removed several weeks ago is being taken out. He said the Traffic Division' would like to install stop signs on 15th St. , and remove parking from the stalls near the corner to make for better visibility, resulting in the loss of seven parking spaces. Mr. Jacobs moved that this be approved, seconded by Mr. Hoskins and on unanimous voice vote, the motion was carried. Captain Stout reported, in answer to Councilman' s Hilligoss' request at Council, that taxi meters had been checked Jan. 31st, and all taxis complied with the regulations as to posting rates. Captain Stout reported having completed a traffic count inthe N.W. industrial section of the City for consultants Steeg and Associates. As an example of the amount of traffic traveling in the area he re- ported that the count showed 18,700 cars crossed the 20th Century Bridge in 24 hours in one direction only. Steeg is now compiling their report and will meet their April 1, deadline. Mr. Cecere asked Captain Stout to look into the situation regarding signs on Sheridan St. near a used car lot, as requested by Councilman - Philip Marino. Captain Stout said he would check this out. Mr. Cecere complimented the Police Department on the speedy capture of three men accused of having robbed and beaten the attendant at the Keg and Cask liquor store. Ralph Burrell, 721 No. 16th St. , appeared before the Board, regarding improvements he would like to make on his home. He wants to repair his roof and erect a tool shed, and wanted to know if his property would be taken into the redevelopment plan. Mayor Klute advised him that there is a possibility .his property wculd be taken in by redevel- opment, but no definite plans for that property had been made. The Mayor said that Mr. Burrell should be issued a building permit for his improvements. Mr. Cecere brought a request by Council that a control switch for the automatic signal be installed for an emergency light far the City Ambu- lance on 9th St. All lights would show "stop" . Captain Stout said the cost would be about $200.00. Mr. Jacobs moved that the Board order a control swith for the ambulance entrance, seconded by Mr. Hoskins and on unanimous voice vote, the motion was carried. Mr. Hoskins moved that proof of publication for two fire truck van bids be accepted, seconded by Mr. Jacobs and on unanimous voice vote the motion was carried. Mr. Cecere opened the bids as follows: Kurdy's $ 4,344.42 Fred First $ 4,306.04 Warfield GNC $ 4,091.54 )14 Fire Chief Johnson, after examining the bids, said that the Warfield bid did not meet specifications, their trucks having a shorter body than called for, and he recommended that the Board accept the Ford bid, because the Department already keeps Ford replacement parts in stock. Mr. Cecere moved that the Ford bid be accepted, seconded by Mr. Jacobs and on unanimous voice vote, the motion was carried. Mr. Jacobs moved that the Board approve the following street light chan- ges, seconded by Mr. Hoskins and on unanimous voice vote, the motion was carried. Approval of street lights at: South 7th & 0 Streets - Install 1, Remove 1 Chester Blvd. , Whitewater Blvd. to Hospital Entrance- Insta11,6, Remove 1 The following report of a trash and litter survey was submitted by the building commissioner: February 3, 1969 Board of Works & Safety Richmond, Indiana Gentlemen: At your request a litter and trash survey was made of the City by Elmer Toschlog, Street Commissioner, and Claude E. Goins Building Commissioner, on February 3, 1969, and the following conditions were found to exist: 1. Richmond High School Area - paper cups, papers, Coke cans • and beer bottles were scattered on school ground. 2. Dennis Jr. Highschool Area - paper cup's and Coke cans were scattered on school ground. 3. -Powerhouse, Inc. - Third and National Road West - entire lot was covered with litter 4. Fairview school - paper cups and Coke cans on school grounds 5. Powerhouse, Inc. - North Tenth Street - entire lot scattered with litter 6. Nicholson School - beer cases, coke bottles, wine bottles and paper scattered over school grounds. 7. McDonald' s - lot was cleanl-bait cups and paper were scattered along South 18th Street adjacent to property 8. Red Barn - lot was clean but cups and paper were scattered along North 21st Street adjacent to property. 9. Test School - paper cups and beer bottles scattered on school grounds. 10. Downtown Area - Alley between Main and North A streets from 16th too5th Street - garbage on ground behind Cox Supermarket at 16th and 'A" Street. 11. Alley between 8th and 9th streets behind Loehr' s - boxes laying on ground 12. Alley between South 4th and South 14th Streets -beer cans and litter between 4th and 5th Streets. 13. Alley between 5th and 6th Streets - beer cans and litter on ground. 14. Alley between 6th and 7th Streets - paper and trash on ground. 15. Alley between 7th and 8th Streets - paper and trash on ground. 16. Alley between 8th and 9th Streets - paper and trash not in barrles. Loose boxes scattered behind Bartel and Rohe. 17. Alley between South 10th and llth Streets - clean 18. Alley between South llth and 12th Streets - clean 19. Alley between South 12th and 13th Streets - seat coveting material piled behind Golay Auto. 20. Alley between 13th and 14th Streets - clean 21. Main Street from 14th to 3rd Street - come paper and paper cups but as a whole, clean. Respectfully submitted, /s/ Claude E. Goins, Commissioner Mayor Klute reported that the school authoritites have been notified of the conditions surrounding the schools and Mr. Jack Turnbaugh has requested a copy of the report. The Mayor siad the City would make its trucks available to the schools or other organizations if they will conduct a clean-up. The Clerk was ordered to request managers of Powerhouse, MacDonalds, and Red Barn drive-inrestaurants to appear before the Board on the 13th of February, to discuss the problem. The Street Dept. was asked to make periodic sweeps of downtown alleys if it has equipment small enough. Mayor Klute suggested that the Saitary Board write to every downtown business extablishment and solicit their cooperation in keeping the streets clean. The Mayor reported that the new ordinance regarding':arash containers. The Mayor said he thought Council felt favorable toward this ordinance and would report it out of committee soon. Building Commissioner Ed Goins reported that he had received two bids for the demolishing of 1106 Perry St. , a condemned building, one from Fox A & D for $700.00 and one from Cox Excavating for $600.00. He recommended the Board accept the low bid of $600.00 be accepted, seconded by Mr. Hoskins and on unanimous voice vote, the motion was carried. A curb cut requested by Mr. Tom Soper, 22 South 3rd St. , was discussed. The request had been approved by the Zoning Administration but dis- approved by the Traffic Division. Captain Stout explained that the request was made to allow Mr. Soper to park his car on his property, but 1) he would have to back out into traffic, constituting a hazard, 2)two on-street parking spaces would be lost in an area where parking is already at a premium, and 3) he has other access to the back of his property. Mr. Jacobs moved that the curb cut request be denied, seconded by Mr. Hoskins and on unanimous voice vote, the motion was carried. Mr. Hoskins brought up a request from the Fire Fighters for a gift of any usable materials left in the old City Building. He reported that he has informed the Fire Fighters that the law requires the City to sell its surplus at auction. Mr. Cecere reported that in regards to the sale of the lot on No. 2nd Street Swayne Robinson Co. , no appraisersshave been appointed yet. Mr. Hoskins said that although the Municipal Building has a fire alarm, it is not hooked up with any fire station. Mr. Ron Maze has checked into the problem and a hook-up could easily be effected. Mr. Hoskins moved that the Board order the tie-in with Fire Station No. 1, seconded by Mr. Jacobs and on unanimous voice vote, the motion was carried. Mr. Jacobs moved that the Board order the Street Department to move parking meter stubs from the streets, seconded by Mr. Hoskins and on unanimous voice vote, the motion was carried. A request from Councilman Frank Marino to check on some guy wires at So. 10th and "A" Street was referred to Captain Stout. Captain Stout reported, in answer to an inquiry by Councilman Blackwood about a radio tied into the police rada'oosystem for the dog warden' s truck, that the dog warden' s truck was already equipped with such a radio. In answer to a request by the Police Department to clear up the ter- minology setting out City employees' vacations, the Board decided that seven days means seven calendar days, not working days. Mr. Cecere moved that the City Controller be asked to send a memo to that effect to all departments. Mayor Klute reported that the City had taken a step toward establish- ing a merit system by standardizing ranks and employment procedures in both the fire and police departments. He called it procedures for public safety. Pay grades in both departments will be deter- mined by the following categories. Fire Department Police Department 01 - Probationary 01+Probationary C2 02-First Class 02-Patrolman 03-Engineer 03-Patrolman Technician 04-Captain 04-Sergeant 05-Battalion Chief =05-Captain 06-Assistant 06-Assistant Chief 07-Chief 07-Chief The Mayor said job discriptions will be fully worked out in the near future.. The Clerk reported the need for a bulletin board for the Municipal Building for posting certain ordinances and resolutions as required by Law. Mr. Hoskins moved that the Engineer order an appropriate bulletin board, glass-enclosed, to be placed somewhere in the Police Dept. , and that the bulletin board be the responsibility of the City Clerk, seconded by Mr. Jacobs and on unanimous voice vote, the motion was carried. There being no further business on motion duly made, seconded and carried, the meeting adjourned. /s/ Andrew C. Cecere President Attest: /s/ Lotte Hoskins, City Clerk