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