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HomeMy Public PortalAbout08-20-2001PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND, INDIANA, MONDAY, AUGUST 20 2001 The Common Council of the City of Richmond, Indiana met in regular session at 7:30 p.m. Monday, August 20, 2001, in the Council Chambers in said City. President Karl Sharp presided with the following Councilmembers present: Howard "Jack" Elstro, Etta J. Lundy, Bruce Wissel, Phil Dickman, Bing Welch, Larry Parker, Paul Combs and Sarah "Sally" Hutton.. The following business was conducted: PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE PRAYER BY COUNCILMEMBER PARKER ROLL CALL Nine present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the meeting of August 6, 2001 were approved on a motion by Councilmember Hutton, second by Councilmember Parker and carried on a voice vote. PRESENTATION OF REMONSTRANCES, PETITIONS, MEMORIALS, INTRODUCTIONS MOTIONS AND PUBLIC COMMENTS Amy Spears, the City's Constituency Services Coordinator, stepped forward to inform Council that she would be conducting a special awards ceremony. She said this stems from an event on Saturday, August 4, during which the City joined with the Beautification Partnership, the Neighborhood Services Clearinghouse and the Palladium — Item to hand out Thank You cards to residents who had beautified their homes either by painting their properties or plantings or other improvements. She said representatives from the three groups mentioned above selected three homeowners who went above and beyond in keeping their homes and yards beautiful. These three, she said, will be presented the "first ever beautification awards." Presenting the Neighborhood Services Clearinghouse award was Charlie Brown who announced the award would go to Mike and Dana Sanders of 719 South West A Street who were in the audience. He asked them to come forward, commenting that those at the Clearinghouse feel that this plays off of a program already in place which is to help beautify homes, but it does not address people, as this does, who have worked on their homes on an ongoing basis. Presenting the next award was Pat Doyle, publisher of the Palladium -Item, who asked Don and Jan Gibbel of 136 South 206' Street, to step forward and accept their plaque. He said he had been to their home and had seen for himself what they had done for their home and congratulated them both for their efforts. Mayor Shelley Miller said she was happy to present the first Mayor's Beautification Award to Marlene and Darnell Twine who reside at 1028 North G Street. Accepting the award was Darnell Twine who the Mayor thanked for the effort the couple has made to beautify their residence. Amy Spears stated that everyone who received a Thank You card had been invited to come to the Council meeting tonight to be honored. She asked them to stand so they could be recognized and asked the audience to express its appreciation by a round of applause. President Sharp_ asked her how many cards had been handed out and she answered there may have been about 80, adding that this is done throughout summer and fall on an ongoing basis, which means there will be more handed out before the end of the year. COMMUNICATION FROM THE MAYOR Mayor Miller informed Council that the City had received notification that it has been awarded an enhancement grant from the Indiana Department of Transportation for a Wayfinding System. She said the City would be moving forward with some "mock" signage to get some public comment regarding that system. REPORT FROM BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS AND SAFETY President Sharp said the minutes of the meetings of July 26 and August 2, 2001, were included in their packets. Common Council Minutes Cont'd August 20, 2001 Page 2 REPORTS FROM DEPARTMENT HEADS Stan Lambert, superintendent of Parks and Recreation Department, gave Councilmembers an update on the happenings in his department which included the projects completed this year or scheduled to be completed this Fall, the project funding, recreation programs and services as well as the upcoming goals. (The report in its entirety is on file in the Clerk's office). REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES REPORTS FROM SPECIAL COMMITTEES REPORTS FROM ORGANIZATIONS MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS Councilmember Parker stated that there had been two instances within the past few weeks of dogs mauling individuals and that prompted him to believe that Council should take another look at the current dog ordinance. He requested that a Committee of the Whole be called to do that. Councilmember Elstro said he agreed with Councilmember Parker. Councilmember Elstro asked City Attorney Bob Bever what the status is on the park benches. Bever responded that the sign committee met last week and the people who have the benches have been notified and Roseview is going to be picking up theirs for painting but there is a backlog on paint work. He said those who have been notified have been given 30 days' notice to either pick them up or the City would be treating them as abandoned. Then, he said, once they are abandoned and are determined to be dilapidated the Parks or the Sanitation Department will pick them up and dispose of them. However, if they are in good shape, he said, the City will have the authority to paint over them and use them at bus stops or anywhere else they are needed. Another comment made by Councilmember Elstro concerned the Recycling Center and the mud on South L Street. The Mayor said there would be a meeting which includes CSX, the City Engineer, the Assistant City Attorney and Jack Edelman, owner of the Recycling Center, to look at the entire area and the railroad crossing. She said the City anticipates that the improvements to the railroad tracks will happen yet this year. Councilmember Elstro responded to her comments, stating that until the mud and the dirt are cleaned out inside the Recycling Center it will do no good. The Mayor also responded to the comment made by Councilmember Parker about the dog ordinance and she said the administration is willing and ready to make sure something happens in that area. President Sharp said they would try to schedule that at the next Council meeting. ORDINANCES ON FIRST READING Councilmember Elstro moved to suspend the rules and read Ordinances No. 56, 57, 63, 64 and 66 — 2001, on first reading by title only, second by Councilmember Welch and the motion was carried on a voice vote. ORDINANCE NO. 56 — 2001 The Clerk read Ordinance No. 56 — 2001 — A SPECIAL ORDINANCE AMENDING THE REZONING AT 637 SOUTH 9TH STREET Bob Goodwin, Planning Director, distributed maps to go with Ordinances No. 56 - and 57 — 2001. He explained what was being asked for and there was a brief discussion as to the exact locations mentioned in the ordinances. President Sharp said this ordinance would be sent to the Planning Commission and be returned to Council. ORDINANCE NO. 57 — 2001 The Clerk read Ordinance No. 57 — 2001— A SPECIAL ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING OF 214' OFF THE NORTH END OF 200 BLOCK OF NORTH 9TH STREET, RICHMOND, INDIANA President Sharp said this ordinance would also be sent to the Planning Commission and come back to Council. Common Council Minutes Cont'd August 20, 2001 Page 3 ORDINANCE NO. 63 — 2001 The Clerk read Ordinance No. 63 — 2001 — AN APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2001 BUDGET Explaining this ordinance was Debbie Lanman of the Street Department who said they are requesting the transfer to purchase three small spreaders and one truck. Councilmember Welch moved to suspend the rules and advance Ordinance No. 63 — 2001 to second reading, second by Councilmember Parker and the motion was carried on a voice vote. The Clerk read Ordinance No. 63 — 2001 on second reading. President Sharp declared Ordinance No. 63 — 2001 on public hearing. There being no comments either for or against the ordinance, Councilmember Wissel moved for engrossment, second by Councilmember Welch and the motion was carried on a voice vote. Councilmember Lundy moved to suspend the rules and advance Ordinance No. 63 — 2001 to third and final reading and read by title only, second by Councilmember Elstro and the motion was carried on a voice vote. The Clerk read Ordinance No. 63 — 2001 on third reading. Ordinance No. 63 — 2001 was adopted on a unanimous roll call vote. ORDINANCE NO.64 — 2001 The Clerk read Ordinance No. 64 — 2001 — AN APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE FIXING THE ANNUAL COMPENSATION OF ALL ELECTED CITY OFFICERS FOR 2002 John Kenny, City Controller, explained that this ordinance deals with the salaries of the Mayor, Clerk and- the members of Common Council. He pointed out that all are at a 4 percent increase except the Councilmember who serves as President of the Council and Chairman of the RP & L Board and that is a 5 percent increase. He explained that in the past it had been only 21/2 percent above the Board members and Councilmembers. President Sharp said that since this ordinance has to be advertised, it would be held on second reading. ORDINANCE NO. 66 — 2001 The Clerk read Ordinance No. 66 — 2001— AN APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2001 BUDGET Debbie Lanman appeared before Council again, explaining that this ordinance deals with the purchase of some much needed equipment which is an additional dump truck and three one ton dump trucks to replace some 1986 pickups. Councilmember Hutton asked if all the concrete work is finished, and the Mayor commented that the contracts for that work came in substantially lower than was thought so this was an area where these funds could be utilized and allow the Street Department to increase their equipment and start an ongoing replacement plan for its capital equipment. Councilmember Dickman asked Lanman how many trucks would be added with the adoption of these two ordinances. She said it would mean they could add three new dump trucks and three one - ton trucks. Councilmember Parker asked if all the contractual concrete work was done. Mayor Miller responded that the contracts are running approximately 8 months behind where they should be so the contracts that were awarded within the past three or four weeks will be work that will be completed during this year and spring and summer of next year. She said the Street Department would be working on the 2002 contract to ensure that it is let out for bid in February or March of next year to enable the department to get caught up with the work so it parallels the budget needs. The Mayor said because of that the department will not be able to go ahead and contract out for additional work to be performed yet this year. And, she continued, as the administration looked at the department's capital equipments needs it was felt that some reprioritization should take place to enable the department to make some capital purchases that would allow for the start of a replacement plan to ensure that the department is fully equipped for the upcoming leaf and snow season. Then, she said, they would be prepared to let the contracts out on a timelier basis the next year. Common Council Minutes Cont'd August 20, 2001 Page 4 Councilmembers Parker and Lundy questioned using the sidewalk and curb money to buy equipment and Councilmember Lundy asked if a like amount of money would be available next year for the contracts to make sure the work gets done. The Mayor said it would be, stating that the amount for contractual concrete and for asphalt work, had been increased for the 2002 budget. She said they are looking at curbs and sidewalks in excess of $500,000 and close to that same amount for asphalt work between what is done in- house and what is contracted out. Councilmember Wissel asked if Council would be receiving a list of all the sidewalk, curbs and tree projects and the Mayor answered that her office is currently in the process of compiling those lists. Councilmember Welch moved to suspend the rules and advance Ordinance No. 66 — 2001 to second reading, second by Councilmember Dickman and the motion was carried on a voice vote. The Clerk read Ordinance No. 66 — 2001 on second reading. President Sharp declared Ordinance No. 66 — 2001 on public hearing. There being no comments either for or against the ordinance, Councilmember Wissel moved for engrossment, second by Councilmember Welch and the motion was carried on a voice vote. Councilmember Wissel moved to suspend the rules and advance Ordinance No. 66 — 2001 to third and final reading and read by title only, second by Councilmember Dickman and the motion was carried on a voice vote. The Clerk read Ordinance No. 66 — 2001 on third reading. Councilmember Parker commented that, like Councilmember Lundy he is not opposed to new and safer equipment if that is what is needed, but he is disappointed for the citizens of Richmond that the $150,000 was not spent for the contractual concrete for the sidewalks and curbs because that's one of the biggest complaints that he receives when it comes to the City streets. He added that he feels the citizens of Richmond have been very lenient with the City about that and ' he felt that if this kind of money has been available it should have been spent on sidewalks and curbs. Councilmember Elstro said he agreed with the comments made by Councilmember Parker. . Ordinance No. 66 — 2001 was adopted on a unanimous roll call vote. ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING AND ENGROSSMENT AMENDED ORDINANCE NO. 18 — 2001 The Clerk read Amended Ordinance No. 18 — 2001 — A SPECIAL ORDINANCE FIXING CERTAIN BENEFITS UNDER THE POLICEMAN PENSION FUND FOR THE CITY OF RICHMOND President Sharp said this ordinance and No. 28 would continue to be held. ORDINANCE NO. 28 — 2001 The Clerk read Ordinance No. 28 — 2001 — A SPECIAL ORDINANCE FIXING CERTAIN BENEFITS UNDER THE 1937 FIREFIGHTER'S PENSION FUND FOR THE CITY OF RICHMOND President Sharp said this ordinance would also continue to be held. ORDINANCE NO. 54 — 2001 The Clerk read Ordinance No. 54 — 2001 — A SPECIAL ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE APPROVAL OF A STATEMENT OF BENEFITS FOR A PROPERTY OWNER APPLYING FOR DEDUCTIONS UNDER I.C. 6-1.1-12.1 Explaining this ordinance was Councilmember Combs who said he talked with Jeff Hanna of FHS Partners LLC which is requesting a 10-year tax abatement for real estate with an estimated new value of $1,834,000. He said it is for a 60,000 square foot pre-engineered steel building which is going to be leased to Woodruff Corp. for 10 years with options to renew. He explained that this request was first submitted June 1, 1999 and Council had recommended that they delay acting on it until the time they would actually be leasing the building and that is where they are now. He recommended approval of the request. President Sharp declared Ordinance No. 54 — 2001 on public hearing. There being no comments either for or against the ordinance, Councilmember Dickman moved for engrossment, second by Councilmember Wissel and the motion was carried on a voice vote. Common Council Minutes Cont'd August 20, 2001 Page 5 Councilmember Lundy moved to suspend the rules and advance Ordinance No. 54 — 2001 to third and final reading and read by title only, second by Councilmember Elstro and the motion was carried on a voice vote. The Clerk read Ordinance No. 54 — 2001 on third reading. Ordinance No. 54 — 2001 was adopted on a unanimous roll call vote. ORDINANCE NO. 55 — 2001 The Clerk read Ordinance No. 55 — 2001 — A SPECIAL ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE APPROVAL OF A STATEMENT OF BENEFITS FOR A PROPERTY OWNER APPLYING FOR DEDUCTIONS UNDER I.C. 6-1.1-12.1 Councilmember Elstro said this ordinance deals with a request by Vandor Corp. for a 10-year tax abatement with an estimated value of $1,850,000 and is for upgraded equipment. He said he had conferred with Councilmember Wissel and there were some unanswered questions and asked that it be held on second reading until they could supply a breakdown of equipment. President Sharp said that Ordinance No. 55 — 2001 was held on second reading. ORDINANCE NO. 58 — 2001 The Clerk read Ordinance No. 58 — 2001 — A SPECIAL ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE APPROVAL OF A STATEMENT OF BENEFITS FOR A PROPERTY OWNER APPLYING FOR DEDUCTIONS UNDER I.C. 6-1.1-12.1 President Sharp explained that this ordinance deals with a request by Amcast Automotive — Richmond Plant for a 10-year abatement for new manufacturing equipment to be used in the production of aluminum castings with an estimated new value of $1,604,000. He recommended approval for a 7-year abatement. Councilmember Welch moved to amend the ordinance and change the number of years from 10 to 7, second by Councilmember Parker and the motion was carried on a voice vote. President Sharp declared Ordinance No. 58 — 2001 on public hearing. There being no comments either for or against the ordinance, Councilmember Hutton moved for engrossment, second by Councilmember Parker and the motion was carried on a voice vote. Councilmember Lundy moved to suspend the rules and advance Ordinance No. 58 - 2001 to third and final reading and read by title only, second by Councilmember Elstro and the motion was carried on a voice vote. The Clerk read Ordinance No. 58 - 2001 on third reading. Ordinance No. 58 - 2001 was adopted on a unanimous roll call vote. ORDINANCE NO. 59 — 2001 The Clerk read Ordinance No. 59 — 2001 — A SPECIAL ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE APPROVAL OF A STATEMENT OF BENEFITS FOR A PROPERTY OWNER APPLYING FOR DEDUCTIONS UNDER I.C. 6-1.1-12.1 Explaining this ordinance was Councilmember Wissel who said it deals with a request by Richmond Baking Company for a 10-year tax abatement for new manufacturing equipment with an estimated new value of $750,000. He said the company expects retention of 122 jobs while adding 5 new ones to its operation. He said that this would allow a new product line that the company can offer a present customer and try to attract new customers which would mean an expansion in the market. He also recommended approval of the request. President Sharp declared Ordinance No. 59 — 2001 on public hearing. There being no comments either for or against the ordinance, Councilmember Lundy moved for engrossment, second by Councilmember Parker and the motion was carried on a voice vote. Councilmember Parker moved to suspend the rules and advance Ordinance No. 58 — 2001 to third and final reading and read by title only, second by Councilmember Dickman and the motion was carried on a voice vote. The Clerk read Ordinance No. 59 — 2001 on third reading. Ordinance No. 59 — 2001 was adopted on a unanimous roll call vote. Common Council Minutes Cont'd August 20, 2001 Page 6 ORDINANCES ON THIRD READING There were none. President Sharp reminded Councilmembers that there will be a Committee of the Whole meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, August 27, 2001, in Council Chambers. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the 2002 budget with the Mayor, City Controller and Department Heads. CALL FOR ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, on a motion duly made, seconded and passed, the meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m. ATTEST: Norma Schroeder, Clerk Karl Sharp, President