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HomeMy Public PortalAbout08-06-2001PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND, INDIANA, MONDAY, AUGUST 6 2001 The Common Council of the City of Richmond, Indiana met in regular session at 7:30 p.m. Monday, August 6, 2001, in the Council Chambers in said City. President Karl Sharp presided with the following Councilmembers present: Howard "Jack" Elstro, Etta J. Lundy, Phil Dickman, Bing Welch, Larry Parker, Paul Combs and Sarah "Sally" Hutton. Bruce Wissel was absent. The following business was conducted: PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE PRAYER BY COUNCILMEMBER WELCH ROLL CALL Eight present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the meeting of July 16, 2001 were approved on a motion by Councilmember Parker, second by Councilmember Welch and carried on a voice vote. PRESENTATION OF REMONSTRANCES, PETITIONS, MEMORIALS, INTRODUCTIONS MOTIONS AND PUBLIC COMMENTS COMMUNICATION FROM THE MAYOR In the absence of the Mayor, City Controller John Kenny reviewed the dates on the budget calendar distributed to the Councilmembers prior to the meeting. He said August 27 has been selected for a Committee of the Whole meeting to discuss the budget with Council, the department heads, the Mayor and the Controller. Kenny said the budget books would probably be available at least a week before the meeting. - Councilmember Hutton commented that it had been nearly two years ago that Council had passed a resolution about lowest and best bids on projects and using local people if at all possible. She asked City Attorney Bob Bever if there is any way that the resolution could be strengthened to avoid what has happened with work at the municipal pool. She alluded to the fact that the work has been "shoddy" and it has also been late in being completed. Bever responded, saying that because of the lowest and best bid requirement, it is not always easy to ensure that the work is done by local people. He said, however, he would look into it and see if there is anything that can be done about the issue. REPORT FROM BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS AND SAFETY President Sharp said the minutes of the meeting of June 28, July 5, 12, 19 and 23, 2001, were included in their packets. REPORTS FROM DEPARTMENT HEADS Fire Chief Mike Allen reported on the progress and the goals of the Richmond Fire Department discussing issues such as confined space rescues, first responder and evaluating equipment use. He also said getting the computer and networking process ready and operable had been a slow moving process as well as the radio upgrade. The Chief said a new 75=foot ladder truck had been added to the fleet of trucks June 1, 2001, using funds made available through a grant two years ago. He also stated that he would be traveling to Appleton, Wisconsin later this year to finalize the blueprints for a new rescue truck. Councilmember Combs spoke in support of the things the Chief said are being done. REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES REPORTS FROM SPECIAL COMMITTEES REPORTS FROM ORGANIZATIONS President Sharp said he had attended an Economic Development Corp. meeting earlier today which centered around the activity in the Midwest Industrial Park. He said the $200 million project is back on the books and there should be something definite decided by the end of the year with that company, adding that there is also a plastics company interested in a local site. Common Council Minutes Cont'd August 6, 2001 Page 2 MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS Treva Chupp, representing the Independent Living- Center of Eastern Indiana, enlightened Councilmembers about South A Street between South 37`s Street and Garwood Road. She said it is unsafe to be out on the street, citing the lack of curb cuts, traffic lights and insufficient sidewalks on the south side of the street. After her presentation, Councilmember Welch suggested that she submit her request in writing to the Mayor's office and possibly look into getting some grant money to get some of those things done that she had mentioned tonight. Councilmember Parker commented on a petition he had in hand which had been signed by residents on South West 15`s Street. He said they mentioned several issues which included problems with a rental property, perhaps an auto repair shop in the garage as well as the continual noise of a boom box that starts at 6 a.m. He said since there were a number of things mentioned and that's why he wasn't sure who the petition should be given to. City Attorney Bob Bever said he would look over the petition and see what can be done about the problems mentioned. ORDINANCES ON FIRST READING Councilmember Elstro moved to suspend the rules and read Ordinances No. 46, 54, 55, 58, 59, 60, 61 and 62— 2001, on first reading by title only, second by Councilmember Welch and the motion was carried on a voice vote. ORDINANCE NO. 46 — 2001 The Clerk read Ordinance No. 46 — 2001 — AN APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE TO BE KNOWN AS THE 2001 FIREFIGHTER AND POLICE OFFICER SALARY ORDINANCE Explaining the ordinance was City Controller John Kenny who said that he is presenting the 2002 Firefighter and Police Salary Ordinance and it is the second year of a three-year contract. He said there are no changes other than the annual increases. City Attorney Bever pointed out that there are two typographical errors in the ordinance, pointing out that the first is after the second WHEREAS it should be corrected to read 2002, not 2001 and the second error is after the third WHEREAS where it reads "shall be," and that should be stricken and replaced with "was." Kenny said he thought there was an August 19 State deadline and said he knows he could submit this to the Board of Works. Bever pointed out that because it was a three-year contract last year the Council passed a resolution last year approving salaries for all three years. He said there isn't a lot that can be disputed or modified on this which means he wouldn't have any problem with taking this ordinance through all three readings tonight. Councilmember Elstro moved to amend the ordinance making the two changes alluded to by Bever, second by Councilmember Dickman and the motion was carried on a voice vote. Councilmember Lundy moved to suspend the rules and advance Amended Ordinance No. 46 — 2001 to second reading, second by Councilmember Elstro and the motion was carried on a voice vote. The Clerk read Amended Ordinance No. 46 — 2001 on second reading. President Sharp declared Amended Ordinance No. 46 — 2001 on public hearing. There being no .comments either for or against the ordinance, Councilmember Elstro moved for engrossment, second by Councilmember Dickman and the motion was carried on a voice vote. Councilmember Parker had a question as to whether or not the figures were correct and Kenny assured him that he had double checked the amounts and found them to be correct. Councilmember Welch moved to suspend the rules and advance Amended Ordinance No. 46 — 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. 46 — 2001 on third reading. Ordinance No. 46 — 2001 was adopted on a unanimous roll call vote. Common Council Minutes Cont'd August 6, 2001 Page 3 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 President Sharp said Ordinance No. 54 — 2001 would go to the Tax Abatement Committee and return to Council at its next meeting at which time Councilmember Combs would explain it. The ordinance deals with a request by FHS Partners, LLC for a 10-year tax abatement for real estate with an estimated new value of $1,834,000. 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 President Sharp said this ordinance would also go to the Committee and Councilmember Elstro would explain it when it comes back to Council. The ordinance deals with a request by Vandor Corp. for a 10-year tax abatement for new manufacturing equipment with an estimated new value of $1,850,000. 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 said this ordinance would also go to the Committee and he would be. the Councilmember to explain it when it returns to Council. The ordinance deals with a request by Amcast Automotive- Richmond Plant for a 10-year tax abatement for new manufacturing equipment with an estimated new value of $1,604,000. 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 President Sharp said this ordinance would also go to the Committee and Councilmember Wissel would explain it when it returns to Council. The ordinance 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. ORDINANCE NO. 60 — 2001 The Clerk read Ordinance No. 60 — 2001 — AN APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SUBMITTAL, ACCEPTANCE, AND APPROPRIATION OF A GRANT FROM THE CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL SERVICES Explaining this ordinance was Martha Young, director of the Wayne County Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), who said RSPV is requesting $35,346 for operating expenses for 2002. She said the required match is $10,604 with $3,000 of that coming from the Parks budget which leaves $7,604 and that is raised through fund raising, donations and in -kind. Councilmember Welch moved to suspend the rules and advance Ordinance No. 60 — 2001 to second reading, second by Councilmember Dickman and the motion was carried on a voice vote. The Clerk read Ordinance No. 60 — 2001 on second reading. President Sharp declared Amended Ordinance No. 60 — 2001 on public hearing. There being no comments either for or against the ordinance, Councilmember Parker moved for engrossment, second by Councilmember Welch and the motion was carried on a voice vote. Common Council Minutes Cont'd August 6, 2001 Page 4 Councilmember Lundy moved to suspend the rules and advance Ordinance No. 60 — 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. 60— 2001 on third reading. Ordinance No. 60 — 2001 was adopted on a unanimous roll call vote. ORDINANCE NO. 61— 2001 The Clerk read Ordinance No. 61 — 2001 — AN APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING . THE SUBMITTAL, ACCEPTANCE, AND APPROPRIATION OF A GRANT FROM THE INDIANA CRIMINAL JUSTICE INSTITUTE GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL ON IMPAIRED AND DANGEROUS DRIVING PROGRAM Tony Foster, with the office of Community Development, explained that the Richmond Police Department is requesting a grant for $17,605.80 to pay overtime for officers participating in four Operation Pullover Blitzes, with one being held each quarter. Councilmember Welch moved to suspend the rules and advance Ordinance No. 61— 2001 to second reading, second by Councilmember Parker and the motion was carried on a voice vote. The Clerk read Ordinance No. 61— 2001 on second reading. President Sharp declared Ordinance No. 61— 2001 on public hearing. There being no comments either for or against the ordinance, Councilmember Elstro 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. 61— 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. 61 — 2001 on third reading. Ordinance No. 61 — 2001 was adopted on a unanimous roll call vote. ORDINANCE NO. 62 — 2001 The Clerk read Ordinance No. 62 — 2001 - AN APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SUBMITTAL, ACCEPTANCE, AND APPROPRIATION OF A GRANT FROM THE INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Explaining this ordinance also was Foster who said this deals with a request made by the City of Richmond for $798,785 which will be used for operating and capital expenses for Roseview Transit for 2002. He said $740,285 would be used for operating expenses and $58,500 for capital expenses, specifically for purchasing a new bus. The match, he said, is $315,297 but $205,604 of that would come from fares and the Area 9 grant which was received a few months ago for $42,500 and the actual cash match that the City provides will be seen in the budget in the next couple of weeks will be $109,692. He said that figure is a little higher than in previous years but the evening service which will be provided in 2002 is the reason for that. Foster explained how the cash match works with this grant. Councilmember Welch moved to suspend the rules and advance Ordinance No. 62 — 2001 to second reading, second by Councilmember Parker and the motion was carried on a voice vote. The Clerk read Ordinance No. 62 — 2001 on second reading. President Sharp declared Ordinance No. 62 — 2001 on public hearing. There being no comments either for or against the ordinance, Councilmember Elstro moved for engrossment, second by Councilmember Parker and the motion was carried on a voice vote. Councilmember Elstro moved to suspend the rules and advance Ordinance No. 62 — 2001 to third and final reading and read by title only, second by Councilmember Welch and the motion was carried on a voice vote. The Clerk read Ordinance No. 62 — 2001 on third reading. Ordinance No. 62 — 2001 was adopted on a unanimous roll call vote. ' ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING AND ENGROSSMENT Common Council Cont'd August 6, 2001 Page 5 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 ORDINANCE NO. 47 — 2001 The Clerk read Ordinance No. 47 — 2001 — A SPECIAL ORDINANCE AMENDING THE REZONING AT SOUTH SIDE OF WERNLE ROAD AND RUNNING EAST FROM INTERSECTION WITH HENLEY ROAD Attorney George Sowers explained that this is a request to rezone an area in the 2-mile fringe from A-1 to R-1 and the purpose is to allow for development of a residential subdivision on lots that are smaller than two acres and to eliminate agricultural uses in that area. He added that it is the balance of acreage that was owned by Dr. James Royer and Dr. Royer LLC. He said it was approved by the Planning Commission on a 6-0 vote and he asked for approval of the Council. President Sharp declared Ordinance No. 47 — 2001 on public hearing. There being no comments either for or against the ordinance, Councilmember Elstro moved for engrossment, second by Councilmember Welch and the motion was carried on a voice vote. Councilmember Welch moved to suspend the rules and advance Ordinance No. 47 — 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. 47 — 2001 on third reading. Ordinance No. 47 — 2001 was adopted on a unanimous roll call vote. ORDINANCE NO. 53 — 2001 The Clerk read Ordinance No. 53 — 2001 — A GENERAL ORDINANCE AMENDING AND RESTATING SECTION 151.02 (i) OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND CODE Assistant City Attorney Steve Rabe explained that what this ordinance would do is bring the regulation of mobile home parks within the City into the purview of the City's housing ordinance. He said mobile home parks are already within the City's building code ordinance but this would bring them into the City's housing code ordinance as well. In answer to a question by Councilmember Welch, Rabe answered that this would include any parks that are within the 21/2 — mile radius. The Clerk read Ordinance No. 53 - 2001 on second reading. President Sharp declared Ordinance No. 53 — 2001 on public hearing. There being no comments either for or against the ordinance, Councilmember Elstro moved for engrossment, second by Councilmember Welch and the motion was carried on a voice vote. Councilmember Welch moved to suspend the rules and advance Ordinance No. 53 — 2001 to third and final reading and read by title only, second by Councilmember Parker and the motion was carried on a voice vote. The Clerk read Ordinance No. 53 — 2001 on third reading. Councilmember Combs said he supported the City's stepping up and ensuring that all housing is suitable for living in but had a few comments on how it should be done. Ordinance No. 53— 2001 was adopted on a unanimous roll call vote. Common Council Minutes Cont'd August 6, 2001 Page 6 ORDINANCES ON THIRD READING There were none. 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