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HomeMy Public PortalAbout12-06-1999 PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND,INDIANA,MONDAY,DECEMBER 6,1999 • The Common Council of the City of Richmond, Indiana met in regular session at 7:30 p.m. Monday, December 6, 1999, in the Council Chambers in said City. President Bing Welch presided with the following Councilmembers present: Howard "Jack" Elstro, Etta J. Lundy, Bob Dickman, Sarah "Sally" Hutton, Geneva"Gene"Allen,Dennis R.Rice Sr.,Bruce Wissel and Larry Parker. The following business was conducted: PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE PRAYER BY COUNCILMEMBER WISSEL ROLL CALL Nine present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Minutes of the meetings of November 15, 1999 were approved on a motion by Councilmember Hutton, second by Councilmember Rice and the motion was carried on a unanimous voice vote. PRESENTATION OF REMONSTRANCES, PETITIONS, MEMORIALS, INTRODUCTIONS, MOTIONS AND PUBLIC COMMENTS A. The Clerk read Resolution No. 4— 1999—A RESOLUTION OF RICHMOND COMMON COUNCIL APPROVING THE FISCAL PLAN FOR THE ANNEXATION OF THREE (3) AREAS TO THE CITY OF RICHMOND City Attorney Bob Bever explained that this resolution is in conjunction with Ordinance No. 102— 1999 regarding the initiative by the City administration to annex three areas into the City of Richmond. He said there is a new state law that sets out various specific parameters of annexation, one of which is for the legislative body of the City to pass by resolution a fiscal plan. He said that fiscal plan is to address 5 different items of the plan for annexation. He said these are: (a) Cost estimates of the planned municipal services to be furnished to the territories to be annexed; (b) Methods of financing the planned services; (c) The actual plan for organizing and providing those services; (d) How the services of a non-capital matter involving street, police and fire protection, etc. would be provided within one year after the effective date of annexation; and (e) How the services of a capital improvement nature which would be your street construction, sewer, drainage facilities,etc. would be provided within three years after the effective date of annexation. Bever said the resolution has to be submitted to all owners of properties within the areas to be annexed with the notice of the public hearing on the annexation.He said the public hearing cannot occur for a period of at least 60 days after the introduction of the ordinance for annexation. He added that with the introduction of Ordinance No. 102 — 1999 it appears that the public hearing on annexation through Council would be February 21, 2000. He said that would give sufficient time for that 60-day notice to go out. However, he said, with that notice has to be the adoption of that fiscal plan so consequently, he would ask that it be voted on at Council's second meeting in December which would be Monday,December 20, 1999. Hearing no further comments by Councilmembers, President Welch said this would be held for further action at that aforementioned meeting. COMMUNICATION FROM THE MAYOR Mayor Dennis Andrews said he would use the time tonight to discuss some of the issues again, concerning 6th Street. He gave a brief re-cap stating that this subject was first addressed when the City administration had a discussion at the Midwest Industrial Park with the railroad and later with INDOT concerning its request for the City in exchange for their approval for the railroads to cross in the industrial park for the crossing that the City consider closing 6 Street. He said the City's initial reaction was negative,thinking that it would not be a good thing for the businesses in the inner city, and is still the general position for the railroad to take in approaching municipalities or county government with that policy.He said the City still disagrees with that thinking that there would be a 0-sum game on railroad crossings when there are periods of growth and construction in creating an industrial park. Subsequent to the meeting with the railroad, and separately from that conversation,Purina Mills contacted the Economic Development Corporation and expressed interest in the closure of 6th Street or the 6th Street crossing because of the proximity of their business and areas of service and activity to 6th Street. That request was later joined by Richmond Baking Co. Following these two requests was a survey by EDC of area businesses which would be most directly affected in that core area. Common Council Minutes Cont'd December 6, 1999 Page 2 The Mayor said subsequent to those discussions there was also an examination of 8th Street, of both the south section of 6th Street which connects with Neff and the north section which connects with Bridge Avenue. After reviewing the information that came back from the survey and the site information obtained from physically looking at those areas,the administration requested a traffic survey be done to count the number of vehicles that use that short section of the street. Actually,prior to that survey, he said, you start to think of where that traffic would go and that is why they looked at the 8th Street crossing.He said currently that is a crossing that he uses every day and that 6-point intersection, separated by the railroad tracks,is in need of attention and work and design and probably eventually some expense, regardless of what happens to 6th Street. He said there was also a follow-up discussion with Richmond Baking Co. that it engaged in expansion plans and growth interest at its current site. Essentially, he said, that conversation was to suggest that they consider providing information on what their additional investment would be which would be similar to what might be looked at on a tax abatement request. He said their timetable and research is such that they are in the process of developing that and they are not at a point where the figures can be put down at this particular junction. Consequently, he said,the City considered taking a two-part ordinance which would literally have vacated that north section, and make it a one-part ordinance which would close the crossing and leave all those sections both north and south open and public. The north section, he said, would obviously be re-visited and the vacation piece of that would be re-presented when the baking company is ready to move forward. The Mayor said he is concerned that the report that Council has in front of them this evening on improvements that are being recommended will not be adequate, long term, and would eventually the City would need to take additional steps in relation to that crossing. He said after those recommendations by City Engineer Bob Wiwi are accomplished the traffic flow will have to be monitored and the City will have to be prepared to take additional steps with that activity. He said Richmond Industrial Supply(RISCO)has had some interest in some short-term parking on its side of Neff Street in addition to a couple of spots they currently have.He said that would be something he is in favor of and does support.He added that as far as 6th Street is concerned,if there is a request for a vacation, the City also feels there would be a need for some other agreements with property owners and businesses in that north section and that has not been accomplished yet. In answer to a question by Councilmember Lundy, Wiwi explained the traffic plan Councilmembers were given. He said this is a draft proposal of some lane markings and would be developed in concert with Norfolk & Southern Railroad. He said final plans would be accomplished after the meeting with the railroad.He said the spur was removed from the tracks and they took out some of the non-usable tracks and what that did was to put that north signal further away from the tracks than what the standards call for so it is not in the right place. Wiwi said because of there being no lane markings, cars tend to cross over and there is no good directional path for the cars to follow.Wiwi said he would be glad to meet with her later to explain things further. Bever said there had already been a decision made objecting to the City's request for the additional crossing in the Midwest Industrial Park and there had been some additional time granted while trying to work out an agreement with INDOT and Norfolk & Southern. He added that the administrative law judge had given the City through the end of next week to file an amended petition, which would,if action is taken tonight,would be sufficient. He said the contractors who are working on the Park are at a stopping point until they know whether or not there will be a railroad crossing out there. Therefore, he said, both for a practical matter on that construction and the administrative law judge for the administration to follow an amended petition that would include this closing is why the administration is asking for action tonight on the closing of the railroad. Bever said when it comes to Ordinance No. 101 — 1999 the portion which is asking for the vacation of the road is being taken out, but the closure of the railroad crossing is being left in. Speaking to a concern of Councilmember Lundy's about making a study of what would happen at 8th Street,Bever said he had some numbers that were discussed at the Plan Commission. He said a study done in October 1999 at the 6th Street crossing there was a total of 1282 vehicles over a day's period,and that compared with the last study done there when the crossing was also studied at the 8th Street intersection.He said two years ago, there were over 2,700 vehicles over a 3-day period at 6th Street, so that has gone up about 300. When the 2,700 figure was shared and calculated over the North 6th Street crossing,the North 8th Street crossing had 22,000 over three days. • Common Council Minutes Cont'd December 6, 1999 Page 3 REPORT FROM BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS AND SAFETY President Welch said the minutes of the meetings of November 10 and 18, 1999 were included in their packets. REPORTS FROM DEPARTMENT HEADS REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES REPORTS FROM SPECIAL COMMITTEES REPORTS FROM ORGANIZATIONS MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS President Welch said at Council's last meeting they had a discussion about making appointments to the Wayne County Convention&Tourism Bureau and the Urban Enterprise Board.He said at that time he had read the recommendations of the Bureau to reappoint Linda Von Pein and Dana Weigle. He said those terms would be for 2 years beginning January 1, 2000. Councilmember Hutton moved to reappoint VonPein and Weigle to the Tourism Board, second by Councilmember Rice and the motion was carried on a unanimous voice vote. Councilmember Hutton said the appointment that she spoke of at the last meeting is to be made by the Mayor and not the Council. However, she said, there is to be another resignation but that appointment would be made at a later meeting. He said there had been a resignation from the Street Tree Commission and Council needs to fill that vacancy and in conferring with the Mayor, he said he would submit the name of Dan Chance for nomination.He said Chance lives at 102 Hayes Arboretum Road and is employed at the arboretum and has accepted the possibility of his being appointed. Councilmember Hutton moved to approve, second by Councilmember Allen and the motion was carried on a unanimous voice vote. ORDINANCES ON FIRST READING Councilmember Elstro moved to suspend the rules and read by title only Ordinances No. 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109 and 110- 1999,second by Councilmember Hutton and the motion was carried on a unanimous voice vote. ORDINANCE NO. 102-1999 The Clerk read Ordinance No. 102 — 1999 — A SPECIAL ORDINANCE ANNEXING THREE (3) DIFFERENT TERRITORIES CONTIGUOUS TO THE CORPORATION LIMITS TO THE CITY OF RICHMOND Bever said this ordinance is the actual annexation ordinance and would, if passed, annex the three territories into the City of Richmond. He said those three areas are (a) a parcel containing approximately 195.618 acres located immediately west and adjacent to Round Barn Road and the bulk of this property is what the City will be planning on exercising its option to purchase to add as space to the Midwest Industrial Park; (b) a parcel containing approximately 153.770 acres located between Interstate 70, U.S. 35, and Salisbury Road and it is on this property that the new building by DMI was built, the school has a bus garage there and PSI has a small station there; and (c) the third area is a parcel containing approximately 44.382 acres located adjacent to I.U. East, east of Chester Boulevard. He said it is currently owned by James D.Harlan.He said the City believes it has the approval of the majority of the property owners within these areas,adding there are only about 8 or 9 property owners within those areas. He said there can be no public hearing for the 60 days after all the owners receive notice which would be after Council approves the fiscal plan,which,he said is anticipated being February 21,2000.Then,he said, after that public hearing Council cannot adopt the annexation ordinance for at least 30 more days which would put it at either a special meeting on the last Monday of March or at the regular meeting of April 3. Then,he said,it would take effect 60 days thereafter to allow the appeal and remonstration period to expire, adding that he does not anticipate any remonstrations on this because of the owners being in favor of it all. He said short of Council's public hearing, there would be hearings by the Plan Commission. However, he said,the Plan Commission does not have to hear an annexation ordinance but if any zoning changes would take place as part of that annexation ordinance that would be brought before the Plan Commission.He said in this particular ordinance, that first area would stay M-2 because of the industrial nature of that. The second area,he said,is currently zoned C-4 and it is being shown in the ordinance as a change to M-1 in an attempt to be more consistent with the other property around that. He said that one would be the subject of a Plan Commission meeting probably sometime in January. The acreage off of Chester Boulevard is currently R-1 and there has been some discussion after this ordinance was mailed out as to whether or not that should reflect anything else that might happen with the property so that might also be a topic for the Plan Commission meeting. Common Council Minutes Cont'd December 6, 1999 Page 4 Bever said the ordinance is before Council on first reading tonight and will not come back until that February 21 meeting,but he said he would be happy to discuss this with any interested parties between now and then. He added that it is the feeling of this administration that all three areas will add significantly to the City and the capabilities are there to add those necessary services to the areas. Councilmember Hutton commented that on the fiscal plan on the resolution it says something about extending Industries Road to Middlefork Reservoir and asked if there are any plans for any off branches. Mayor Andrews said when they looked at that extension to the Reservoir there were a couple of sections that borders on the east of Chester Boulevard. He said one would be that, it is possible, that IU East, Ivy Tech State College,may wish for a south entrance to their campus from this extension.The second,he said, is Parkdale, that currently stops at the north edge of Oak Park and the potential of extending that a short distance which would allow access to Industries Road and a light to Chester Boulevard for the Oak Park area, especially those traveling north, would be an added positive and would also be consistent with the City's comprehensive plan in relationship to establishing parallel roads where it can be done to correlate to Chester Boulevard. President Welch announced that Ordinance no. 102 — 1999 would come back before Council on second reading February 21,2000 for public hearing. ORDINANCE NO.103—1999 The Clerk read Ordinance No. 103— 1999—AN APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SUBMITTAL, ACCEPTANCE, AND APPROPRIATION OF A GRANT FROM THE INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Speaking to this ordinance was Tony Foster, the new grants administrator for the City, who explained that this is an IBM Grant through their office of water management. He said one of the criteria is that it must directly promote community based environmental protection. He said if the grant is awarded a series of observation and drive point wells will be established to monitor the water quality of the southeast aquifer. He said this would be done in conjunction with the U.S. Geological Survey and some of it would be tested for purity, for overall suitability for human consumption, the direction of water flow, the vulnerability of the area to contamination, analysis of trace metal elements organic compounds and pesticides will be reviewed and ground water age dating will be done. He said after all the testing is done that they would have a better understanding of the aquifer and its future use. He said they are requesting $100,000 from IDEM and in conjunction with this the U.S. Geological Survey has agreed to contribute $31,000 to the project and the City would match that entire cost of the project 5 percent in contributing $6,800. Councilmember Wissel commented that he thought the original wellhead ordinance that Council passed in 1995 and amended last year makes some requirements on the City that some monitoring of the water be provided. President Welch said that is true and pointed out that there is an Advisory Group that has been meeting regularly and looking at how that monitoring is occurring and currently there are monitoring wells by Southeast Wood Co. that are monitoring around the perimeter of their building and their property. He added that the company is reporting to that Aquifer Committee. However,he said, the committee has never felt that those wells alone are sufficient to monitor the flow and the quality of the water long-term.He said through the national USGS they have come up with the proposal of adding the monitoring wells and USGS is offering to pay a part of the cost and that will give the capability of monitoring thoroughly the water flow and quality in that aquifer. Mayor Andrews said when that ordinance was amended the language requiring wells was left in and there have been a couple of different sources for potential funding for this. He said the administration has been working on identifying funds and IDEM has proven to be the most suitable source that is willing to partner with the others and with the City. Councilmember Wissel asked about the actual monitoring and who would do this.The Mayor said Indiana- American Water Co. is involved in that and has been involved in the Aquifer Committee and part of the plan is that their lab services would actually minimize the recurring costs once the wells are in place. Councilmember Rice moved to suspend the rules and advance Ordinance No. 101— 1999 to second reading and read by title only, second by Councilmember Allen and the motion was carried on a unanimous voice vote. President Welch announced that the ordinance was on public hearing. There being no comments either for or against the ordinance,Councilmember Elstro moved for engrossment;second by Councilmember Hutton and the motion was carried on a unanimous voice vote. Councilmember Lundy moved to advance Ordinance No. 103— 1999 to third and final reading and read by title only,second by Councilmember Elstro and the motion was carried on a unanimous voice vote. Common Council Minutes Cont'd December 6, 1999 Page 5 The Clerk read Ordinance No. 103—1999 on third reading. Ordinance No. 103—1999 was adopted on the following call of the roll: Ayes:Elstro,Lundy,Dickman,Hutton,Allen,Rice,Wissel,Parker and Welch(9) Nays:None ORDINANCE NO. 104—1999 The Clerk read Ordinance No. 104 — 1999 — AN APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING PAYMENT FOR SERVICES FROM THE RICHMOND SANITARY DISTRICT,RICHMOND POWER & LIGHT, THE MOTOR VEHICLE HIGHWAY, THE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT, AND OFF-STREET PARKING TO THE GENERAL FUND IN 2000 City Controller Shelley Miller explained that this is a yearly housekeeping ordinance which allows for transfer of funds to the general fund for services provided by personnel that are paid by the general fund. She said the amounts of the transfers are $307,972.96 from the Richmond Sanitary District; $41,400.97 from Richmond Power & Light; $86,092.46 from the Motor Vehicle Highway; $104,203.62 from the Department of Parks&Recreation. She added that in the title it indicates there is a payment from off-street parking, however, as the health of that fund is being continually monitored, it is just meeting revenue expenditures and it is not in the best interest to the off-street parking fund. Councilmember Dickman moved to suspend the rules and advance Ordinance No. 104 — 1999 to second reading and read by title only, second by Councilmember Elstro and the motion was carried on a unanimous voice vote. The Clerk read Ordinance No. 104—1999 on second reading. President Welch announced that Ordinance No. 104 — 1999 was on public hearing. There being no comments either for or against the ordinance, Councilmember Dickman moved for engrossment,second by Councilmember Allen and the motion was carried on a unanimous voice vote. Councilmember Wissel moved to suspend the rules and advance Ordinance No. 104 — 1999 to third and final reading and read by title only, second by Councilmember Allen and the motion was carried on a unanimous voice vote. The Clerk read Ordinance No. 104—1999 on third reading. Ordinance No. 104—1999 was adopted on the following call of the roll: Ayes:Elstro,Lundy,Dickman,Hutton,Allen;Rice,Wissel,Parker and Welch(9) Nays:None. ORDINANCE NO.105—1999 The Clerk read Ordinance No. 105 — 1999 — AN APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1999 BUDGET Explaining the purpose of this ordinance was Robin Henry, the newly appointed director of Human Resources, who said she is requesting a transfer from the Physicals and Copier Charges accounts to the Furniture/Fixtures account. She said they are in the process of re-doing the office, getting furniture and fixtures to create an area in the office for potential new employees to sit down with the staff and discuss their needs. Councilmember Dickman moved to suspend the rules and advance Ordinance No. 105 — 1999 to second reading and read by title only, second by Councilmember Hutton and the motion was carried on a unanimous voice vote. The Clerk read Ordinance No. 105—1999 on second reading. President Welch announced that Ordinance No. 105 — 1999 was 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 unanimous voice vote. Councilmember Allen moved to suspend the rules and advance Ordinance No. 105— 1999 to third and final reading and read by title only, second by Councilmember Rice and the motion was carried on a unanimous voice vote. The Clerk read Ordinance No. 105—1999 on third reading. Common Council Minutes Cont'd December 6, 1999 Page 6 Ordinance No. 105—1999 was adopted on the following call of the roll: Ayes:Elstro,Lundy,Dickman,Hutton,Allen,Rice,Wissel,Parker and Welch(9) Nays:None. ORDINANCE NO.106—1999 The Clerk read Ordinance No. 106 — 1999 — AN APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1999 BUDGET City Engineer Bob Wiwi explained this ordinance deals with a request for the transfer of funds within the Department of Public Works and Engineering from the Regular Services and Temporary Help accounts to the Computer Services&Charges and Computer Equipment accounts. Councilmember Rice moved to suspend the rules and advance Ordinance No. 106— 1999 to second reading and read by title only, second by Councilmember Allen and the motion was carried on a unanimous voice vote. The Clerk read Ordinance No. 106—1999 on second reading. President Welch announced that Ordinance No. 106 — 1999 was on public hearing. There being no comments either for or against the ordinance, Councilmember Elstro moved for engrossment, second by Councilmember Hutton and the motion was carried on a unanimous voice vote. Councilmember Elstro moved to suspend the rules and advance Ordinance No. 106 — 1999 to third and final reading and read by title only, second by Councilmember Lundy and the motion was carried on a unanimous voice vote. The Clerk read Ordinance No. 106—1999 on third reading. Ordinance No. 106—1999 was adopted on the following call of the roll: Ayes:Elstro,Lundy,Dickman,Hutton,Allen,Rice,Wissel,Parker and Welch(9) Nays:None. ORDINANCE NO.107—1999 The Clerk read Ordinance No. 107 — 1999 — AN APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1999 BUDGET Explaining this ordinance was City Engineer Bob Wiwi who asked for approval of the transfer of$15,000 from the Aviation Fuel account to the Excise Tax and Sales Tax accounts to pay$10,000 for the excise and $5,000 sales tax through the end of the year. Councilmember Parker questioned why that money would have to be moved around. City Controller Shelley Miller said the money collected during the year as revenue is put in the general fund and is appropriated through the two accounts. Councilmember Dickman moved to suspend the rules and advance Ordinance No. 107 — 1999 to second reading and read by title only, second by Councilmember Hutton and the motion was carried on a unanimous voice vote. The Clerk read Ordinance No. 107—1999 on second reading. President Welch announced that Ordinance No. 107 — 1999 was on public hearing. There being no comments either for or against the ordinance, Councilmember Rice moved for engrossment, second by Councilmember Hutton and the motion was carried on a unanimous voice vote. Councilmember Lundy moved to suspend the rules and advance Ordinance No. 107 — 1999 to third and final reading and read by title only, second by Councilmember Elstro and the motion was carried on a unanimous voice vote. President Welch explained that this money is derived from the sale of aviation fuel at the airport and goes back into an aviation fuel account on which taxes have to be paid to the state. The Clerk read Ordinance No. 107—1999 on third reading. Ordinance No. 107—1999 was adopted on the following call of the roll: Common Council Minutes Cont'd December 6, 1999 Page 7 Ayes:Elstro,Lundy,Dickman,Hutton,Allen,Rice,Wissel,Parker and Welch(9) Nays:None. ORDINANCE NO.108—1999 The Clerk read Ordinance No. 108 — 1999 — AN APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1999 BUDGET Explaining the reason for this ordinance was City Controller Shelley Miller who said she was speaking on behalf of Ron Chappel, director of Human Rights. She said it is a deletion of $180 from the Training account and the addition of$50 to the Copier Charges account and $130 to the Part-time Help account to help them meet expenses through the end of the year. Councilmember Dickman moved to suspend the rules and advance Ordinance No. 108 — 1999 to second reading and read by title only, second by Councilmember Lundy and the motion was carried on a unanimous voice vote. The Clerk read Ordinance No. 108—1999 on second reading. President Welch announced that Ordinance No. 108 — 1999 was on public hearing. There being no comments either for or against the ordinance, Councilmember Elstro moved for engrossment, second by Councilmember Rice and the motion was carried on a unanimous voice vote. Councilmember Allen moved to suspend the rules and advance Ordinance No. 108—1999 to third and final reading and read by title only, second by Councilmember Dickman and the motion was carried on a unanimous voice vote. The Clerk read Ordinance No. 108—1999 on third reading. Ordinance No. 108—1999 was adopted on the following call of the roll: Ayes:Elstro,Lundy,Dickman,Hutton,Allen,Rice,Wissel,Parker and Welch(7) Nays:None. ORDINANCE NO.109—1999 The Clerk read Ordinance No. 109 — 1999 — AN APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1999 BUDGET Speaking to this ordinance was Police Chief Bill Shake who explained that it is a transfer request to take $9,000 from the Merit Commission account and the Matching Grant Funds and add $18,000 to the Other Equipment account. He said the purpose for this is to purchase computer workstations, cameras, cassette recorders, fingerprint kits and room dividers as well as to purchase equipment to include a ballistic shield and a 45-caliber weapon. Councilmember Dickman moved to suspend the rules and advance Ordinance No. 109 — 1999 to second reading and read by title only, second by Councilmember Elstro and the motion was carried on a unanimous voice vote. The Clerk read Ordinance No. 109—1999 on second reading. President Welch announced that Ordinance No. 109 — 1999 was on public hearing. There being no comments either for or against the ordinance, Councilmember Wissel moved for engrossment, second by Councilmember Rice and the motion was carried on a unanimous voice vote. Councilmember Rice moved to suspend the rules and advance Ordinance No. 109— 1999 to third and final reading and read by title only,second by Councilmember Allen and the motion was carried on a unanimous voice vote. The Clerk read Ordinance No. 109—1999 on third reading. Ordinance No. 109—1999 was adopted on the following call of the roll: Ayes:Elstro,Lundy,Dickman,Hutton,Allen,Rice,Wissel,Parker and Welch(9) Nays:None. Common Council Minutes Cont'd December 6, 1999 Page 8 ORDINANCE NO.110—1999 The Clerk read Ordinance No. 110 — 1999 — AN APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1999 BUDGET Fire Chief Mike Allen explained that this ordinance deals with budget transfer requests which include a carbon monoxide detector, self-contained breathing apparatus face piece replacements, improvements in the turnout gear and to eventually buy a second set for each firefighter, computer software, upgrade the present computers and drum repair kits. Councilmember Rice moved to suspend the rules and advance Ordinance No. 110—1999 to second reading and read by title only, second by Councilmember Dickman and the motion was carried on a unanimous voice vote. The Clerk read Ordinance No. 110—1999 on second reading. President Welch announced that Ordinance No. 110 — 1999 was on public hearing. There being no comments either for or against the ordinance, Councilmember Lundy moved for engrossment, second by Councilmember Wissel and the motion was carried on a unanimous voice vote. Councilmember Allen moved to suspend the rules and advance Ordinance No. 110— 1999 to third and final reading and read by title only,second by Councilmember Rice and the motion was carried on a unanimous voice vote. The Clerk read Ordinance No. 110—1999 on third reading. Ordinance No. 110—1999 was adopted on the following call of the roll: Ayes:Elstro,Lundy,Dickman,Hutton,Allen,Rice,Wissel,Parker and Welch(9) Nays:None. ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING AND ENGROSSMENT ORDINANCE NO.99—1999 The Clerk read Ordinance No. 99 — 1999 — 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 Reporting for the Tax Abatement Committee on this ordinance,Councilmember Elstro explained that it is a request made by Mosey Manufacturing Co. Inc. for the North 17th Street Plant. He said he had talked with Jack Alexander at the company, adding that the request is for$3,150,000. He said they currently have 286 employees and this would add 23 employees. He said the money is for boring machines and all the accessories that go with them. He added that the average wage there is around$12 per hour and the health care runs about$1.50. President Welch announced that the ordinance was on public hearing. There being no comments either for or against the ordinance, Councilmember Dickman moved for engrossment, second by Councilmember Hutton and the motion was carried on a unanimous voice vote. Councilmember Allen moved to suspend the rules and advance Ordinance No. 99— 1999 to third and final reading and read by title only,second by Councilmember Rice and the motion was carried on a unanimous voice vote. The Clerk read Ordinance No.99—1999 on third reading. Ordinance No.99— 1999 was adopted on the following roll call: Ayes:Elstro,Lundy,Dickman,Hutton,Allen,Rice,Wissel,Parker and Welch(9) Nays:None. ORDINANCE NO.101—1999 The Clerk read Ordinance No. 101 — 1999 — A SPECIAL ORDINANCE CLOSING THE PUBLIC RAILROAD CROSSING OF NORFOLK SOUTHERN LOCATED ON NORTH 6T STREET BETWEEN THE INTERSECTIONS OF NEFF STREET AND BRIDGE AVENUE Councilmember Dickman moved to amend the ordinance pursuant to the amended Ordinance No. 101 — 1999 which was mailed to Councilmembers and to the media on November 23, second by Councilmember Rice and the motion was carried on a unanimous voice vote. Common Council Minutes Cont'd December 6, 1999 Page 9 Councilmember Wissel reported on the meeting of the Richmond Advisory Planning Commission, which met in a special session on December 2, 1999 to discuss Ordinance No. 101 — 1999. He said Bever, acting as agent representing the Board of Works of Richmond and the administration, pointed out that the ordinance has two purposes which include the closing of the railroad crossing at North 6th Street and the other was to vacate the property there for use by the Richmond Baking Co. Councilmember Wissel stated that the Planning Commission needed to give approval for the vacation, which is currently being taken off of the amended version of Ordinance No. 101 — 1999. He said they do not vote on the closing of the railroad crossing and City Attorney Bever asked that the Commission give a non-binding recommendation. Speaking before the Commission was Jim Quigg of the Richmond Baking Co. talking about some non-specific expansion plans, explaining that this is in early stages and the company is not quite ready to commit. Councilmember Wissel said that is what the administration wanted to see was a commitment made,something verified in writing,before the property is vacated. Speaking in opposition was Rudy Sperling of Richmond Industrial Supply Co. (RISCO) who voiced his concerns about the parking and some of the other needs of a retail facility to be able to adequately accommodate its customers. Bever said he felt many of those details could be worked out to accommodate those needs.The Commission voted 10-0 for the non-binding recommendation to encourage the idea of the expansion of the Richmond Baking Co. and also feel that the closing is the appropriate step to take. President Welch announced that amended Ordinance No. 101 — 1999 was on public hearing. Speaking in favor of the ordinance was Jim Sprouse, Chairperson of Economic Development Corporation, speaking on behalf of the EDC of Wayne County for Jim Hizer, the director of EDC. He said Purina Mills and the Richmond Baking Co. have both requested that the City consider this action,stating that traffic on North 6th Street is an issue for Purina which feels that reduced traffic will alleviate some of its internal traffic concerns. Also, he said, Richmond Baking Co. is currently considering the expansion at the present location, closing the North 6th Street crossing would serve as the first step as that company develops its expansion plan. In addition to that, Sprouse said, the City of Richmond has received some assurances from the Norfolk& Southern and the Indiana Department of Transportation that they would drop their opposition to the new crossing in the Industrial Park if the City closes the North 6th Street crossing. He said the EDC of Wayne County is in favor of closing the North 6th Street railroad. Jim Quigg,president of Richmond Baking Co.,said the only way his company can expand in that area is by closure of North 6`s. Street and moving across. He added that through discussions with the Mayor and others, he has revealed that the company is not in a position right now to make any specific commitments on those expansion plans. He stated that aside from the wish to expand, just for general economic development for the City, he would be in favor of the closure. He invited questions from Councilmembers but there were none. There being no further comments in favor and none against, Councilmember Elstro moved for engrossment,second by Councilmember Dickman and the motion was carried on a unanimous voice vote. Councilmember Rice moved to suspend the rules and advance amended Ordinance No. 101 — 1999 to third and final reading and read by title only,second by Councilmember Dickman and the motion was carried on a unanimous voice vote. The Clerk read Ordinance No. 101—1999 on third reading. Ordinance No. 101 —1999 was adopted on the following call of the roll: Ayes:Elstro,Lundy,Dickman,Hutton,Allen,Rice,Wissel,Parker and Welch(9) Nays:None. ORDINANCES ON THIRD READING There were none. UNFINISHED BUSINESS President Welch announced that in looking over the Holiday Schedule for City employees in 2000, he noticed that the regular meetings of Council on Monday,January 3, and Monday,January 17, will occur on scheduled holidays. Therefore, as is the custom in the past and will be in the future when this occurs,both meetings will be held on Tuesday instead of Monday. Councilmember Rice commented that since tomorrow, December 7, is the anniversary of the entry of the United States in World War II, he felt it necessary to remind all citizens to recognize the sacrifices of the veterans of that war and thank them for their dedication to the United States. Common Council Minutes Cont'd December 6, 1999 Page 10 CALL FOR ADJOURNMENT There being no further business,on a motion duly made,seconded and passed,the meeting was adjourned. Bing Welch,President ATTEST: Norma Schroeder,Clerk