HomeMy Public PortalAbout07-06-1999 PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF RICHMOND,INDIANA,MONDAY,JULY 6,1999
The Common Council of the City of Richmond, Indiana met in regular session at 7:30 p.m. Monday, July
6, 1999, in the Council Chambers in said City. President Bing Welch presided with the following
Councilmembers present: Howard "Jack" Elstro, Etta Lundy, Robert 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 RICE
ROLL CALL
Nine present.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Councilmember Wissel moved to approve the minutes of the June 28, 1999 meeting, second by
Councilmember Parker and the motion was carried on a unanimous voice vote.
PRESENTATION OF REMONSTRANCES, PETITIONS, MEMORIALS, INTRODUCTIONS,
MOTIONS AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were none.
COMMUNICATION FROM THE MAYOR
City Controller Shelley Miller announced that the State Board of Accounts has finished their field work for
the 1998 audit and they will be conducting their exit interviews within the next few weeks.
She also stated that the 2000 budget work had begun and she had distributed the tentative budget calendar
for meetings to discuss the budget. She said the administration would be presenting a balanced budget to
Council again this year.
Chairperson Welch commented on the balanced budget being presented, adding that since the budget is
coming to Council being balanced as it has been the past two years, it has made the action by Council and
the Committee of the Whole meetings so much easier. He said he isn't quite sure whether as many of the
Committee of the Whole meetings will need to be scheduled as in the past.
REPORTS FROM CITY DEPARTMENTS
City Engineer Bob Wiwi stated that he had distributed some information to Councilmembers, which
updated the goals and progress made toward reaching those goals of the Department of Public Works and
. Engineering.He noted the six goals set to be completed.
The first goal, he said, was to begin the construction of the project design identified in the linkage design
development study, adding that the progress to date is that it has been identified as a way-finding project.
He said Michael Schuster&Associates are the consultants working for the City on this project to prepare a
detailed report by the middle of August of this year. The second goal, he said, was to begin the
infrastructure link of the City to the Midwest Industrial Park. He said contracts have been awarded for the
sanitary sewer and the road with work beginning as of today.
The third goal,he said,was to complete the construction of Industries Road from U.S.27 to North West 5th
Street and that will be completed by the end of this month. The fourth goal, he said, was to complete
construction on the contractual curb and sidewalk project this year and work began on this June 1 and the
plan is to have all work completed by November 15 of this year. He said the fifth goal was to complete
beautification projects on major corridors into the city and work on the island on U.S. 27 and North C
Street is to be completed this week,with work on U.S.40 and U.S.27 near I-70 to be completed this fall.
The last goal, Wiwi said, was to complete Phase II and III of the parking garage renovation project.
Contracts,he said,have been awarded for new elevators,stairwells and lighting work and that is to be done
by December 1 of this year.
Welch asked him to identify the way finding. Wiwi said he is not real certain on the end result of this
project, adding that he is waiting on the final study. He said it deals with a way in which we can enhance
people's being able to find areas within the city. One aspect, he said, might be new signage, which would
be more user friendly.
Common Council Minutes Cont'd
July 6, 1999
Page 2
REPORT FROM BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS AND SAFETY
Chairperson Welch announced that the minutes of the June 17 meeting had been distributed to
Councilmembers.
REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES
REPORTS FROM SPECIAL COMMITTEES
REPORTS FROM ORGANIZATIONS
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
ORDINANCES ON FIRST READING
Councilmember Elstro moved to suspend the rules and read Ordinances No. 57, 58, and 59— 1999 on first
reading and read by title only, second by Councilmember Wissel and the motion was carried on a
unanimous voice vote.
ORDINANCE NO.57—1999
The Clerk read Ordinance No. 57 — 1999 — AN APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE AMENDING THE
1999 BUDGET
City Controller Shelley Miller said that during the 1999 budget process the fire department had budgeted
for Unit 28, which is the grass unit, in the Cumulative Capital Development Fund (CCDF). She added that
also in that fund was the triple combination pumper purchased earlier this year, which should be delivered
to the City soon. She said the latter came in over estimate and that did not leave quite enough money in
CCDF to purchase the additional unit which is a smaller truck so the department has requested a transfer of
funds to make up the difference which would allow for the purchase as originally budgeted.
Bever pointed out that the ordinance needs to be amended.
Councilmember Dickman moved that the ordinance be amended with the wording corrected at paragraph
(a) to read "Fire Department" instead of "Public Works and Engineering," second by Councilmember
Parker and the motion was carried on a unanimous voice vote.
Councilmember Rice moved to suspend the rules and advance amended Ordinance No. 57—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 amended Ordinance No.57— 1999 on second reading.
President Welch declared amended Ordinance No. 57— 1999 on public hearing. There being no comments
either for or against the ordinance, Councilmember Lundy moved for engrossment, second by
Councilmember Hutton and the motion was carried on a unanimous voice vote.
Councilmember Rice moved to suspend the rules and advance amended Ordinance No. 57 — 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 amended Ordinance No.57— 1999 on third reading.
Amended Ordinance No.57— 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.58—1999
The Clerk read Ordinance No. 58— 1999—AN APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE
SUBMITTAL, ACCEPTANCE, AND APPROPRIATION OF A GRANT FROM REID MEMORIAL
HOSPITAL AND HEALTH CARE SERVICES
Explaining this ordinance,Robin Henry, director of Community Partnerships, said she was here on behalf
of both Ordinance No. 58- and 59-1999. She stated that the purpose of the requests is that both Reid
Hospital and Wayne County Foundation are being asked for start-up money for a long-term drug and
alcohol treatment center.
Common Council Minutes Cont'd
July 6, 1999
Page 3
In giving the background, explaining how this had come about, Henry said late last year Vi Backmeyer,
who was at the time the Wayne Township Trustee, met with Henry and the Rev. David Layman of First
Presbyterian Church to talk about homeless issues. She said a total of 61 individuals had participated in this
process with the group dividing into two areas. She said the first group was dealing with family
homelessness with the Rev. John Place of St. John Lutheran Church heading it up. The second group, she
said, is dealing with drug and alcohol related issues as to why they are homeless. She added that during
these discussions the group realized there has been a gap of service as far as alcohol and drug treatment in
the community since the closing of Bridge House on the grounds of Richmond State Hospital.
Henry said after a visit to the Healing Place in Louisville, Ky., which has a halfway house and has been
recognized as an exemplary program, an advisory committee had been organized to give the group some
direction. She said a goal has been designated which is to hire a project manager to help assess the City's
needs as far as the alcohol and drug treatment facilities which currently exist and what is lacking. She said
that person will also be asked to assess our current resources, identify potential partnerships, what the
financial impact would be, how many individuals are being talked about, and to coordinate all the
volunteers. She said it is hoped that in a year's time that project manager would be able to put a program in
place. Henry said Dunn Center, Reid Hospital and Richmond State Hospital are already in place and they
need to be pulled together to fill in the gap that exists. She said the money, $40,000 from Reid and$6,000
from the Wayne County Foundation would be used to hire the project manager and furnish the supplies
needed for a year.
Ray O'Donnell, chemical dependency counselor of Aurora's program at Reid and one of the members of
the committee, stated that since the closure of the Bridge House treatment program there is definitely a gap
in the treatment of substance abusers or.chemically dependent people which, he added, make up the
majority of the homeless people in this area. He said Reid has closed its residential treatment program and
currently have in-house detoxification services for those in medical need. He said it provides intensive
outpatient treatment or individual therapy for those who have basic necessities for food, clothing and
shelter.
In answer to a question by Councilmember Rice about ground rules to go by, O'Donnell said if it follows
the Healing Place format it would include housing anyone who has no shelter,but they would not be forced
to enroll or become involved in a chemical dependency treatment program. However, he said, it would be
an overnight status only. But, he said, if they wish to do something about their chemical dependency
problem they would be moved through phases of treatment ranging from the basics into the 12-step
recovery program and into halfway house status. He said there are people in this community who are
anxious to help them get jobs and into the work place.
In answering a question by Councilmember Allen, O'Donnell said he wasn't quite sure why Bridge House
closed but he said L5 wing at Reid closed because it became unaffordable and now they have only Reller 5
and B5 which took those clients who needed in-patient stays.
O'Donnell said the beautiful part of the Healing Place is that a large part of the resources there are donated
as is the majority of treatment,not only by the medical community but minimal staff requirements as far as
salary because most of the treatment would be done by volunteers with guidance from professionals. In
answer to a question by Councilmember Parker, Henry said the grant applications are only for a project
manager,no facility,no treatments or care.
Councilmember Wissel asked if he was correct in assuming that this is for an investigation of a non-profit
organization to offer these services and asked why the City is applying for the grant money. Henry
responded that she has been working with this citizen's group for six months and she is doing this on behalf
of the Community Partnerships out of her office. Councilmember Wissel then responded that, in that case,
she would be acting as a trustee for the money received and Henry responded that the City would like to
provide an in-kind gift of putting the project manager position through the City's payroll for that year's
time.
Councilmember Hutton moved to suspend the rules and advance Ordinance No. 58 — 1999 to second
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.58—1999 on second reading.
President Welch declared Ordinance No.58— 1999 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 Wissel moved to suspend the rules and advance Ordinance No. 58—1999 to third and final
reading and read by title only, second by Councilmember Parker and the motion was carried on a
unanimous voice vote.
The Clerk read Ordinance No.58—1999 on third reading.
•
Common Council Minutes Cont'd
July 6, 1999
Page 4
President Welch commented that if other members of Council have had as many inquiries as he has had
about these concerns addressed by the two ordinances,he feels that this Council can help direct this effort.
He added that this,hopefully,would pull the group together and get them started.
Ordinance No.58—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.59—1999
The Clerk read Ordinance No. 59— 1999—AN APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE
SUBMITTAL, ACCEPTANCE, AND APPROPRIATION OF A GRANT FROM THE WAYNE
COUNTY FOUNDATION
President Welch said he felt this had already been explained by Henry.
Councilmember Lundy moved to suspend the rules and advance Ordinance No. 53 — 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.59—1999 on second reading.
President Welch declared Ordinance No. 59— 1999 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 Wissel moved to suspend the rules and advance Ordinance No. 59— 1999 to third and final
reading and read by title only, second by Councilmember Parker and the motion was carried on a
unanimous voice vote.
The Clerk read Ordinance No.59—1999 on third reading.
Ordinance No. 59— 1999 was adopted on the following call of the roll:
Ayes:Elstro,Lundy,Dickman,Allen,Rice,Wissel,Parker and Welch(9)
Nays:None
ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING AND ENGROSSMENT
ORDINANCE NO.40—1999
The Clerk read Ordinance No. 40 — 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
Bever said he would contact the petitioner on this and tell him Council has to take action on this one way or
the other.
ORDINANCE NO.46—1999
The Clerk read Ordinance No. 46 — 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
Councilmember Allen explained that this is a request made by Enviro Finishing of Indiana Inc. for a 10 -
year abatement on machinery for $227,000. She said she met with Doug Ullery who explained that this
would enable them to do additional work that they have not done before. She said they have gone from 21
employees to 25 so they are adding to their staff.
President Welch declared Ordinance No. 46— 1999 on public hearing. There being no comments either for
or against the ordinance, Councilmember Rice moved for engrossment, second by Councilmember Parker
and the motion was carried on a unanimous voice vote.
Councilmember Rice moved to suspend the rules and advance Ordinance No. 46— 1999 to third and final
reading and read by title only, second by Councilmember Wissel and the motion was carried on a
unanimous voice vote.
The Clerk read Ordinance No.46—1999 on third reading.
Common Council Minutes Cont'd
July 6, 1999
Page 5
Ordinance No.46— 1999 was adopted on the following call of the roll:
Ayes:Elstro,Lundy,Hutton,Allen,Rice,Wissel,Parker and Welch(8)
Nays:None
Note: Councilmember Dickman left the meeting prior to the roll call vote on the above ordinance and all
the following ones..
ORDINANCE NO.49—1999
The Clerk read Ordinance No.49— 1999—A SPECIAL ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING MAP
AT 300 SOUTH 4111 STREET,RICHMOND,INDIANA
Councilmember Wissel reported on the Plan Commission meeting of June 24 during which the petition of
Vicki Corkell, owner, and Marc During, agent, was heard. He said the request was for a Special Use
District classification in the R-3 One to Eight Family Residence District for an insurance business office.
He said notices were delivered to six surrounding property owners, with 2 comments returned in support
and no comments returned in opposition.He said the Plan Commission voted 8 in favor with none opposed
and 3 absent to recommend approval of the ordinance.
President Welch declared Ordinance No.49—1999 on public hearing. There being no comments either for
or against the ordinance, Councilmember Hutton moved for engrossment, second by Councilmember Rice
and the motion was carried on a unanimous voice vote.
Councilmember Wissel moved to advance Ordinance No. 49— 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.49—1999 on third reading.
Ordinance No.49— 1999 was adopted on the following call of the roll:
Ayes:Elstro,Lundy,Hutton,Allen,Rice,Wissel,Parker and Welch(8)
Nays:None
ORDINANCE NO.55—1999
The Clerk read Ordinance No. 55 — 1999 — A SPECIAL ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE
APPROVAL OF A STATEMENT OF BENEFIT S FOR A PROPERTY OWNER APPLYING FOR
DEDUCTIONS UNDER I.C.6-1.1-12.1
Councilmember Elstro explained that this ordinance deals with a tax abatement request by Transilwrap Co.
Inc. at 300 Industrial Parkway.He said he talked with Jim Kramer about the 10-year tax abatement request
for$225,000 for new equipment. He said plans are to bring up three of their lines, adding that the hourly
wages there are$11.67 and fringe benefits of$3.37.
President Welch declared Ordinance No.56— 1999 on public hearing. There being no comments either for
or against the ordinance, Councilmember Rice moved for engrossment, second by Councilmember Allen
and the motion was carried on a unanimous voice vote.
Councilmember Rice moved to advance Ordinance No. 55 — 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.55—1999 on third reading.
Ordinance No.55— 1999 was adopted on the following call of the roll:
Ayes:Elstro,Lundy,Hutton,Allen,Rice,Wissel,Parker and Welch(8)
Nays:None
ORDINANCE NO.56—1999
The Clerk read Ordinance No. 56 — 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
Councilmember Parker said this ordinance deals with the request by Alusuisse Composites Inc. for a 10-
year abatement. He said he had met with the plant manager and explained that the company manufactures
Foamex, which is used primarily for the backing of posters,photography displays and anything to do with
the art community.
Common Council Minutes Cont'd
July 6, 1999
Page 6
He said it is also used for packaging various materials, adding that they are bringing on a material,which is
the same type but with a different finish and some are water proof.He said they are currently importing that
from their plant in Germany so they will be bringing it here to this country and with that, they will begin
with 10 new jobs,retaining 37,and the estimated value of this is$5,425,000.
President Welch declared Ordinance No.56 —1999 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 Wissel moved to advance Ordinance No. 56— 1999 to third and final reading and read by
title only,second by Councilmember Parker and the motion was carried on a unanimous voice vote.
The Clerk read Ordinance No.56— 1999 on third reading.
Ordinance No.56— 1999 was adopted on the following call of the roll:
Ayes:Bistro,Lundy,Hutton,Allen,Rice,Wissel,Parker and Welch(8)
Nays:None
ORDINANCES ON THIRD READING
There were none.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Councilmember Hutton said Bonnie and Diana Toschlog from Centerville High School were in the
audience and President Welch welcomed them.
Councilmember Rice commented that he would like to express his appreciation to the American Legion for
sponsoring the July 4 fireworks, adding that his 5-year-old grandson had a great time and it is on his behalf
he wanted to thank them.President Welch also added that while they were at it, he had the opportunity to
observe the flags on the Main Street Bridge,and noted his appreciation for them.
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