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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