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HomeMy Public PortalAbout02-01-1999 PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND,INDIANA,MONDAY,FEBRUARY 1,1999 ' The Common Council of the City of Richmond, Indiana met in regular session at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 1, 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, Bruce Wissel and Larry Parker. Dennis R. Rice Sr. was absent. The following business was conducted: PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE PRESIDENT WELCH ASKED FOR A MOMENT OF SILENT PRAYER ROLL CALL Eight present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the meeting of January 19, 1999, were approved on a motion by Councilmember Wissel, 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 Mayor Andrews requested the approval of Council of his two appointments to the Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors. He said his appointment to finish the expired term of Debbie Jenkins is Diane Roberts, vice chancellor for academic affairs at Indiana University East. And, his second appointment is Charles Martin, for a second term, having served the past three years. He said both are willing to serve if Council approved. Councilmember Hutton so moved, second by Councilmember Lundy and the motion was carried on a unanimous voice vote. REPORTS FROM CITY DEPARTMENTS REPORT FROM BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS AND SAFETY Minutes of the meetings of January 7 and 14, 1999,were in the Council packets. REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES There were none. REPORTS FROM SPECIAL COMMITTEES REPORTS FROM ORGANIZATIONS There were none. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS President Welch reminded Councilmember that the name of Bill Misner of 3471 Geraldine Lane had been submitted for the Street Tree Commission at Council's last meeting. Councilmember Wissel submitted the name of Neal Sabine, a professor at Indiana University East, as Council's second appointment to that Commission, stating that he had been active in environmental issues. Councilmember Dickman moved to appoint Misner for a two-year term, second by Councilmember Allen and the motion was carried on a unanimous voice vote.President Welch said the vote on Sabine would be taken at the next meeting. President Welch stated that the Mayor had requested Council be represented on the Affirmative Action Review Committee, which will review the Richmond Code and make update and changes. He said he had asked Councilmember Lundy to fill that spot and she has accepted that appointment. He added that the appointment of Council of John Rusie, 210 South 17th Street, is in the process of expiring and said he had talked with Rusie who indicated his willingness to continue serving. He said that appointment would be confirmed at Council's next meeting. In answer to a question by Councilmember Hutton about an appointment to the Human Rights Commission,President Welch said he is waiting on a name to be submitted for consideration.He said those names will be brought forward as soon as they are submitted. Common Council Minutes Cont'd February 1, 1999 Page 2 ORDINANCES ON FIRST READING Councilmember Elstro moved to suspend the rules and read Ordinances No. 3, 7 and 8 — 1999 on first reading by title only, second by Councilmember Parker and the motion was carried on a unanimous voice vote. ORDINANCE NO.3—1999 The Clerk read Ordinance No. 3 — 1999 —AN APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SUBMITTAL, ACCEPTANCE, AND APPROPRIATION OF A GRANT FROM THE INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION OF FORESTRY Jill Kasprzak, representing the City Parks and Recreation Department, said this ordinance requests authorization to submit and hopefully accept this Arbor Day grant. She said this year's Arbor Day celebration is gong to be a large, special event held in honor of Mother Nature and is scheduled for May 1. She said it would coincide with Arbor Day,Earth Day and Environmental Week which is being observed by the Richmond Community Schools. She said the event will be held in South 10th Street Park, weather permitting,where there will be a science fair and will have a children's museum type of atmosphere. Councilmember Elstro moved to suspend the rules and advance Ordinance No. 3 — 1999 to second 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. 3— 1999 on second reading. President Welch declared Ordinance No. 3 — 1999 on public hearing. There being no comments either for or against the ordinance, Councilmember Wissel moved for engrossment, second by Councilmember Allen and the motion was carried on a unanimous voice vote. Councilmember Lundy moved to suspend the rules and advance Ordinance No. 3 — 1999 to third 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. 3— 1999 on third reading. Ordinance No. 3— 1999 was adopted on the following call of the roll: Ayes:Elstro,Lundy,Dickman,Hutton,Allen,Wissel,Parker and Welch(8) Nays:None. Absent:Rice ORDINANCE NO.7—1999 The Clerk read Ordinance No. 7 — 1999 —AN APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF RICHMOND TO RECEIVE A DONATION Assistant City Attorney Steve Rabe, speaking on behalf of Captain Melody Truitt, said this ordinance would allow the City to receive donations to the emergency animal fund, which would provide for veterinarian care to cover the expenses of animals injured in traffic accidents. Councilmember Lundy moved to suspend the rules and advance Ordinance No.7— 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.7— 1999 on second reading. President Welch declared Ordinance No. 7 — 1999 on public hearing. There being no comments either for or against the ordinance Councilmember Elstro 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. 7— 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.7— 1999 on third reading. Ordinance No.7— 1999 was adopted on the following call of the roll: Ayes:Elstro,Lundy,Dickman,Hutton,Allen,Wissel,Parker and Welch(8) Nays:None. Absent:Rice • Common Council Minutes Cont'd February 1, 1999 Page 3 ORDINANCE NO.8—1999 The Clerk read Ordinance No. 8 — 1999 — AN APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 86 — 1998 ADOPTED SEPTEMBER 8, 1998, COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS THE 1999 SALARY ORDINANCE Explaining this was City Controller Shelley Miller, who said all Councilmembers had been given revised copies of this ordinance. She explained that it was discovered at the beginning of this year, that two positions under the Parks and Recreation Department under Public Works and Engineering reflected a probationary rate. Now, she said, she is requesting that these be brought to the maximum, adding that it would have been reflected with the 2.5 percent increase generally given with those two positions.The other three positions, she said, are the result of the reorganization within the golf division of the Parks Department and this was accomplished without increasing full time positions. Mayor Andrews,commenting on item number 2, said this looks like a significant change but it is actually a redistribution that will shift the percent of revenue that the director of golf receives from the golf shop. He said all of that has been completely restructured under the new golf plan where the City will actually have charge of the pro shops at both the Glen Miller and Highland Lake courses. Stanton Lambert, superintendent of the Parks and Recreation Department, said item number 2 reflects the change,which is the creation of one golf director position to be over both courses.He said there would be a golf division director/head golf professional overseeing both courses with an assistant golf professional at each course helping with the day to day operations. Explaining this, Lambert said that during the negotiations the individual being interviewed was getting a straight salary of $36,000 and they originally offered $24,000 with small percentages of the different revenues coming into the golf courses. The individual counter offered asking that they not increase the amount of money offered but to restructure it so he would be getting the same salary through the winter for what he had been earning in his previous position and they would just reduce the percentages.Lambert said they pay a little more now,but if they have a good year,the department will make out a little better because the percentages they will be returning to the golf director will be smaller.President Welch commented that the terms used by the search committee were"incentive wages." Addressing item number 3,Lambert said each of the assistants will also receive an incentive percentage of each of the revenues as they are coming into the golf courses, again as an incentive for them to increase business. Looking at item number 4, he said this says that a second assistant golf professional shall be added and'the maximum annual salary is$19,000. He said that deals with a restructuring of a position that had been on the salary ordinance as the assistant superintendent of the department,which was not funded. In answer to a question by Councilmember Hutton about the head golf course superintendent,Lambert said that is Joe Lucas who is over the maintenance of both courses and who works in tandem with the director. Councilmember Elstro asked if the Park Department will have full jurisdiction over the golf carts and pro shops and Lambert said that is correct. Councilmember Hutton moved to suspend the rules and advance Ordinance No. 8— 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. 8— 1999 on second reading. President Welch declared Ordinance No. 8 — 1999 on public hearing. There being no comments either for or against the ordinance,Councilmember Bistro 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. 8 — 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. 8— 1999 on third reading. Ordinance No. 8—1999 was adopted on the following call of the roll: Ayes:Elstro,Lundy,Dickman,Hutton,Allen,Wissel,Parker and Welch(8) Nays:None. Absent:Rice Common Council Minutes Cont'd February 1, 1999 Page 4 ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING AND ENGROSSMENT ORDINANCE NO.1 -1999 The Clerk read Ordinance No. 1 — 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 explained that this ordinance deals with a new manufacturing equipment 10-year abatement request for $650,000 for Pittsburgh Tube Co. He said he spoke with Tom Woods, who is the plant manager, who told him they had received a contract to manufacture steering columns for a variety of autos and small trucks. He said this would also increase their business with manufacturing parts for the John Deere diesel tractors and would result in 12 new jobs. Councilmember Parker said the committee recommended adoption. President Welch declared Ordinance No. 1 — 1999 on public hearing. There being no comments either for or against the ordinance,Councilmember Wissel moved for engrossment, second by Councilmember Allen and the motion was carried on a unanimous voice vote. Councilmember Dickman moved to suspend the rules and advance Ordinance No. 1 — 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. 1 —1999 on third reading. Ordinance No. 1 — 1999 was adopted on the following call of the roll: Ayes:Elstro,Lundy,Dickman,Hutton,Allen,Wissel,Parker and Welch(8) Nays:None. Absent:Rice ORDINANCE NO.2—1999 The Clerk read Ordinance No. 2— 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 asked that this ordinance be held on second until the next meeting. President Welch acknowledged the request,stating that it would come back on second on February 15, 1999. ORDINANCE NO.4—1999 The Clerk read Ordinance No. 4— 1999—A SPECIAL ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING MAP FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4611 NATIONAL ROAD WEST, CENTER TOWNSHIP, RICHMOND,INDIANA Councilmember Wissel reported that the Richmond Advisory Planning Commission conducted a public hearing January 28 and looked at the petition for rezoning from a C-2 commercial to a C-4 general business district for the property at 4611 National Road West. He said three letters had been sent to property owners with two returned, one in favor and one in opposition. He pointing out that the owner wants to use one of the buildings for a repair business for import cars and keep the front part to use as a used car lot. Councilmember Wissel said the Planning staff recommended against approval, citing that the comprehensive plan requested that this area be used for retail development, pointing out that the recent development of Dr. Ruble's office was in compliance with that plan. He said the Planning Commission voted with seven in favor with two opposed and seven absent to recommend approval. President Welch declared Ordinance No.4—1999 on public hearing. In response to a request by President Welch, Bob Goodwin, planning director, stepped forward to explain the recommendation made by the staff. Goodwin said the area is primarily C-4 from the standpoint of uses currently present. However, he said, the comprehensive plans calls for a C-2 zoning. Goodwin said the opposing letter received by the Commission was that the site not be developed until the water problems are taken care of and had nothing to do with the zoning classification. He said the staff feels that the comprehensive plan should be the guide as to what should occur there but the Commission voted otherwise. He said the property is the former site of the putt-putt golf course which legitimally met the C-2 use. Common Council Minutes Cont'd February 1, 1999 Page 5 President Welch said that in listening to the Plan Commission meeting, he is not convinced that the owner is going to pave the entire property. Goodwin said he would have to do that for a sales lot because it is a requirement of the zoning ordinance,however,it would be only for that portion which is to be used for the • sales lot,adding that there is also a house and garage there. Councilmember Hutton said she recalled that Council voted to have this rezoned for the putt-putt course about six years ago and she voted against it at that time, adding that it is next to the church there. Goodwin said the surrounding zoning is the trailer park, adding that there is a used car lot there and to the east is the church, a lawnmower sales and a service station. He said the entire intersection at Round Barn Road is all C-4, adding there is conflicting zoning between this property and Round Barn Road, stating that on the opposite side of the road is the Natco building which is zoned heavy industrial. Goodwin said the comprehensive plan was changed in 1992 with the intent of changing that corridor out there to retail commercial rather than wholesale so the plan shows it as C-2 commercial for retail. In answer to a question by Councilmember Dickman, Councilmember Wissel said he and City Engineer Bob Wiwi were the two who voted against it,also because of the comprehensive plan.He said the area east of there is an R-2 development and he looked at the recent development with the new doctor's clinic and the Christian Church to the east, which has had a major expansion. He said most car lots have a short history. Councilmember Dickman asked if the petitioner was at the Planning Commission meeting and Councilmember Wissel said he was and had stated that there are other used car lots there in the area. Councilmember Lundy said with this confusion, with the staff voting one way and the Commission the other, she would like to look at the area and see for herself since she hasn't been out there for a long time. She moved to hold the ordinance on second reading, second by Councilmember Elstro and the motion was carried on a unanimous voice vote. ORDINANCE NO.5—1999 The Clerk read Ordinance No. 5 — 1999—A SPECIAL ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING MAP FOR THE PROPERTIES LOCATED AT THE SOUTHEAST AND SOUTHWEST CORNERS OF INTERSTATE 70 AND STATE ROAD 121,WAYNE TOWNSHIP,RICHMOND,INDIANA President Welch announced that a letter had been received from Attorney Jim Puckett, who represents the property owners in this case, asking that this ordinance be tabled until February 25 when it would be heard by the Planning Commission. He said that means it would come back to Council on second reading at its March 1 meeting. ORDINANCES ON THIRD READING There were none. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 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