HomeMy Public PortalAbout01-20-1987 459
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF RICHMOND, INDIANA, JANUARY 20, 1987
1 The Common Council of the City of Richmond, Indiana met in regular session January 20, 1987 at
2 the hour of 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers in said City. President Brookbank presided with
3 the following Councilmembers present: Elstro, Williams, Hankinson, Whitesell, Parker, Hutton,
4 Morris and Theobald. Absent: None. The following business was had to-wit:
5
6 APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JANUARY 5, 1987
7
8 Councilmember Hankinson moved to approve the minutes of the previous meetings as prepared,
9 seconded by Councilmember Whitesell and on unanimous,voice vote the motion was carried.
10
11 COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR
12
13 Mayor Frank H. Waltermann complimented the Street Department and it's employees on a job well
14 done on the recent snow and the fact that they were call in on a regularly scheduled holiday.
15
16 Mayor Waltermann informed the Council about the meeting with GTE on the E 911 presentation
17 and gave examples of how the Enhanced 911 will work. He also stressed the importance of being
18 able to add additional information on the E 911 and how that will impact cases concerning homes
19 with special circumstances or business or industry that might be using certain substances such as
20 hazardous materials.
21
22 Mayor Waltermann explained the ground work that had been laid by the City since 1984 for 911
23 to be implemented. He stated that the City has been committed to the project and shall see the
24 institution of E 911 at the least cost to the taxpayer.
25
26 Mayor Waltermann also informed the Council that the capital equipment lists have been turned in
27 by the Departments and he requested a meeting be set with the Council representatives in order
28 that priorities could be established in the immediate future.
29
30 Councilmember Morris requested that Council be kept updated on City and County negotiations
31 regarding E 911 and added that the County should also accept their responsibilities for cost of the
32 equipment.
33
34 Mayor Waltermann stated that the City would not bear the brunt and he had offered the use of the
35 facilities at the City Building for Central Dispatch for the County.
36
37 Councilmember Parker stated that he and Councilmember Whitesell were the Council
38 representatives to the 911 Committee and he did not believe the County was shirking their duty
39 or financial responsibilities. He said it had been decided that a Resolution would be presented to
40 both Common Council and County Council indicating their support and financial commitment to
41 911. Councilmember Parker indicated that he feels the City and County are getting along on the
42 911 issue.
43
44 Councilmember Morris stated the City should be mindful it is a part of the County.
45
46 In response to a question regarding the financial burden of 911, Mayor Waltermann explained that
47 if the City alone goes E 911, the City will finance all of the equipment and operational costs, but
48 if it is a joint City and County endeavor, the City will not finance all of the equipment.
49
50 Mayor Waltermann stated the City already has major investments in the Police communications
51 with IDEX and NCIC and the trained dispatchers and qualified supervision. The Mayor said if it a
52 joint operation, it will be worked out reasonably for all of Wayne County and there would be no
53 double taxation.
54
55 PRESENTATION OF REMONSTRANCES, PETITIONS AND MEMORIALS
56
57 PRESENTATION TO RICHARD BODIKER
58
59 President Brookbank presented a plaque to Richard Bodiker for his service to the City while
60 serving on the Common Council. She congratulated Mr. Bodiker on his successful election to the
61 State Legislature and asked him to keep in touch.
62
63 Mr. Bodiker thanked the Council for all the cooperation he received while on Council and added
64 that he enjoyed his term as President.
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Common Council Minutes Cont'd
January 20, 1987
Page 2 •
1 REPORTS FROM OTHER OFFICES
2
3 HUMAN SERVICES COORDINATOR
4
5 Ms. Sandra Suman, Human Services Coordinator, reported to the Council on her position,
6 highlighting funding for the position and some of the accomplishments. She informed the Council
7 that she was working with the Wayne County Council on Aging and has negotiated 25% of her
8 salary through them for 1987. She said she was serving on several task forces including Elder
9 Abuse, Gramm-Rudmann, Townsend Community Center Improvement and was starting a task
10 force to deal with deposits for utilities and rentals.
11
12 Ms. Suman reported on the Home Equity Conversion Program. She said the program had assisted
13 ten families, rehabilitated six homes and paying monthly stipends to some of the participants.
14 Ms. Suman said 38,000.00 had been spent to date on the project and other assistance had been
15 given such as payments of existing mortgages, back taxes, sewer liens, medical expenses and
16 funeral expenses.
17
18 Ms. Suman gave three case histories of persons participating in the Home Equity Conversion
19 Program and explained briefly how the program worked compared to a conventional loan.
20
21 REPORT FROM BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS AND SAFETY
22
23 Board of Works President, Susan Silberstein informed the Council that the Board had affirmed an
24 order on an unsafe structure at 820 North 18th Street for repair or removal and had affirmed an
25 order on property located at 815 South E Street for it to be vacated and remain vacated until an
26 inspection could be made and it was fit for human habitation.
27
28 Ms. Silberstein stated the Board had awarded the bid for bulk gasoline and fuel oil purchases for
29 1987 and had executed the Agreement between Clearview Cable and the City for the PEG Channel.
30
31 Councilmember Parker asked Ms. Silberstein to investigate a Yield sign located at the
32 intersection of N.W. 10th and B Streets to see if it could not be changed to a stop sign. He
33 indicated there was a stop sign located at the T-intersection of N.W. 11th and B and felt the signs
34 could be exchanged for better protection of the public. He said there are a lot of accidents at the
35 N.W. B and 10th intersection and it is a situation where something serious is going to happen.
36
37 Ms. Silberstein stated she would get Traffic to look into the situation and added that since Stop
38 signs have to meet State warrants, it was not always possible to put them where we felt they
39 were most needed.
40
41 REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES
42
43 REID HOSPITAL
44
45 President Brookbank stated she had forwarded financial information to the Councilmembers
46 regarding the recent rate increase.
47
48 PLAN COMMISSION
49
50 Councilmember Morris reported there would be a public hearing on January 27, 1987 on the
51 rezoning of the property in the South end proposed to be used as in impound area.
52
53 URBAN ENTERPRISE ASSOCIATION
54
55 Councilmember Theobald reported the Urban Enterprise Association was in the process of hiring a
56 new director, making preparation for participation in the Main Street Program and would be
57 having a planning retreat.
58
59 COMMUNITY SERVICES
60
61 Councilmember Williams reported on the meeting of the Community Services Council held on elder
62 abuse. He informed the Council that elder abuse cases are presently handled through an 800
63 telephone number and referred to an investigator in Dearborn County since the local prosecutor
64 refused the funding to handle the cases. Councilmember Williams stated there were 45 reported
65 cases of elder abuse in 1986 and it takes three to four weeks for the investigator to get to Wayne
4-61
Common Council Minutes Cont'd
anuary 20, 1987
Page 3
1 County. He indicated that the local community needs to provide a local investigator and the
2 Council should investigate any ordinances for the protection of the elder and the investigation of
3 buse cases.
4
5 MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
6
7 ELECTION OF URBAN ENTERPRISE ASSOCIATION REPRESENTATIVE
8
9 President Brookbank explained to the Council they would have to elect a representative to the
10 Urban Enterprise Association rather than it be an appointment.
11
12 (Councilmember Morris moved to appoint Councilmember Theobald to the Urban Enterprise
13 Association, seconded by Councilmember Whitesell and on unanimous voice vote the motion was
14 carried.
15
16 COMMITTEE REPORT ON HUMAN RELATIONS ORDINANCE
17
18 Councilmember Whitesell presented the following statement and recommendations from the
19 Committee appointed for consideration of Ordinance No. 45-1986. Councilmember Whitesell
20 indicated the recommendations represents a majority feeling of the members of the Committee.
21
22 The special committee assigned to review and recommend action on Ordinance No. 45-1986
23 has met on three separate occasions. During these meetings, the committee has reviewed the
24 specific ordinance, met with those who developed the ordinance, and examined a variety of
25 considerations and input which had been reviewed at earlier committee of the whole sessions.
26
27 During these three sessions, the committee found that the subject of human relations was one
28 which had a variety of meanings and values and is truly an area that is of concern within our
29 community. The committee found that, white the proposed Ordinance No. 45-1986 addresses
30 a specific area, there are many other areas needing programs, or efforts, for citizen
31 assistance. The areas of tennant-landlord relations, consumer problems, age discrimination
32 and problems with local and state governmental agencies represent a few areas where
33 1 citizens frequently experience problems and have a need for assistance to find a resolve.
34
35 Ordinance No. 45-1986 contains a number of area which produce concern and questions.
36
37 A. Can the State Commission serve the needs of this ordinance.
38 B. Is there an adequate need locally for the structure requested in the ordinance.
39 C. Is a salaried staff essential.
40 D. Are the procedures for investigation appropriate.
41 E. What financial cost projections may be experienced.
42 F. Is this the best format for meeting the needs of this ordinance.
43
44 The decisions reached relative to answering these questions and the specific requests of this
45 ordinance represents, potentially, a major change within our community. It, obviously,
46 affects those who may now be experiencing discrimination in any of its many forms. The
47 answers to these questions, and the direction to be taken, must be made with thorough
48 knowledge and with the input of a broad cross section of the community.
49
50 The Special Committee would thus offer the following recommendations and request for
51 action:
52
53 1. The need for an avenue for citizens to take to be assisted in finding solutions to a variety
y4 of their problems indicates the need for the function of an ombudsman. It is the
55 recommendation of the Committee that the Mayor be directed to develop this position
56 description and staffing recommendations and submit to Common Council for review and
57 consideration no later than March 16, 1987.
58
59 2. That no final action be taken at this time on Ordinance No. 45-1986 due to the critical
60 considerations and impact this represents to the total community.
61
-62 3. The need for a more complete, in depth, review by a broader cross section of our
63 community is necessary to determine the best format to establish a final direction towards
64 the issues addressed in Ordinance No. 45-1986.
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Cfsammon_Council Minutes Cont'd
.a • - —5.1-987
Page 4
1 We thus recommend that a joint committee of citizens be established for the purpose of this
2 in-depth study. The Citizen Committee would, amount its duties, carry out workshop
3 sessions to investigate, review and recommend the best format for the community to adopt
4 to ensure its citizens have the most appropriate form for dealing with discriminatory
5 practices.
6
7 The Citizen Committee cross section should include, but not be limited to, a representative
8 from each of the following areas:
9
10 1. Prior Commission member
11 2. Business
12 3. Education
13 4. Realtor's Association
14 5. League of Women Voters
15 6. Disability Group
16 7. Senior Citizens
17 8. Community Services Council
18 9. N.A.A.C.P.
19 10. I.C.L.U.
20 11. City Administration •
21 12. Member of this Special Council Committee who will also act to co-ordinate the
22 establishment of the committee and its initial formation.
23
24 The Special Council Committee respectfully presents its report and request for approval of
25 the actions requested.
26
27 Councilmember Hankinson asked about the time frame on the Citizen Commitee and stated it should
28 not be dragged out.
29
30 Councilmember Whitesell said he concurred with that, but the Council Committee has come into a
31 lot of questions and considerations and after studying ordinances from other communities, felt
32 they needed more direct contract with those communities and also representation from the State
33 Commission.
34
35 Councilmember Hankinson indicated that a twelve person committee is rather large and he did not
36 want to see it drag on for two or three years.
37
38 President Brookbank stated the ordinance was assigned to the Committee of the Whole and could
39 remain there for one (1) year.
40
41 Councilmember Hutton commented that the committee will need ample time to do a good job.
42
43 Councilmember Williams stated that he attended two of the committee meetings, but did not agree
44 with the recommendation. He said he does not agree with Council designating their authority
45 away to another committee and feels they are shunning their responsibility.
46
47 Councilmember Hankinson stated he agreed with Councilmember Williams that the Council is
48 delegating their authority and passing their responsibility to a citizen committee without
49 guidelines or structure.
50
51 Councilmember Whitesell commented since there was debate among the Council, they needed tc
52 take action on the recommendation.
53
54 Councilmember Morris stated it was the feeling of the committee that the Human Relations
55 Commission was too important to enter into hastily and there were many diverse opinions on the
56 commission. She said the committee was not satisfied that they had heard from everyone anc
57 were sincere about establishing a commission and doing it the best possible way for the
58 community.
59
60 Councilmember Morris moved to adopt the findings and recommendations of the Counci
61 Committee on Ordinance No. 45-1986 (Human Relations Ordinance). Councilmember Huttor
62 seconded the motion.
63
64 Councilmember Elstro stated that he was on the Council Committee and unable to attend the
65 meetings due to work. He said he agreed with Councilmember Williams and did not support the
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Common Council Minutes Cont'd
January 20, 1987
Page 5
I recommendations of the committee.
2
3 The motion to adopt the recommendations on Ordinance No. 45-1986 was adopted on the following
4ca11 of the roll:
5
6 Ayes: Whitesell, Hutton, Morris, Theobald and Brookbank (5)
7 Nays: Elstro, Williams, Hankinson and Parker (4)
8
9 President Brookbank requested names from the designated areas be submitted to the Clerk.
10
11 RICHMOND COMMUNITY SCHOOL REFERENDUM-MARSHALL MOORE
12
13 Mr. Marshall Moore, Administrator for the Richmond Community Schools, thanked the Council
14 for the opportunity to speak on the School Referendum. Mr. Moore explained the four major
15funds in the school system and that the Richmond schools carry a fund balance of over
16500,000.00 in other funds, but the state does not allow dollars to be shifted from other funds to
17 the General Fund. Mr. Moore explained the schools were fiscally sound in 1972 when the tax levy
18was frozen at the state level and when the levy was frozen, Richmond was frozen at a lesser
19 rate than other schools that were big spenders.
20
21 Mr. Moore stated the schools need a .75 cent increase and .25 cents would be placed on the tax
22 rate with the referrendum and the other would be funded by reducing taxes in other areas by .50
23 cents. He said they could not transfer internally except by referrendum.
24
25 Mr. Moore explained that the cost per student in Richmond is 2.32, which is below the state
26 average. He added that if the referrendum is unsuccessful, they will be forced to cut
27 750,000.00 of staff.
28
29 Councilmember Elstro asked how long the .25 cents would remain on the tax levy and Mr. Moore
30 stated it would be permanent.
31
32 Councilmember Whitesell asked if a date had been finalized for the referrendum and Mr. Moore
33 said it will be on March 10, 1987.
34
35 Councilmember Morris asked about students voting that would be eligible for the May primary,
36 but not be eighteen prior to the referendum. Mr. Moore indicated they would need to be eighteen
37 to vote.
38
39 President Brookbank thanked Mr. Moore for sharing information on the referendum with the
40 Council.
41
42 RESOLUTIONS
43
44 RESOLUTION NO. 1-1987
45
46 President Brookbank requested Resolution No. 1-1987 be read in its entirety.
47
48 Mayor Frank H. Waltermann read Resolution No. 1-1987.
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50
51 RESOLUTION NO. 1-1987
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53 A RESOLUTION TO HONOR DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING,JR.
54
55
56 WHEREAS, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday is a National Holiday, and on this occasion we
57 reflect on the legacy of his life; and,
58
59 WHEREAS, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a Nobel Peace Prize winner for his efforts in calling
60 attention to and striving for solutions to social injustice; and,
61
62 WHEREAS, We should all work together to fulfill his Dream for peace, justice and equal
63 opportunity for all people; and,
64
65 WHEREAS, We should renew the commitment to strive for equality for all our citizens.
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Common Council Minutes Cont'd
January 20, 1987
Page 6
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Richmond Common Council and Mayor Frank H.
2 Waltermann that on this occasion we remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for his belief in
3 responding to hatred with love and violence with non-violence and honor him with a renewed
4 commitment for a society free of prejudice and injustice.
5
6 PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Common Council of the City of Richmond, Indiana, this 20th day of
7 January, 1987.
8
9 Resolution No. 1-1987 was unanimously adopted by the Common Council of the City of Richmond,
10 Indiana.
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12 ORDINANCES
13
14 ORDINANCES ON FIRST READING
15
16 Councilmember Morris moved to suspend the rules and read Ordinances No. 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6-
17 1987 on first reading by title only, seconded by Councilmember Hutton and on unanimous voice
18 vote the motion was carried.
19
20 ORDINANCE NO. 2-1987
21
22 The Clerk read on first reading by title only Ordinance No. 2 -1987- AN ORDINANCE APPROVING
23 COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES OF RICHMOND POWER&LIGHT AND MATTERS RELATED THERETO.
24
25 Councilmember Hankinson moved to suspend the rules and move Ordinance No.2-1987 to second
26 reading, seconded by Councilmember Whitesell and on unanimous voice vote the motion was
27 carried.
28
29 The Clerk read on second reading Ordinance No. 2-1987.
30
31 President Brookbank announced Ordinance No.2-1987 was on public hearing.
32
33 There being no comment, Councilmember Hankinson moved for engrossment of Ordinance No. 2-
34 1987, seconded by Councilmember Whitesell and on unanimous voice vote the motion was carried.
35
36 Councilmember Hankinson moved to suspend the rules and move Ordinance No. 2-1987 to third
37 and final reading and read by title only, seconded by Councilmember Williams and on unanimous
38 voice vote the motion was carried.
39
40 The Clerk read Ordinance No. 2-1987 on third and final reading by title only.
41
42 Ordinance No. 2-1987 was adopted on the following call of the roll:
43
44 Ayes: Elstro, Williams, Hankinson, Whitesell, Parker, Hutton, Morris, Theobald and Brookbank.
45 (9)
46 Nays: None
47
48 APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE NO. 3-1987
49
50 The Clerk read on first reading by title only Appropriation Ordinance No. 3-1987 - AN
51 ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE WITHIN THE PARK FUND.
52
53 President Brookbank announced Ordinance No. 3-1987 would be advertised for public hearing.
54
55 APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE NO. 4-1987
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57 The Clerk read on first reading by title only Appropriation Ordinance No. 4-1987 - AN
58 ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE WITHIN THE LOCAL ROAD AND STREET FUND.
59
60 President Brookbank announced Ordinance No. 4-1987 would be advertised for public hearing.
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Common Council Minutes Cont'd
January 20, 1987
Page 7
1 ORDINANCE NO. 5-1987
2
3 The Clerk read on first reading by title only Ordinance No. 5-1987 - AN ORDINANCE
4 ESTABLISHING THE CITY BOARD OF FINANCE.
5
6 Councilmember Morris moved to suspend the rules and move Ordinance No. 5-1987 to second
7 reading, seconded by Councilmember Williams and on unanimous voice vote the motion was
8 carried.
9
10 The Clerk read Ordinance No. 5-1987 on second reading.
11
12 President Brookbank announced Ordinance No. 5-1987 was on public hearing.
13
14 City Attorney, Ken Barden explained the ordinance was in compliance with new state laws and
15 sets up a Board of Finance that includes the Mayor, the Common Council and the Controller as
16 Secretary. He explained they meet once annually to elect a chairman and once in the odd years to
17 select depositories for the city funds. Mr. Barden said they would need to accept proposals from
18 financial institutions and meet in February between the 1st and 3rd Mondays to choose a
19 depository.
20
21 There being no further comment, Councilmember Morris moved for engrossment of Ordinance No.
22 5-1987, seconded by Councilmember Whitesell and on unanimous voice vote the motion was
23 carried.
24
25 Councilmember Williams moved to suspend the rules and move Ordinance No. 5-1987 to third and
26 final reading and read by title only, seconded by Councilmember Elstro and on unanimous voice
27 vote the motion was carried.
28
29 The Clerk read Ordinance No. 5-1987 on third and final reading by title only.
30
31 Ordinance No. 5-1987 was adopted on the following call of the roll:
32
33 Ayes: Elstro, Williams, Hankinson, Whitesell, Parker, Hutton, Morris, Theobald and Brookbank
34 (9)
35 Nays: None
36
37 ORDINANCE NO. 6-1987
38
39 The Clerk read on first reading by title only Ordinance No. 6-1987 - AN ORDINANCE RATIFYING
40 CERTAIN ADDENDA, BEING ADDENDA NUMBERS SIX AND SEVEN TO THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN
41 AMALGAMATED TRANSIT UNION LOCAL 1474, REPRESENTING THE BUS DRIVERS OF ROSE VIEW
42 TRANSIT AND THE CITY OF RICHMOND.
43
44 Councilmember Morris moved to suspend the rules and move Ordinance No. 6-1987 on second
45 reading, seconded by Councilmember Hankinson and on unanimous voice vote the motion was
46 carried.
47
48 The Clerk read Ordinance No. 6-1987 on second reading.
49
50 President Brookbank announced Ordinance No. 6-1987 was on public hearing.
51
52 Public Works Director, Ralph Willis informed the Council that the ordinance ratifies addendum to
53 the contract including clearing up an issue on part time employees. Ms. Silberstein added that it
54 also ratifies a two (2) year wage package per negotiations.
55
56 There being no further comment, Councilmember Hankinson moved for engrossment of Ordinance
57 No. 6-1987, seconded by Councilmember Williams and on unanimous voice vote the motion was
58 carried.
59
60 Councilmember Hankinson moved to suspend the rules and move Ordinance No. 6-1987 to third
61 and final reading and read by title only, seconded by Councilmember Elstro and on unanimous
62 voice vote the motion was carried.
63
64 The Clerk read Ordinance No. 6-1987 on third and final reading by title only.
4:6..
Common Council Minutes Cont'd
January 20, 1987
Page 8
1 Ordinance No. 6-1987 was adopted on the following call of the roll:
2
3 Ayes: Elstro, Williams, Hankinson, Whitesell, Parker, Hutton, Morris, Theobald and Brookbank
4 (9)
5 Nays: None
6
7 ADJOURNMENT
8
9 There being no further business, on a motion duly made, seconded and passed, the meeting was
10 adjourned.
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14 Jane R. Brookbank, President
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17 ATTEST:
18 Mary Merchanthouse, City Clerk
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