HomeMy Public PortalAbout01-05-1987 453
PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF RICHMOND, INDIANA, JANUARY 5, 1987
I The Common Council of the City of Richmond, Indiana met in regular session January 5, 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, Parker, Hutton, Morris and
4 Theobald. Absent: Whitesell. The following business was had to-wit:
5
6 APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF DECEMBER 15, 1986
7
8 Councilmember Hankinson moved to approve the minutes of the previous meeting as prepared,
9 seconded by Councilmember Parker and on unanimous voice vote the motion was carried.
10
11 COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR
12
13 Mayor Frank H. Waltermann presented the following State of the City Address to the Common
14 Council:
15
16 "As we start 1987, let us take a look at the previous year, our accomplishments and areas that
17 will require added attention.
18
19 Early in the year, the Greater Richmond Progress Committee was formed. This committee, made
20 up of persons from every segment of our community and surrounding areas, identified immediate
21 needs for our citizens. The needs are being addressed by Task Forces made up of knowledgeable
22 persons who can and will bring solutions to problem areas. Even though we are in the first year,
23 few mistakes were made and our successes will greatly enhance the quality of life for all. This
24 committee will continue to function to assist government and the private sector in the direction
25 we shall travel into the future.
26
27 Economic Development will still be a priority as it has been this past year. It is incumbent on us
28 to strive for more job opportunities in the Wayne County area. This entails a greater degree of
29 acknowledgement by state officials of the existance of communities outside of the Indianapolis
30 area and the need for tax dollars to be used to make us more competitive in the world economy.
' 31
32 Richmond has done its part by leading the way in making Indiana more cognizant of Japanese
33 investment and using the expertise of Earlham College to meet the necessary requirements that
34 are placed on these endeavors. We must also become aware of all post-secondary education
35 matters in our community and assist by giving support to the needs of I.U. East and Purdue
36 programs and Indiana Vocational Technical College and to help them receive their fair share of
37 educational dollars that are available. It is necessary to follow up on programs in our primary
38 and secondary school systems to see a marked increase in graduates and a decrease in the
39 illiteracy rate. We all have to be aware of these programs and invite the leaders to our public
40 meetings so we can learn and actively support them to give us the competative edge needed to
41 attract and expand business and industry. We have had, and will continue to have success with
42 our revolving loan fund board in helping viable entrepreneurs in our city.
43
44 Local industry and labor organizations are to be complimented on their growth, expansion and
45 favorable labor climate which is a reflection on our quality of life. We cannot let down, but we
46 must remain aggressive and constantly aware of changes that must be made on the State and local
47 level of government.
48
49 We have, in every department of the City, modernized and have been very innovative in our
50 operations as we face the hard facts of the Gramm-Rudmann-Hollings bill that immediately caused
51 a loss of $600,000.00 per year in federal revenue dollars. We have met this challenge and have
52 succeeded in still providing the necessary level of service to the citizen-taxpayer. Many other
53 programs have been cut on the federal level which have and will have a direct impact on our
54 community, but by working together, the public and private sector, by a willingness to make and
55 accept changes, we will continue to grow and prosper. Every state and federal mandate
56 perpetrated on us, without any additional financial support from these agencies, have been
57 implemented or are in the process of completion. Each time we have made a step forward, new
58 regulations cause road blocks (Haz Mat, 504, LUST, FLSA) but we have overcome these hazards
59 by having professional departmente heads to lead dedicated employees to accept more
60 responsibilities and give 100% back to the taxpayer. While we have met all these budget
61 restraints, it is imperative that we closely monitor the federal budgets to see if they fulfill their
62 promise of deficit reduction. All cities, the grass roots of America, have done their fair share
63 and it is important to all of us to make sure that our sacrifices be acknowledged by the federal
64 leaders by implementing Gramm-Rudmann-Hollings without special interest exemptions.
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Common Council Minutes Cont'd
January 5, 1987
Page 2
1 We will continue to key in on the needs, wants and desires of our citizens. To provide them with
2 adequate housing and to be responsive to their plight. Our Citizen Action call line keeps
3 government available 24 hours a day to every person and its proven availability provided
4 assistance during the two emergency conditions we faced.
5
6 Our Public Works Department is commited to correcting the problems of past faulty workmanship
7 and inexperienced supervision or no City supervision during the sewer separation projects of the
8 early eighties. Progress, though slow, is being made in correcting these deficiencies in a precise
9 and maximized-tax dollar expenditure. New and better solid waste collection is on the plan board
10 for implementation and our landfill is monitored daily so we may utilize it to the fullest of its life
11 expectancy, while we search for better methods of waste disposal.
12
13 The 163 miles of streets are, within fiscal restraints, being stabilized and paved using
14 computerization to inventory each street and schedule needed improvements in the years to
15 follow. The new addition of Eastern Industrial Parkway will be upon in the near future, a project
16 partially funded by the State and a majority of the work done in house with our own personnel and
17 equipment.
18
19 On the immediate horizon is implementation of the 911 system for the.protection and welfare of
20 the elderly and youth of our City. This, coupled with a continuing program of drug enforcement
21 and excellent police protection, will help keep our crime rate low for the fourth consecutive year.
22 Upgrading of equipment, modern techniques and additional education for our officers will provide
23 a better climate in which to live.
24
25 Public safety will also be enhanced by new and sophisticated fire equipment and training. With
26 new laws just recently passed by the state legislature, fire officials will be involved more in pre-
27 planning and fire prevention as the new codes dictate.
28
29 The Park Department is dedicated to the improvement of the quality of life for area residents and
30 will continue planning, in a cost effective manner for the needs of the next 10-15 years. Through
31 coordination with the school systems, duplications will be avoided and needed facilities will be
32 provided for all segments of our society taking into consideration age, sex, disabilities and all
33 socio-economic levels.
34
35 Our airport facility will continue to be fostered and nurtured as it has the potential of attracting
36 new business into our area. One only has to look at Wilmington, Ohio, just 50 miles away to see
37 what can aspire. Our fore fathers, in 1945, dedicated the airport and the possibility for growth
38 for our area is to maintain this facility in the most proficient manner available.
39
40 The makeup of our boards and commissions utilizing dedicated volunteers will be of paramount
41 importance as we head toward the future. Changes will be made, when it is in the best interest
42 for that entity, with qualified persons.
43
44 Our Master Plan has to be impartial, visionary and implemented with the greatest degree of
45 citizen participation that we can acquire. This will be our guide to take us from this year into the
46 next decade.
47
48 All our departments will be dedicated to providing the highest quality of service to our citizens
49 and my wish is for your continued support of our endeavors.
50
51 I wish to thank the Council for your policy of having a truly public forum for all the people. You
52 have been criticized for doing your duty, but you are the public forum in our democracy, and to
53 analyze problems and find positive answers means not shedding your responsibility but encourage
54 the voices of all to be heard over what they perceive as major problems and not allowing a sense
55 of futility to exist, for we are a government of the people, by the people and for the people.
56
57 On behalf of the City of Richmond, I wish you and every citizen of our area peace, happiness and
58 prosperity."
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62
63 REPORT FROM BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS AND SAFETY
455
Common Council Minutes Cont'd
January 5, 1987
Page 3
1 Board President Silberstein reported that the bid for the signalization of U.S. 40 and Eastern
2 Indiana Industrial Parkway had been awarded to H.E. Henderson subject to State approval. Ms.
3 Silberstein stated that bids had been received for bulk purchases of gasoline and fuel oil for 1987
4 and that the Board approve the installation of street lights on Keyser Lane. She also stated that
5 the Board had endorsed a survey for subscribers of Clearview Cable TV regarding the choice of
6 over the air channels.
7
8 Councilmember Parker asked Ms. Silberstein to investigate a problem on Sheridan Street at the
9 top of the hill around J Street with a water leak and the street being frozen making it impossible
10 for cars to stop.
11
12
13 REPORTS FROM SPECIAL COMMITTEES
14 •
15 Human Relations Ordinance Committee
16
17 President Brookbank announced a meeting of the Committee had been set for January 7, 1987 at
18 11:30 A.M. in the Community Room in the Municipal Building.
19
20 REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES
21
22 REID HOSPITAL
23
24 President Brookbank reported the Hospital Board had met on December 22, 1986. She stated that
25 active recruitment of nurses was beginning to alleviate a shortage on the second shift. President
26 Brookbank also reported that the year to date cash flow was positive.
27
28 President Brookbank stated that the discussion concerning the 7.85% rate increase indicated that
29 the rates were still one of the lowest around.
30
31 Councilmember Elstro commented that if the pay schedules in the City were as high as others
32 Cities, it might be a valid point that the rates for Reid Hospital were one of the lowest around. He
33 also indicated that if RP&L or the City tax rate would go up that high the public would not tolerate
34 it.
35
36 President Brookbank stated that Councilmember Elstro's point was well taken and she would get
37 more information on the rate increase.
38
39 PLAN COMMISSION
40
41 Councilmember Morris reported that the December meeting of the Plan Commission had been
42 cancelled due to lack of a quorum and that rezoning of the proposed impound area in the south end
43 of Richmond will be back on public hearing on January 27, 1987.
44
45 URBAN ENTERPRISE ASSOCIATION
46
47 Councilmember Hutton reported that the Urban Enterprise Association would be meeting on
48 January 6, 1987 at 7:30 P.M.
49
50 MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
51
52 ELECTION OF PLAN COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE
53 •
54 Councilmember Hutton moved to appoint Councilmember Morris as the Council representative to
55 the Plan Commission, seconded by Councilmember Elstro and on unanimous voice vote the motion
56 was carried.
57
58 IACT LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE
59
60 President Brookbank informed the Council that the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns Annual
61 Legislative Conference was scheduled for February 5, 1987 and any member of Council wishing
62 to attend should get their reservations to the City Clerk by January 8, 1987.
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Common Council Minutes Cont'd
January 5, 1987
Page 4
1 WELCOME OF STUDENTS
2
3 President Brookbank welcomed the students in attendance from Centerville High School
4 government classes.
5
6 APPOINTMENT OF COUNCIL COMMITTEES FOR 1987
7
8 President Brookbank made the following appointments to the various Council Committees for
9 1987:
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11 COMMON COUNCIL SPECIAL COMMITTEES
12
13 Transportation Committee: Chr. Jack Elstro and Jim Hankinson
14 Community Development & Community Services: Chr. Marion Williams, Chet Theobald and Jack
15 Elstro
16 Parks and Recreation: Chr. Chet Theobald, Sally Hutton and Jack Elstro
17 Public Safety: Chr. Terry Whitesell, Chet Theobald and Larry Parker
18 Public Works and Sanitation: Chr. Sally Hutton, Marion Williams and Lynn Nepote Morris
19 Finance and Committee of the Whole: Chr. Terry Whitesell and All Members of Common Council
20
21 COMMON COUNCIL STANDING COMMITTEES
22
23 Liason to Reid Hospital Jane Brookbank
24 Arts Council Lynn Nepote Morris
25 Animal Welfare James Hankinson
26 Park Board Sally Hutton
27 Airport Board Jack Elstro
28 Plan Commission Lynn Nepote Morris (elected)
29 Urban Enterprise Association Chester Theobald (elected)
30 Community Services Marion Williams
31 Education Committee Larry Parker
32
33 OTHER COMMITTEES OF COMMON COUNCIL
34
35 Mayor's Capital Equipment Committee: Lynn Nepote Morris, Jack Elstro and Terry Whitesell
36 Economic Growth & Development Board - Chet Theobald
37 Economic Growth & Development Loan Fund Board - Larry Parker
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41
42 ORDINANCES
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44 ORDINANCES ON FIRST READING
45 --46 Councilmember Morris moved to suspend the rules and read Ordinance No.1-1987 on first'reading
47 by title only, seconded by Councilmember Williams and on unanimous voice vote the motion was
48 carried.
49
50 ORDINANCE NO. 1-1987
51
52 The Clerk read on first reading by title only Ordinance No. 1-1987- AN ORDINANCE AMENDING
53 ORDINANCE NO. 61-1986 RATIFYING THE SALARIES, WAGES AND POSITIONS FOR APPOINTED
54 OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE RICHMOND SANITARY DISTRICT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
55 BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 1987 AND ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1987 AS ADOPTED BY THE BOARD OF
56 SANITARY COMMISSIONERS.
57
58 Councilmember Hankinson moved to suspend the rules and move Ordinance No. 1-1987 to second
59 reading, seconded by Councilmember Elstro and on unanimous voice vote the motion was carried.
60
61 The Clerk read on second reading Ordinance No. 1-1987.
62
63 President Brookbank announced Ordinance No.1-1987 was on public hearing.
64
65 Councilmember Morris asked Mr. Judge to explain the changes in the salary ordinance.
5 .
Common Council Minutes Cont'd
January 5, 1987
Page 5
1 Mr. Jerald Judge explained that the positions being deleted were being done so either because
2 they had not been filled the past three (3) years or were being deleted due to reorganization of
3 crews. Mr. Judge stated that Ms. Jackie Makela, Chemist, was now filling two positions and
4 would continue to do so with stronger emphasis being placed on shift supervisors.
5
6 Councilmember Morris asked who would be doing the work of the Office Manger position and Mr.
7 Judge stated he was already doing the work and the position was not be needed.
8
9 There being no further comment, Councilmember Williams moved for engrossment, seconded by
10 Councilmember Elstro and on unanimous voice vote the motion was carried.
11
12 Councilmember Morris moved to suspend the rules and move Ordinance No. 1-1987 to third and
13 final reading and read by title only, seconded by Councilmember Elstro and on unanimous voice
14 vote the motion was carried.
15
16 The Clerk read Ordinance No. 1-1987 on third and final reading by title only.
17
18 Ordinance No. 1-1987 was adopted on the following call of the roll:
19
20 Ayes: Elstro, Williams, Hankinson, Parker, Hutton, Morris, Theobald and Brookbank. (8)
21 Nays: None
22 Absent: Whitesell
23
24 ADJOURNMENT
25
26 There being no further business, on a motion duly made, seconded and passed, the meeting was
27 adjourned.
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31 Jane R. Brookbank, President
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34 ATTEST:
35 Mary Merchanthouse, City Clerk
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