HomeMy Public PortalAbout01-20-1975 3
PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF RICHMOND, INDIANA, JANUARY 20, 1975
The Common Council of hte City of Richmond, Indiana, met in regular
session January 20, 1975 at the hour of 7:30 P.M. in the Council
Chambers in the Municipal Building in said City. President Merchant-
house presided with the following members present: Messrs. Brown,
Cornett, Elstro, Geier, Marino, Mills and Williams. Absent: Mr.
Hilton. The following business was had to-wit:
Councilman Geier moved to approve the minutes of the previous meeting,
seconded by Councilman Brown and on unanimous voice vote the motion
was carried.
Mayor Byron E. Klute made the following comments:
Mr. President and members of the Richmond Common Council .
Tonight will mark my last official Council Meeting as the
Mayor of Richmond, Indiana.
On this occasion I am moved to make a few remarks before
I take leave of your presence.
These statements of my observations come as a result of
seven years of experience and numerous meetings with you
in public and work sessions of which I have been privileged
to attend.
Over these past few years you have considered some very
important legislative matters. Issues which have helped
to shape the future of this community have gained your thought-
ful attention.
The range of problems brought before this Council have been
varied from zoning problems and land use to the annual problems
surrounding the wise use of tax revenues. You have considered
the development of Industrial Parks, recreational facilities,
street cleaning programs, solid waste disposal , the use of
Federal Revenue Sharing and recently community development.
Critical decisions have been made recently to police and
fire protection, parking problems and the economic growth
of this city.
In all of these deliberations I have observed a high degree
of concern for the wise use of tax dollars, efficient govern-
ment service and a sincere desire to serve the people you
represent.
The Citizens of this community, and the various departments
of city government are indeed fortunate that this particular
group of men has performed its duties in such an unselfish
manner and with the city at heart, during these critical
times in the life of Richmond.
I know from my own conversations with other Mayors and Coun-
cilmen in our state that this is not always the case. Many
cities of our size are torn by constant partisan strife among
members of the Council and there are delays of vital services
or important projects which are stopped from lack of funding.
Such has not been the case in Richmond. Each of you are an
important part of a legislative team which has constantly
worked to move this town toward a better quality of life for
all of its people.
January 20, 1975
Page 2 •
(Mayor Byron E. Klute's comments cont. )
Each new day will bring with it some new challenges and new
opportunities for service. I am confident this body of men will
meet those challenges with courage and dedication in an effort
to move this city toward a reputation as one of the finest cities
of our size in the nation.
May I offer now a few brief parting suggestions by way of indica-
ting what might lie ahead.
(1 ) There is a growing need in our country and its cities
to conserve housed in residential neighborhoods , rather
than relying on the constant building of new housing
units in the seemingly and never ending cycle of urban
sprawl .
(2) The need for a totally coordinated transportation
system is already reaching the critical stages in every
city in our country. Such a system must provide for
the wise use of every form of transportation , with
a view toward moving the most possible people with the
best uses of available energy.
(3) The total urban landscape must be made more liveable
for all of our citizens. This will require sound land
use planning, removal of blighting influences and well
developed plans for the vital services necessary for
urban life. There is no virtue in simple growing
into a larger city without adequate planning.
With these remarks I close' and again express to each of you
my thanks for the spirit in which you have always assumed your
duties and responsibilities.
Councilman Merchanthouse commented as follows:
"Mayor Klute, four years ago you approached me regarding my
candidacy for this Council seat I now hold. You told me if
I won, it would be time consuming and intersting work. The
past three years have proved to be both of these. Working
with your administration these past years have been most
challenging and rewarding in results.
Projects completed during your years in this office have been
and will continue to be a stimulus for orderly growth and
prosperity in our city. I think even your severest critics
will have to admit the results of your time spent in this office
have been most satisfying.
I want to offer my best wishes to you for continued success
in future endeavors . Your work for Senator Bayh should prove
to be the most interesting of your career. I hope you will
continue to represent Richmond's interest on the Federal Level .
Finally, I want to wish Charles Howell the best as he takes
over the responsibilities of the office of Mayor. I have known
Mr. Howell for several yars and know him to be a very able
administrator. As President of this Council I will do my
best to help Mr. Howell to continue the trend of progress
in the City of Richmond. Thank you.
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January 20, 1975
Page 3
Councilman Mills said he "appreciated this opportunity to wish Byron
Klute the best of luck and good wishes in his new endeavors.
If he attacks his new job with the vim and vigor that he has
put forth as Mayor, Birch Bayh headquarters will be stimulated.
111 It has been my pleasure to work with Byron and this Council
on many important decisions concerning our City and although
some were not popular I feel all of us were giving what we
thought was best for the citizens of Richmond. I just want
to say thanks again to Byron for the time he has given me and
wish he and our new Mayor all the luck in the world and pledge
my support to our future needs in Richmond, Indiana"
Councilman Marino stated, "I appreciate all the time we have spent
with you and Birch Bayh 's gain is our loss. I wish you well
and as I have said in the past, I will support Mr. Howell to
the fullest of my ability. "
Councilman Geier. said, "Thank you for your kind words to this body.
Without your leadership we would not have had all the fine
programs for the City. You stuck to your guns and worked with
us as a team, which has benefited Richmond greatly".
Councilman Brown said, "Four years ago you asked me to file for this
job and you briefed me as to the responsibility and time this job
would entail . The reason I ran is because you asked me. I .feel
you inspired my son and helped him in high school . I wish you
all the luck in the world".
Councilman Cornett commented, "I have a deep personal appreciation to
you for the assistance and cooperation we have had together
in working for the people in the fourth district. I think you
have always had the best interest for the community in your
heart. I would like to congratulate Charles Howell in stepping
into this large responsibility and wish him success on behalf
of the citizens of Richmond" .
Councilman Williams said, "I have a great deal of respect for Byron
Klute. He has helped me in many ways. I would come to him
and he would do what he could to help me. His leaving is a
great loss to this community. He is a man of strong convictions.
Never once can I recall you having asked me to vote for this or
vote for that'
Councilman Elstro state, "I think you have been the best Mayor Rich-
mond ever had. You had the guts to get the job done and I
want to thank you for your efforts."
Councilman Geier moved to suspend the rules and read Ordinance No. 2977-
1975 on first reading by title only, seconded by Councilman Marino and
on unanimous voice vote the motion was carried.
The Clerk read by title only on first reading Ordinance No. 2977-1975 -
AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($25,000.00)
FROM THE FEDERAL REVENUE SHARING TRUST FUND, FOR CERTAIN ORDINARY AND
NECESSARY MAINTENANCE AND OPERATING EXPENDITURES AND FOR CERTAIN
ORDINARY AND NECESSARY CAPITAL EXPENDITURES AS AUTHORIZED BY THE LAWS
OF THE STATE OF INDIANA AND BY THE ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND,
INDIANA.
Elmer Toschlog, Transportation Director, explained the need for the
sweeper.
s
January 20, 1975
Page 4
The Clerk read on first reading Ordinance No. 2978-1975 -. AN ORDINANCE
TO TRANSFER WITHIN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT BUDGET THE SUM OF TEN THOUSAND,
EIGHT HUNDRED DOLLARS ($10,800.00) FROM "SERVICES PERSONAL" (1-11-111)
PAYROLLS TO "SERVICES CONTRACTUAL" (2-26-264) OTHER CONTRACTUAL SERVICES.
Donald Strahan, Safety Director, explained the reason for the transfer.
Councilman Geier moved for suspension of the rules and place Ordinance
No. 2978-1975 on second reading, seconded by Councilman Williams and on
unanimous voice vote the motion was carried.
The Clerk read on second reading Ordinance No. 2978-1975.
Councilman Marino moved for engrossment of Ordinance No. 2978-1975,
seconded by Councilman Mills and on unanimous voice vote the motion was
carried.
Councilman Geier moved for suspension of the rules and place Ordinance
No. 2978-1975 on third reading by title only, seconded by Councilman
Williams and on unanimous voice vote the motion was carried.
The Clerk read on third reading by title only Ordinance No. 2978-1975.
Ordinance No. 2978-1975 was placed on fi nal passage or rejection and on
a call of the roll the following was recorded: Ayes;. Brown, Cornett,
Elstro, Geier, Marino, Mills , Williams and Merchanthouse, Noes; None.
The vote being eight (8) to zero (0) in favor of passage of Ordinance
No. 2978-1975.
The Clerk read on second reading Ordinance No. 2942-1974 - AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 2325-1968 COMMONLY KNOWN AS THE ZONING ORDINANCE
OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND, INDIANA, ADOPTED JUNE 3, 1968.
The Clerk read a letter from the Department of City Planning stating
the Plan Commission voted seven (7) to zero (0) to recommend approval
of the rezoning.
Attorney George Reller appeared in favor of the Ordinance.
Councilman Geier moved for engrossment of Ordinance No.2942-1974, seconded
by Councilman Williams and on unanimous voice vote the motion was carried.
Councilman Geier moved for suspension of the rules and place Ordinance
No. 2942-1974 on third reading by title only, seconded by Councilman
Williams and on unanimous voice vote the motion was carried.
The Clerk read on third reading by title only Ordinance No. 2942-1974.
Ordinance No. 2942-1974 was placed on final passage or rejection and on
a call of the roll the following was recorded: Ayes ; Brown, Cornett,
Elstro, Geier, Marino, Mills , Williams and Merchanthouse, Noes; None.
The vote being eight (8) to zero (0) in favor of passage of Ordinance
No. 2942-1974.
The Clerk read on second reading Ordinance No. 2976-1975 - AN ORDINANCE
APPROPRIATING THE SUM OF SEVENTEEN THOUSAND DOLLARS ($17,000.00) FROM
THE CUMULATIVE STORM SEWER FUND FOR STORM SEWER, SOUTH 16TH STREET.
The Clerk presented proof of publication. City Attorney, Robert Burton
examined proof of publication and found it to be in order.
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January 20, 1975
Page 5
Councilman Marino moved for engrossment of Ordinance No. 2976-1975,
seconded by Councilman Mills and on unanimous voice vote the motion
was carried.
Councilman Marino moved for suspension of the rules and place Ordi-
nance No. 2976-1975 on third reading by title only, seconded by Coun-
cilman Mills and on unanimous voice vote the motion was carried.
The Clerk read on third reading by title only Ordinance No. 2976-1975.
Ordinance No. 2976-1975 was placed on final passage or rejection and
on a call of the roll the following was recorded: Ayes; Brown, Cornett,
Elstro, Geier, Marino, Mills, Williams and Merchanthouse. The vote
being eight (8) to zero (0) in favor of passage of Ordinance No. 2976-
1975.
Councilman Merchanthouse, President, called an executive meeting of
Council and elected officials for Monday, January 27, 1975 at 7:00 p.m.
in the Board of Works Room for the purpose of discussing the salary
ordinance for elected officials.
There being no further business on motion duly made, seconded and
passed, the meeting was adjourned.
Greg Merchanthouse
President
ATTEST: Margaret Mellen
City Clerk