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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. 5 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. 7 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