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HomeMy Public PortalAbout3/09/1999City of Greencastle City Hall 19 Four East Walnut Street Greencastle, Indiana 46135 Pamela S. Jones Clerk- Treasurer GREENCASTLE COMMON COUNCIL REGULAR SESSION TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 1999 7:00 P.M. PUTNAM COUNTY LIBRARY The Greencastle Common Council met in Regular Session Tuesday, March 9, 1999, 7:00 p.m. at the Putnam County Library. Mayor Michael called the meeting to Order. On the Roll Call, the following were found to be present: Councilor Roach, Councilor Hammer, Councilor Green, Councilor Baynard and Councilor Masten. Also present were: City Attorney Laurie Robertson and City Engineer Ron Smith. Public Petitions and Comments Marjorie Meek, 1019 Shadowlawn, stated speeders are a real problem in this area. Mrs. Meek stated cars go by her house at speeds between 60 -80 mph. She has talked to the police department and understands they arrested a lady for going 65 mph. Chief Hendrich stated they are working in this area and have issued several tickets. The worst times are before and after school. Chief Hendrich suggested Council might want to think about a reduction in the speed limit due to lack of visibility around the comers in this area. Councilor Masten stated this is like looking at Indianapolis Road saying, if we do this, this will happen. Some people are saying not to worry about the consequences - Deerfield is a good example of this. Lowering the speed limit only bumps the fine up a few dollars. Chief Hendrich stated no matter how many speeders are arrested, the problem still exists. Mayor Michael stated she has asked Engineer Smith what could be done. Mayor Michael stated they talked about speed bumps, stop signs and at one time talked about a boulevard. Speedbumps cannot be placed in the middle of the road, stop signs are erected at intersections and the boulevard is expensive. Engineer Smith stated we have talked about many solutions - striping, curving, a boulevard etc., to make speeders slow down, but we are talking about approximately $50,000.00 the City would have to spend because this road was not built right to begin with. We want some kind of passive control. Mrs. Meek asked if speedbumps are illegal? Engineer Smith stated they are not, but you don't want to create a more dangerous situation. Mrs. Meek asked if something is going to be done or should the residents in Deerfield form a homeowner's association and come before the Council for a solution? Councilor Roach stated he doesn't want to spend $50,000.00 to correct something that should have been done right in the first place. Engineer Smith stated he will talk with Acting Street Superintendent Miles to get some striping on the street to see if that will help. 141 Department Reports ® Chief O Hair stated inspections downtown have been completed with the exception of the Courthouse. The Department is now doing inspections on Jackson Street. Chief Hendrich stated a closure is forthcoming regarding burglaries through June of last year. Chief Hendrich reported two patrol officers have been selected and are going through the PERF process with hopes of them being on board by May. The new officers will then be involved in Field Training and the Law Enforcement Academy. Councilor Roach applauded the Police Department, stating he has heard positive comments regarding the "calling cards" left at businesses letting the business owners know the Police are checking their businesses throughout the night. Chief Hendrich stated he has received mixed emotions about the cards, but feels they are a good idea. Chief Hendrich reported the Homer the Owl program is also being resurrected. Councilor Baynard stated he has had several parents contact him about problems with the Basketball Program and asked if these problems have been resolved? Mayor Michael stated the problem was with wristbands and the wristbands have been eliminated for this year. Acting Street Superintendent Thomas Miles and Cemetery Superintendent Randy Robinson were absent due to plowing snow all night. Park Director Staton was absent to attend a seminar. Engineer Smith reported the 1999 CIP Projects, 10th Street Intersection improvements and ® Franklin Street Renovations, were advertised this week. We hope to begin construction by June 1. Councilor Roach asked about the Dick Brown Lot and the Southside lot behind Mama Nunz. Engineer Smith stated it is his understanding that work on the Dick Brown lot is to be negotiated with the County and he has looked at the Southside lot several times and thinks something can be worked out without a lot of expenditure. Engineer Smith stated he hopes to possibly have the Southside lot paved by the end of the season. Mayor Michael introduced Chris Grasshop a BONAR Scholar from DePauw who will be working in the Mayor's Office. City Attorney Laurie Robertson thanked everyone for their help and asked for patience through the transition period. City Attorney Robertson stated Attorney Selvia has been very helpful and organized throughout this transition. Councilor Baynard stated he had two corrections to the February 9, 1999, Regular Session, page 4, second full paragraph: fourth line should read: ..... Mr. Julian is a graduate of DePauw University, lived here and was also a renowned scientist....., and the ninth line in the same paragraph should read ..... a teacher to teach...... with those corrections a motion to approve minutes from January 20, 1999, Special Joint Session of the Common Council and Board of Works; February 9, 1999, Public Hearing; February 9, 1999, Regular Session; February 23, 1999, Special Session and February 23, 1999, Executive Session, made by Councilor Roach, seconded by Councilor Baynard. Vote was unanimous. Motion to approve claims made by Councilor Baynard, seconded by Councilor Green. Vote as follows: Councilor Roach, abstain; Councilor Hammer, yes; Councilor Green, yes, Councilor 19 Baynard, yes; Councilor Masten abstain. Joy Marley was present to update the Council on People Pathway projects stating they hope to have the Fillmore Link open in conjunction with Heritage Fest. We hope to have volunteers, etc. at the trailhead to thank for all their help and support and then head to the Fillmore link. Mrs. Marley stated People Pathway have applied for 2 DNR grants - and a Lilly Endowment Grant. The Lilly Endowment Grant was received, but we did have to narrow the scope of the project. DNR has encouraged to keep applying. We now need to prepare for our next step and we have found preparation has been a valuable asset Mrs. Marley stated. The Albin Pond Walkway has been needed for a long time. One of the DNR grants is a trail grant and they love to connect things. These grants require matching funds and we would like to partner with the City to build this walkway. This may be a good time to look at the City's capital project budget and maximize the dollars spent. The grant is an 80 -20 match with a $100,000.00 cap. The deadline is May 1. Preliminary Design work needs to be done and People Pathway would like to partner with the City on this aspect also. Engineer Smith has looked at the need at Houck Road as well as the cost. Maybe this is right thing and right time to do this project. The cost and scope of the project is ever changing. Engineer Smith stated we need to finish Franklin Street next year, but in looking at this project, next year (2000 construction year) may be the right year to do this. Councilor Masten discussed EDIT monies stating he and CT Jones have researched Resolutions regarding the City's commitment to the Putnam County Jail and we should have approximately $25,000.00 more in EDIT funds this year. Councilor Hammer asked what they need from Council - a verbal ® commitment that we will do what we can to help? Mrs. Marley stated they need more than just a verbal commitment and May I may be too ambitious. Councilor Roach asked if we could do a Resolution stating you have our blessing and consent, but not commit us to money at this time. Councilor Hammer stated he feels it is appropriate to say we are in support of project. City Attorney Robertson and Mrs. Marley are to get together to draft a Resolution. Engineer Smith stated the project was estimated at approximately $175,000.00. These estimates are from Preliminary Engineering done by former City Engineer Barnes. Councilor Roach stated we have some other areas where that kind of money can be spent. Councilor Hammer stated he won't quit arguing for this, the residents in this area still do not have City services. Councilor Roach asked for some firm numbers to look at. Councilor Hammer stated by utilizing the grant we can maximize our monies. Mrs. Marley stated this is a process of building on to what we have. Engineer Smith stated he can pull the preliminary engineering together to submit with grant for a minimal amount. When you do the RFP's is when you will commit $20,000.00 to an engineering firm and pretty much commit to the project. Ordinance 1999 -2, An Ordinance Establishing Section 8 -90 of the Greencastle City Code Regulating the Use of Bicycles and Skateboards Upon the City Street Designated Business District, second reading. Motion to approve made by Councilor Hammer, seconded by Councilor Green. Councilor Baynard questioned "impounding bicycles and skateboards ", asking if this would this be done immediately or if there would be incremental steps? Chief Hendrich stated the Ordinance gives us the authority to impound immediately, but it doesn't mean we have to. Councilor Hammer encouraged adding bicycle racks in the downtown area so people can park their bikes in the area. Vote to approve Ordinance 1999 -2 was unanimous. Chief Hendrich asked Council what type of signage they wanted to put regarding this Ordinance. Councilor Roach stated he doesn't want signs put up at all. No one will read them. If you catch someone warn them and if they get caught again do what you are authorized to do. Resolution 1999 -8, A Resolution Authorizing the Conveyance of Real Estate by the City of Greencastle to the Greencastle Community School Corporation, was read by Mayor Michael. Motion to approve made by Councilor Roach, seconded by Councilor Masten. Vote was unanimous. Laurie Robertson stated the School is passing an identical Resolution as required by Statute. Once that is done, they will be given the Quit Claim Deed and it is their responsibility to get the deed recorded. Resolution 1999 -9, A Resolution Authorizing Reappropriation of Insurance Monies, was read by Mayor Michael. Motion to approve made by Councilor Masten, seconded by Councilor Hammer. Vote was unanimous. Resolution 1999 -10, A Resolution Declaring An Economic Revitalization Area (F.B. Distro), was presented to Council. Councilor Hammer made the motion to read without the legal description, seconded by Councilor Roach. Vote was unanimous. Resolution 1999 -10 was read by Mayor Michael without the legal description. Motion to approve made by Councilor Hammer, seconded by Councilor Green. Vote was unanimous. The next item to be discussed was the Fast Cop Grant. It was reported the Police Department has applied for and received a grant for two officers in the amount of $150,000.00. The grant is a 75- ® 25 matching grant. Mayor Michael stated she talked to Charlie Pride at State Board of Accounts and we can add new positions to the Salary Ordinance. CT Jones presented a spreadsheet to Council stating the numbers are estimates and are based on 4% increases over the next 4 -5 years. Councilor Roach asked what the timeline is to accept or reject the grant. Chief Hendrich stated that by signing the documents for grant it is understood that we would process as soon as possible. Councilor Roach stated he would like to delay this discussion for the retreat with the Police Department. Early Warning Siren Survey and discussion. Kim Hyten and Russ Evans were present to discuss the City contributing $1000.00 (One Thousand Dollars) toward an annual maintenance contract for an Early Warning System, Kim Hyten stated he feels the amount for the Early Warning System can be raised through donations. All we are asking for, Mr. Hyten continued, is support on this issue and $1000.00 towards the annual maintenance contract. A donation has been secured from a person in the community for the setting of the poles. Council consensus is that a maintenance contract is not needed. Mayor Michael stated we need to know where the sirens are going to be placed. Councilor Roach stated he is less than willing to commit $1000.00 a year for who knows how long. I would be willing to look at the budget and put monies in our budget to help with maintaining sirens. Kim Hyten stated he would like to look at where the poles should be set so we can get those done. Mayor Michael stated Marty Catanese has submitted a letter resigning her position with the Redevelopment Commission due to personal and health reasons. Council needs to make a new appointment. Council reports were given. 1 -1 Motion to adjourn made by Councilor Roach, seconded by Councilor Masten. Vote was unanimous. 0 Pamela S. Jones, Nancy A. Mi • ael, Mayor 11