HomeMy Public PortalAbout8/18/1994. GREENCASTLE COMMON COUNCIL
Regular Session
August 18, 1994
The Greencastle Common Council met in regular session on August 18, 1994 at 5:00 p.m. at
Tzouanakis Intermediate School. On call of the roll the following members were show to be present:
Councilor Tom Roach, Councilor Jerry Calbert, Councilor Sue Murray, Councilor Charles Miles, Councilor
Mike Rokicki. Also present were City Attorney John Zeiner, Joe Woody and Chris Barnes.
Public Petitions and Comments:
Mr. Don Moore was present to express a concern about traffic cutting through the private drive
behind the Citgo station on SR 231. If stated that a private drive sign may not alleviate the problem and
that he would like Council to consider making West Street a one way street.
Tami Parker, Director of Main Street Greencastle reported that the new lighting is being installed
around the square. She also requested assistance for improvements to the Moose parking lot which would
include gravel, grading, bumpers and additional lighting. She noted that Ivy Tech has offered to do the
lighting. The amount requested was $2,500.00 and would provide up to 70 parking spaces for Ivy Tech
students, downtown merchants and patrons. Councilor Rokicki asked that Ms. Parker speak with neighbors
concerning the additional lighting. He thanked Ms. Parker for her efforts on the prgject and the Moose
Lodge for allowing the space to be used during the day.
Approval of Minutes:
The minutes of July 12 Regular, July 21 Special, July 26 Special sessions were distributed to
Council. Councilor Murray moved to approve the minutes as presented. This motion was seconded by
Councilor Miles and was carried by an aye unanimous vote.
Department Reports:
Mayor Harmless introduced Christopher Barnes as the new City Engineer.
In additional to monthly statistical reports the following comments were made:
Concerning the street department, Councilor Rokicki asked that the Putnam County Fair Board be
contacted concerning the Fair Parade route and assistance with clean up. Mr. Wright reported the number
of man hours spent cleaning the streets and sidewalks after the parade. Councilor Roach asked if the
street department would be trimming the street tree branches that hang over sidewalks and streets. Mr.
Wright indicated that they would.
Concerning the police department, discussion ensued in regard to the striping of Indianapolis Road.
Jack Billman and Dick Taylor had comments about passing lanes and the congestion at Fifth Street. Chief
Hanlon indicated that he is working with the state on a turn lane design for the area. In response to a
question from Councilor Rokicki, Chief Hanlon noted that 24 of the 26 alarm responses for the period were
false alarms. He continued that the worst occurrence is during electrical storms.
Fire Chief O'Hair reported that truck #2 is being turned into a foam/hazardous material response
truck with monies from the Putnam County Hazardous Materials Fund.
In response to a question from Councilor Murray, Curt Cooley reported that the pool will maintain
the same hours after school starts for use by families with young children and DePauw students.
Bill Lawrence reported that building permits wilt be issued for new homes in Deerfield Estates, but
no hook ups will be allowed until all state permits are finalized. He also noted that the primary entrance
• and exit for the new)ail will be on Cemetery Road.
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Randy Robinson reported that there were 22 burials for the period and that the department is
currently working on landscaping in and around the cemetery.
In response to a question from Councilor Roach, Leon Phillips noted that the responsibility of the
homeowner begins at the shut off valve. Discussion ensued in regard to the proposed water plant. Jack
Billman, Dick Taylor and George Schneider had questions concerning the size, cost and rate increase
associated with the prQject. Mr. Phillips indicated that the proposed plant will have a 4.2 million capacity
with iron removal. He continued that plans have not been finalized and more information would be reported
at subsequent meetings.
Charlene Nichols explained the Rose Hulman Capstone Design internship program, noting that the
sewage department's target prS�ect would be mapping the sewage system.
Mr. Woody reported that he has been working on the water and sewer improvement projects.
Mr. Zeiner reported that the remonstrance filed in regard to the bond issue for the sewer
improvement projects was dismissed. He also noted that he had not yet met with Bob Lowe concerning
the County Cumulative Bridge Fund. Councilor Calbert requested that a deadline be set for resolution of
this issue, if not, then he would be willing to move to hire separate counsel to represent the City in regard
to the issue. Mr. Zeiner agreed to set ajoint meeting with the City Council and the County Commissioners.
Recommendations and Requests from Officers and Departments:
Ordinance 1994 -13, An Ordinance for Appropriations and Tax Rates, was presented and read by
• classification by Mayor Harmless. Discussion occurred during the reading as items listed in the proposed
budget were explained. Councilor Murray moved to approve Ordinance 1994 -13 as presented. This motion
was seconded by Councilor Roach and was carried by an aye unanimous vote. Mayor Harmless declared
Ordinance 1994 -13 to have been passed on first reading this date.
Mr. Woody explained the sewage improvement prq�ects including Foxridge Phase II, Foxridge /5th
Street Extension, Heartland Gravity Sewer, Lift Station Renovation and Wastewater Treatment Plant
Headworks. In response to a comment from Councilor Murray, Mr. Woody explained the interdependence
of the projects.
Dick Taylor asked about the new water transmission line. Mr. Woody explained that the engineers
are working on moving out the state right -of -way. Mr. Taylor also asked about sewer lines for the Edgelea
edition. Mr. Woody indicated that because of the typography the area would probably best be served by
small diameter pressure sewers that run to a force main.
Jack Billman asked about the financing of the bond issue for the sewer projects. Discussion
ensued concerning the first seven years debt service with no principal payments. In response to the
question of additional interest cost, Mr. Seever of HJ Umbaugh, noted that it could be approximately
$220,000. It was noted that the bond structure had not been finalized and the decision would come before
Council at the time of the passage of the rate ordinance. Discussion continued in regard to the Foxridge
Phase II prgject with the explanation that both the sewer extension and water extension are grant related
projects with time limits for completion.
George Schneider asked about sewage money being transferred to the general fund. The clerk -
treasurer noted that sewage revenues are kept separate from the general fund and that no transfers are
• made from either utility except for services rendered on behalf of the utilities.
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