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HomeMy Public PortalAbout10/13/1992GREENCASTLE COMMON COUNCIL Regular Session October 13, 1992 The Greencastle Common Council met in regular session on Tuesday, October 13, 1992 at 7:30 p.m. at Tzouanakis Intermediate School. On call of the roll the following members were shown to be present: Councilor Tom Roach, Councilor Jerry Calbert, Councilor Sue Murray, Councilor Charles Miles, Councilor Mike Rokicki. Also present was city attorney Larry Wilson. Approval of Minutes: The minutes of September 8 regular session were distributed to Council. Councilor Murray moved to approve the minutes as distributed. This motion was seconded by Councilor Roach and was carried by an aye unanimous vote. Department Reports: In addition to monthly statistical reports, the following comments were presented. Charlene Nichols reported that the Sherwood Lift Station upgrade is complete except for the pump; the McClure Oil sewer extension is installed and ready for testing; the Foxridge Phase I project has been bid with award of contract scheduled for October 15. Don Monnett noted that the cemetery department is continuing grounds maintenance and will be participating in the county project regarding the new pipe under Cemetery Road ® to the extent of the cemetery property. Councilor Rokicki asked about the tree nursery. Mr. Monnett indicated that there is space available , however, a comprehensive plan has not yet been determined. Chief White reported that there are presently 7 volunteer firefighters with four more applications in house. Mr. Jim Wright noted that the tree committee is trying to maintain the Greencastle Tree Inventory and if anyone plants a tree on their property, they may call the street department or city hail to include it in the inventory. He also noted that he has visited Bloomington's tree nursery and feels it is best to develop a small pilot program. Mr. Stan Lambert noted that 1992 was the most vandalism free summer at the park. He also reported that the Greencastle Civic league is donating $3,000.00 toward the rebuilding of shelter #2. With the donation plus appropriated funds and donated labor, the shelter should be totally rebuilt by spring. Mr. Lambert also publicly thanked the Greencastle Middle School Community Service Class for their clean -up of forts. Councilor Rokicki also thanked the many volunteers who donated many hours at the park. Mr. Wilson reported that there are six easements to be acquired for the Foxridge Phase I project. Councilor Rokicki asked about the demolition of the house on Liberty Street. Mr. Wilson indicated that he is working with the home owner. Councilor Roach asked about the Weddell Logging issue. Mr. Wilson responded that no action has been filed. Mr. Wilson also noted that the mayor of South Bend is sending a sample open container ordinance. 9 CC 10/13/92 Page 2 . Recommendations and Requests from Officers and Departments: Resolution 1992 -17, A Resolution of the Common Council of the City of Greencastle, Indiana Proclaiming Support for Forming a Companion Community Relationship with Consolacion, Cuscatlan, El Salvador, was presented to Council and read in its entirety by Mayor Harmless. Councilor Rokicki moved to approve Resolution 1992 -17 as presented. This motion was seconded by Councilor Miles and was carried by an aye unanimous vote. Mrs. Teresa Batto was present to receive the resolution. Mayor Harmless declared Resolution 1992 -17 to have been passed and adopted this date. Resolution 1992 -18, A Resolution Approving Statement of Benefits, F.B. Distro, Inc., was presented to Council and read in its entirety by Mr. Wilson. Councilor Roach moved to approve Resolution 1992 -18 as presented. This motion was seconded by Councilor Murray. After discussion, the motion was carried by an aye unanimous vote. Mayor Harmless declared Resolution 1992 -18 to have been passed and adopted this date. Mr. Ron Bonar, Mr. Mike Hunter, Mr. Mike Slocum and Mr. Stacey Hoffman of Bonar & Associates, and Mr. John Seever of Umbaugh & Associates addressed the Council with a presentation of long term capital improvements for both the water department and the sewer department. Mr. Seever outlined the financial aspects of funding the proposed improvements. Also discussed was the possibility of opting out of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. Both studies were taken under advisement by the Council. Councilor Rokicki asked that the studies be made more public. Councilor Calbert asked if copies could be left at Putnam County Library for review by the public. • Councilor Roach took the opportunity to welcome Steve White a Greencastle Fire Department Chief and to thank Bob Elmore for his years of service to the department, especially those as Fire Chief. Councilor Roach also noted appreciation for the years of service given by Captain Bill O'Brien. The Fiscal Body Appeal Petition was presented to Council and read in its entirety by Mayor Harmless. Mayor Harmless explained that the city has experienced two consecutive years of shortfall due to certificates of error with the 1991 shortfall being $32,565.00. The clerk - treasurer noted that a shortfall levy appeal is for one year only and does not increase the levy beyond 1993. Council Reports and Comments: Councilor Murray reported that the county jail project committee narrowed to three sites: Keightly Road, the Herrold property, and the Sgt. Cunningham site. Further investigation is necessary with the Sgt. Cunningham site because of the sink holes, however, Councilor Murray asked about donating the Sgt. Cunningham site to the county for the project. Councilor Rokicki asked if the neighbors had been apprised of the possibility of the jail locating there and would be in favor if proper notification and public response is allowed. Councilor Roach added that the Sgt. Cunningham site would add law enforcement visibility to the east side, however, would like more discussion concerning the project itself. Mayor Harmless noted that all three sites would have to have a public hearing through the plan commission. • CC 10/13/92 Page 3 • Councilor Calbert noted that donating the property is the most appropriate since many of the same taxpayers would be paying for their own property. Councilor Calbert moved to donate the Sgt. Cunningham site to the county for the jail project. Councilor Murray seconded the motion. In further discussion, Councilor Rokicki indicated that he was not aware that the donation would come to a vote at this meeting and would like more public input. Councilor Murray noted that the county jail project committee is scheduled to meet again prior to the next Council meeting and would like some indication as to further investigation of the site. Councilor Calbert asked to amend his motion from the actual donation of the property to a willingness to donate, or the expression of intent to donate the property. On call for the question, the motion to express the intent to donate the Sgt. Cunningham site to the county for the jail project was carried with the following vote: AYES: Councilor Miles NAYS: Councilor Roach Councilor Calbert Councilor Rokicki Councilor Murray After discussion, Councilor Murray moved to allow Halloween "Trick -or- Treating" on Halloween, October 31st between the hours of 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. This motion was seconded by Councilor Miles and was carried by an aye unanimous vote. The Merchants Association request for closing the north side of the square that Saturday received consensus approval pending the agreement of the affected merchants. Councilor Calbert asked about the progress of the ADA audits.. Mayor Harmless • responded that the personnel draft has been received and the physical audit is expected next week. When asked about the street department garage, the Mayor noted that the city should be receiving the state's determination on the property soon. Brief discussion occurred concerning the Veteran's Memorial Highway crossing at First Street. It was noted that the schools will be sending a letter reminding parents that the area is not a sanctioned school crossing. Councilor Rokicki commended Mrs. Nichols and the sewage department for the awards given the wastewater treatment plant. Councilor Rokicki also congratulated Kelsey Kauffman and Gwen Morris for being recipients of the [ACT Larry A. Conrad Civic Service Award. Ms. Kauffman was recognized for her accomplishments as volunteer coordinator and organizer of the Greencastle Summer Enrichment Program. Ms. Morris received her honor for her efforts as volunteer coordinator of the city's curbside recycling program. Councilor Rokicki also commended Bob Elmore and Bill O'Brien for their years of service to the City of Greencastle. With no further business, Councilor Roach moved for adjournment. This motion was seconded by Councilor Rokicki, was carried by an aye u animous vote and the meeting was adjourned at 10:20 p.m. Michael M. Harmless, Mayor ST: ghtr�ryCk-Treas r r