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Home My Public Portal About11/12/1991GREENCASTLE COMMON COUNCIL O Regular Session November 12, 1991 The Greencastle Common Council met in regular session on Tuesday, November 12, 1991 at 7:30 p.m. in City Hall. On call of the roll the following members were shown to be present: Councilor Mike Rokicki, Councilor Sue Murray, Councilor Tim Conway, Councilor Bob Sedlack, Councilor Sheri Roach. Also present was city attorney Larry Wilson. Public Petitions and Comments: Mr. Dale Sims of M & R Auto Parts petitioned Council to change Liberty St. from Jackson to Indiana to two -way. He indicated that in working with Jim Wright the state had agreed to put a stop sign on Liberty at the corner of Liberty and Jackson St. and that only two parking spaces exist on the south side of that block, if that parking would have to be eliminated. Mr. Wright noted favor of the proposal to assist commercial traffic flow. Chief Hanlon indicated that theone -way stipulation isoften violated now. Ordinance 1991 -24, An Ordinance Amending Chapter 442 -30 or Greencastle City Code Schedule of One -Way Streets, was presented and read in its entirety by Mayor Harmless. Councilor Murray moved to approve Ordinance 1991 -24 as presented. This motion was seconded by Councilor Sedlack. During discussion Councilor Rokicki indicated a preference for further public input prior to a first reading vote. Mr. Sims noted that his intent was not to rush a decision, but to begin the petition process. Councilor Rokicki then offered a substitute motion to table first reading of Ordinance 1991 -24 until the next meeting. Councilor Sedlack, agreeing with the option to table for • further public input, seconded the substitute motion. The motion to table Ordinance 1991 -24 was carried by the following vote: AYES: Councilor Rokicki ABSTENTION: Councilor Roach Councilor Murray Councilor Sedlack Councilor Conway Also before Council came Velma and Eugene Barron of 1136 Avenue B seeking relief from a neighbor's violation of a city ordinance concerning a front hedge that causes a visual obstruction. Mr. Lawrence, Mr. Wright and Chief Hanlon noted that they had visited the property in question; that the hedge is planted in city right -of -way; and that the hedge does violate a city ordinance. Mr. Lawrence was asked to send the property owner a notice to trim the hedge to the ordinance compliance height of three feet within five days of receipt of notice. Mr. and Mrs. Randy Thomas of 1158 Avenue C indicated to Council that the construction on 10th Street included cutting a portion of their driveway, but that in the process the garage foundation had been disturbed, causing possible structural damage. Mr. Wright indicated that he would be at the site in the morning to make an assessment and recommendation. Mayor Harmless read a letter from the Merchants Association requesting street closings and no parking areas for the annual Christmas parade to occur on Monday, November 25 at 6:30 p.m. Concerns about the length of time for the street closings and • the no parking on Franklin from Indiana to Vine were discussed. It was the consensus of Council to allow the parade with Mr. Wright and Chief Hanlon to express those CC 11/12/91 Page 2 ® concerns to the Merchants Association and to negotiate the details. It was also the consensus of Council to allow the Canopy of Lights to be installed over the city streets involved. Department Reports In addition to the monthly statistical reports delivered by department supervisors the following comments were noted. Chief Hanlon indicated that renovation of the Police Department is progressing and that all but one of the new dispatchers has passed the IDACS NCIC school. Councilor Roach asked about the possibility of adding a flashing stop light at the intersection of Veterans Memorial Highway and Manhattan Road, noting that the curve just before the intersection obstructs long range notice of the stop sign. Chief Hanlon responded that it would be a city decision to install the light and further investigation can be undertaken. Councilor Murray expressed a concern about the intersection of First Street and Veterans Memorial Highway and children crossing before and after school. Since the stop light decision for that intersection is the state's Mr. Wilson suggested petitioning for a yellow school zone flasher when children are present. In response to a question from Councilor Murray, Mr. Wright indicated that he and Ron Smith are still working on the corner of Avenue D and First Street, but that the culvert would be removed and pipe would be installed. Mr. Ernie Phillips indicated that the cemetery department is 90% complete with leaf removal and winter maintenance has begun. Mr. Leon Phillips noted that the fire hydrant on Walnut Street had struck by a moving vehicle and he had ordered replacement parts. Mr. Charles Chandler publicly complimented Mr. Phillips and the water department for the prompt and courteous service. Mrs. Nichols noted that industrial survey sheets had been distributed to all the area industries in order to maintain a sewage disposal record. Mr. Lawrence noted that a single contractor has been reluctant to obtain a permit and Mayor Harmless suggested issuing a stop work order until the contractor complies. Mr. Lawrence also requested support on ordinance violation compliance. Mayor Harmless set a meeting for the next day to address the issue. Mr. Wilson reported that Elder Construction had delivered a performance bond for the swimming pool project and the work has resumed. He indicated that the I.U.R.C. hearing has been scheduled for November 18, 1991. He also noted that three parcels remain on the Greater Eastside Sewer Separation Project, that the Alexander easement had been settled, and that the Pool easement had been settled. He continued that the Council might in the future consider a Historic Preservation District for the downtown. Recommendations and Requests from Officers and Departments: Resolution 1991 -24, A Resolution of the Common Council of the City of ® Greencastle, Indiana, Authorizing the Submittal of an Application to the Indiana Housing Finance Authority (Opportunity Housing/ Greencastle Housing Task Force), CC 11/12/91 Page 3 40 was presented and read in its entirety by Mayor Harmless. Councilor Rokicki moved to approve Resolution 1991 -24 as presented. This motion was seconded by Councilor Roach. Discussion included the use of program income as the local match to which the clerk- treasurer responded that since program income could only be used on projects that meet the federal guidelines of CDBG grant monies, its use on this project was appropriate. Councilor Murray noted that it is important that before preapplications are submitted that Council be made aware of the needs and requests. Mr. Chandler also explained the qualifications and requirements for each of the programs to be funded by the grant. Councilor Sedlack noted that after approving many grant applications that tangentially benefit low income families, he was pleased to support a grant application that will directly benefit low income families. On call for question, the motion to approve Resolution 1991 -24 was carried by a unanimous vote. Mayor Harmless declared Resolution 1991 -24 to have been passed and adopted this date. �J Council Reports and Comments: Councilor Sedlack said congratulations to all sitting membersof city council who sought re- election. A tribute to the success of this administration. Good Luck and Godspeed in the next four years. With no further business, Councilor Murray moved for adjournment. This motion was seconded by Councilor Roach, was carried by an ayc unanimous vote, and the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. z //�' - Michael M. Harmless, Mayor TEST ' Jud th Berry, C er c- Treasur r