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HomeMy Public PortalAbout10/09/1990GREENCASTLE COMMON COUNCIL Regular Session • October 9, 1990 The Greencastle Common Council met in regular session on Tuesday, October 9, 1990 at 7:30 p.m. in City Hall. On call of the roll the following members were shown to be present: Councilor Sheri Roach, Councilor Tim Conway, Councilor Sue Murray, Councilor Bob Sedlack, Councilor Mike Rokicki. City Attorney Larry Wilson was also present. Public Petitions and Comments: Mr. Tom Roach, Commander of V.F.W. 1550, presented a petition of over one thousand signatures from Greencastle and surrounding communities supporting the request to name the Southern Highway Veterans Memorial Highway. Mr. Frances P. O'Brien, American Legion was also present to support the request. Councilor Roach commented that several requests had been received, but naming it Veterans Memorial would honor the largest group. Councilor Murray asked who had jurisdiction over the highway. Mr. Roach noted that he had spoken to INDOT who indicated the need for a resolution from the local governing body. Mr. Wilson stated that at completion of the highway a preamble could be added to the ordinance. Councilor Rokicki noted that both the V.F.W. and the American Legion have continuously worked for the betterment of the community. Robert Moore was present to inquire about sewer extension in the Foxridge area. Mayor Harmless indicated that it is still scheduled for 1992. Councilor Sedlack asked if Keightly Road would be paved. Mayor Harmless responded that McClure Oil is to pave a portion after the new sewer line is installed and the city would pave the remainder. • Councilor Roach asked about the areas inside the city that are not presently connected to the sewer system. Mr. Wilson indicated that there are approximately fifteen such areas and the Sewage Department will be getting engineering estimates concerning each of the areas. Department Reports: Mr. Don Monnett reported that the Cemetery Department is still working on storm debris removal, and that the Buckles property was recently purchased. Mrs. Nichols delivered the monthly report which included an average flow of 1.1 MGD, eight sewer calls, 700 feet of line cleaned, and three storm sewers cleaned. She continued that the reeds are eight to ten feet tall and the beds are being loaded every two weeks. Sigmatron came in to check the progress of the reeds. She also noted that the EPA was here for inspection and was very interested in the reed program. Mr. Leon Phillips reported that the Water Department installed ten new services, reran five services, installed one new hydrant, replaced one road box, installed 480 feet of new six inch line, handled 220 work orders, located several lines, picked up limbs, repaired and tested 250 meters. He noted that 47,771,000 gallons were pumped in September. In the Park Department, Stan Lambert: reported that clean -up from the storm is nearly complete and the fall project will be installing safety surfaces in the blue playground area. Councilor Roach asked about winter programs. Mr Lambert noted that gymnastics would begin in November and possibly volleyball at a later date. Mayor Harmless announced the Park Board meeting on is October 10 at 7:00 p.m. in City Hall. cc 10/09/90 Page 2 Department Reports continued: ® The Police Department report, presented by Chief Hanlon, included 424 complaints for the period, with 58 arrests. He noted that the Federal Government would be contacting the city concerning the visit of Vice President Dan Quayle on Friday, October 26, 1990. Chief Hanlon also reported that Officers Rumley and Eastham are now certified scuba divers and that Ms. Kimberly Sheldon is the new Parking Violations Officer. Chief Hanlon requested the decision of Council concerning the observance of Halloween. Councilor Roach moved to have the observance of Halloween on October 31st from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. This motion was seconded by Councilor Murray and was carried by an aye unanimous vote. Chief Hanlon also brought to the Council the request for permission to hold the DePauw Triathalon on Saturday, October 27th at 9:00 a.m. After some discussion, it was the consensus of Council to allow the event only if all the safety requirements deemed necessary by the Chief and the Street Commissioner are met. Mr. Wright delivered a statistical report which included the purchase of 125 tons of stone, 16 tons of hot mix, 31 trees removed, 49 trees topped, and the installation of six stop signs. Mr. Wright also distributed an up -to -date report on storm related costs. He indicated that Tuesday, October 16 would be the last day for brush pick -up. Mr. Wright listed the streets scheduled to be paved: Cassada Drive, Anderson, Primrose, Dogwood, Simpson. In response to Councilor Murray's request, he noted that "Children at Play" signs were delivered and would be installed. Councilor Sedlack asked about the Street Department garage project. Mr. Wright stated that he had spoken to Bill Sibbett who indicated that the state should vacate the facility by June or July of 1991. Councilor Sedlack requested that either the Mayor or Attorney ® obtained an official update as to the cost and availability of the property. Building Commissioner Bill Lawrence reported that a decision is imminent concerning the Presbyterian church. Demolition is tentatively scheduled to begin on November 1st. Mr. Lawrence also requested that Council consider an ordinance requiring standards for house numbering such as minimum size, contrasting color, and conspicuous placement. Mr. Lawrence continued that such requirements would assist public health and safety agencies in the location of households in emergencies. Mr. Wilson reported no notice of claims for the period, Dean V. Newby scheduled for trial on November 5th, and the completion of acquisition for the Fillmore Road Sewer Extension project. Councilor Conway requested an explanation of the zero balance in the Sewage Surplus investment fund on the August treasurer's report. The clerk- treasurer indicated that the Certificates of Deposit had matured and, at August month end, were in the interest bearing checking account. She continued that re- investment of the funds would.be shown in the September treasurer's report. Approval of Minutes: The minutes of August 14 regular session, August 21 special session, August 30 special session, September 11 regular session, and September 25 special session were distributed to Council. Councilor Sedlack requested that a paragraph be added to the minutes of September 25 indicating the update of storm clean -up reported by Mr. Wright. Other typographical errors were corrected and Councilor Sedlack moved to approve all the above minutes with e the addition and corrections. This motion was seconded by Councilor Murray and was carried by an aye unanimous vote. cc 10/09/90 Page 3 • Recommendations and Requests from Officers and Departments: The discussion of Ordinance 1990 -22 began with the Mayor noting that DePauw University had agreed to participate in the construction of an asphalt sidewalk on the east side of Central Street in addition to putting in the sidewalk on the west side behind the Media Center. Mr. Wright indicated that curbing and concrete sidewalk would better serve the area and requested a joint project with the city portion coming out of the curb appropriation. Mr Paul Luken, Principal of Ridpath Elementary, commented that the sidewalk and curb would assist in providing drop -off and pick -up areas for the children. Mayor Harmless suggested making the improvements first before changing Central Street to one way north. He noted that some residents were concerned about the change. Councilor Sedlack indicated that he had spoken to two of the residents that were not opposed to chang.Ing Central Street to one way. Councilor Rokicki asked if the street was clean enough to be opened. Mr. Wright stated in his estimation, it was not. Councilor Sedlack moved to keep Central Street closed until the November meeting to allow time for further clean -up, to again speak with the residents along Locust Street, and to contact the residents between Hanna and Elm. This motion was seconded by Councilor Rokicki and was carried by an aye unanimous vote. Councilor Murray moved to table Ordinance 1990 -22 until the meeting of November 13th. This motion was seconded by Councilor Sedlack and was carried by an aye unanimous vote. Councilor Sedlack asked that item one (1) in the ordinance be stricken as it is included in the other items. Presented to Council by Chris Newton, Center for Contemporary • Media, was a proposal to purchase the Commodore Amiga 2000 with 2mB RAM expansion, Super Genlock, RGB color monitor, and Pro Video Gold software to replace the defunct message board on Channel 19. He noted that the cost would be $4,185.00 (plus $365.00 for the monitor for a total of $4,550.00) . Mr. Newton explained the capabilities of the computer. It was the consensus of Council to use the Five Thousand Dollar ($5,000.00) appropriation dedicated to the cable access channel for the purchase, noting that although it would be housed outside City Hall, the city would retain ownership of the computer. Council Reports and Comments: Councilor Roach, in her Clean City Committee report, asked that all city departments recycle. Councilor Rokicki asked how the huge tree roots would be removed. Mr. Wright responded that Lone Star had offered to remove the nine remaining stumps with their equipment, and then the city would get estimates on repairing the damaged curbs and sidewalks. With no further business, Councilor Sedlack moved for adjournment. This motion was seconded by Councilor Murray, was carried by an aye unanimous vote, and the meeting was adjourned at 10:00 p.m. Michael M. Harmless, Mayor ATTEST: C_ w � J d'th Berry, Clerk -Tr surer