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.
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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.
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• 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