COMMON COUNCIL
JUNE 6, 2011 7:00 P.M.
THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE WAS GIVEN BY EVERYONE IN ATTENDANCE.
PRAYER WAS GIVEN BY DAN DENNY...
MAYOR SMALL OPENED THE MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL.
ROLL CALL:
SANDY YORK PRESENT
ANGIE GOODMAN PRESENT
JAMES KIDD PRESENT
MARY MALONE PRESENT
MARK KOGER PRESENT
VAUGHN REID PRESENT
RICHARD HAHN ABSENT
MINUTES WERE APPROVED AS PRESENTED.
RESOLUTION:
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF IVY TECH WAS READ IN FULL BY SANDY YORK. PRESIDENT YORK YIELDS THE FLOOR TO HER FELLOW COUNCIL MEMBERS FOR DISCUSSION.
COUNCILMAN REID ASKED IF WE KNOW AT THIS POINT IF THERE IS ANY INTEREST FROM ANY OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR OR MAYBE THE FOUNDATION. HE SAID FROM WHAT HE UNDERSTANDS AND THE INFORMATION HE HAS GATHERED, IT HAS TO BE A RENT FREE AND READY TO GO BUILDING BEFORE THEY WILL BE INTERESTED.
PRESIDENT YORK SAID THAT WAS HER UNDERSTANDING TOO.
COUNCILMAN KOGER SAID THAT THEY EXPECT FOR A BUILDING TO BE GIVEN TO THEM.
PRESIDENT YORK SAID SHE HAD SPOKEN TO THE DIRECTOR OF THE FOUNDATION BUT HAD NOT RECEIVED ANY DIRECTION ON WHICH WAY THEY MIGHT GO AT THIS TIME. THE REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MADE THEIR MOTION IN SUPPORT LAST WEEK. SHE WAS NOT SURE WHAT THE HENRY COUNTY COMMISSION WAS DOING. THE RENT PROPOSED TO IVY TECH WAS $149,000.00. THERE ISN'T ANYONE IN THIS ROOM THAT WOULD NOT SUPPORT IVY TECH. NEW CASTLE HAS SUPPORTED THEM WITH BUILDINGS AND SCHOOL SHE SAID SHE HAD NO PROBLEM PASSING A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING IVY TECH BUT HAD TO LOOK AT THE DOLLAR AMOUNT. THE CITY DOESN'T HAVE THE MONEY.
ATTORNEY COPENHAVER SAID IF THE COUNCIL PASSES THIS, IT SAYS THEY WILL ENCOURAGE THE PUBLIC SECTOR TO FIND THAT MONEY. PRIVATE SECTOR OR DONATIONS OR WHATEVER. THE COUNCIL IS NOT COMMITTING TO SPEND THAT MONEY. IT JUST SAYS YOU SUPPORT THE EDUCATION EFFORT.
COUNCILMAN REID SAID HE WAS CAUGHT OFF GUARD AS WERE OTHERS ABOUT THE THOUGHT THAT IVY TECH PAID FOR ITS FACILITIES THAT ARE UTILIZED. THEY WERE NOT ALL PROVIDED FOR FREE OF CHARGE. IF WE VOTE ON THIS AND PASS IT, IT MIGHT BE GOOD SINCE WE MIGHT BE PREPARED THE NEXT TIME AROUND FOR DISCUSSION AND EXPLORE OPTIONS.
CAROL GOODWIN GAVE A BACKGROUND HISTORY OF IVY TECH AND NEW CASTLE.
PRESIDENT YORK MOVED TO PASS THIS RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF IVY TECH.
COUNCIL LADY GOODMAN: SECOND
ROLL CALL VOTE: SIX VOTES AYE. PASSED AND ORDERED.
ORDINANCE # 3621
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FEE SCHEDULE FOR THE AQUATIC CENTER AT BAKER PARK (AMENDING ORDINANCE #3537) WAS READ IN FULL BY SANDY YORK.
PRESIDENT YORK READ THE FEES LISTED. 18 YRS. AND OLDER, $4.00. CHILDREN AGES 3 TO 17, $2.00 AND CHILDREN 2 AND UNDER, FREE. SEASON PASS, INDIVIDUAL, $65.00, FAMILY $100.00. SPECIAL OFFERS, THE 10 PUNCH KEY TAG IS $20.00, EACH PUNCH REPRESENTS A SINGLE DAILY ADMITTANCE BY AN INDIVIDUAL AT THE AQUATIC CENTER. THE KEY TAG MAY BE USED BY MULTI-PATRONS. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE AND ALL CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 12 MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT. SHE HAD A COPY OF THE MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION AND THE SCHOLARSHIP, 50% REDUCTION. SHE SAID IT WAS ON THE FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS AS LONG AS THE MONEY IS AVAILABLE. SHE ALSO HAD THE 2011 FEDERAL GUIDELINES OF POVERTY. THIS IS WHAT THE SCHOLARSHIP IS BASED UPON.
COUNCIL LADY GOODMAN SAID SHE WANTED TO MAKE SURE SHE UNDERSTOOD WHERE THE INCREASES ARE.
PRESIDENT YORK SAID THE ONLY INCREASE WAS THE ADULT CHARGE, $3.00 TO $4.00, CHILDREN WOULD STAY THE SAME AND THEN THE INCREASE IN THE SCHOLARSHIP WOULD GO FROM $40.00 TO $50.00.
COUNCILMAN REID SAID IT WOULD BE $32.50 FOR A REDUCED SINGLE AND $50.00 FOR A REDUCED FAMILY.
COUNCILMAN KIDD SAID HE DISAGREED WITH PART OF THIS. HE SAID HE WANTED TO SEE THE FAMILY MEMBERSHIP UNDER THE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM, STAY AT $40.00.
COUNCILMAN REID SAID HE WAS LOOKING AT THE APPLICATION PROCESS FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP AND THE REQUIREMENTS THAT ARE LISTED THERE ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE ORDINANCE. IT HAS A WIDER VARIETY AVAILABLE SOURCES OF BEING ELIGIBLE. HE WANTED TO SEE THE WORDING CHANGED. IT IS NOT AN ORDINANCE ISSUE, IT IS AN ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUE.
COUNCILMAN KIDD ASKED HOW THIS WORKS. IF SOMEONE COMES IN, AND ASKS FOR THE REDUCED FEE, WHAT HAPPENS?
PRESIDENT YORK SAID THEY HAVE TO HAVE PROOF THEY ARE RECEIVING ASSISTANCE.
COUNCILMAN REID SAID LETS SAY YOU COME IN AND APPLY. YOU HAVE A LETTER FROM ICAP STATING YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR WEATHERIZATION, ENERGY ASSISTANCE THAT HAS TO BE A RECENT LETTER FROM THEM, THE LAST 60 DAYS. YOU MUST BE RECENTLY QUALIFIED.
COUNCILMAN KIDD SAID HE WOULD BE WILLING TO TAKE THE GENERAL ADMITTANCE UP A DOLLAR OR FIFTY CENTS IF IT KEPT THE SCHOLARSHIP THE SAME. HE SAID HE RECOMMENDED $5.00 FOR ADULTS.
MAYOR SMALL SAID GOING FROM $3.00 LAST YEAR TO $4.00 THIS YEAR WOULD BRING IN AN EXTRA NINE THOUSAND DOLLARS ESTIMATED. IF YOU WENT TO $5.00, OBVIOUSLY IT WOULD BE EIGHTEEN THOUSAND.
PRESIDENT YORK ASKED COUNCILMAN KIDD IF HE WAS OFFERING AN AMENDMENT?
COUNCILMAN KIDD SAID HE WAS.
COUNCILMAN KOGER SAID HE AGREED WITH COUNCILMAN KIDD. HE SAID LET'S KEEP IT AT THE $4.00 THIS YEAR. IT IS ONLY OPEN FOR 63 DAYS, MAX. LEAVE IT AT $4.00 AS THE PARK BOARD RECOMMENDED,.
PRESIDENT YORK STATED THAT THE SCHOLARSHIP WAS TO STAY AT $40.00.
COUNCILMAN REID ASKED COUNCILMAN KIDD, WITH THE AMENDMENT YOU ARE VISIONING, WITH WHAT THE CHANGE THE PARK BOARD RECOMMENDED, INDIVIDUAL SEASON PASS WOULD BE $32.50 AND A FAMILY WOULD BE $50.00. THIS WOULD BE A FLAT $40.00, INDIVIDUAL OR FAMILY FOR A REDUCED PASS. THIS GIVES A FAIMLY A LITTLE MORE BREAK AND HELP WITH THE REVENUE DIFFERENCE. AM I UNDERSTANDING THAT CORRECTLY?
COUNCILMAN KIDD SAID YES.
COUNCILMAN REID SAID WHAT IF A FAMILY WANTS TO GO TO THE PARK FOR A DAY AND GOES TO THE POOL. THERE ARE 2 ADULTS AND KIDS%u2026%u2026%u2026.IF THEY ARE OVER 3, THAT COULD BE $14.00 FOR THE FIVE OF THEM. CAN MULTIPLE PEOPLE USE THE PUNCH CARD? THE ANSWER WAS YES.
COUNCILMAN KIDD SAID HE WANTED TO SEE $40.00 AND INCREASE THE INDIVIDUAL FEES. THAT WOULD BE MORE THAN ENOUGH TO MAKE UP THE DIFFERENCE.
POOL MANAGER ROGERS SAID THAT SHE HAS CONTACTED MANY POOLS WITHIN THE SURROUNDING AREAS AND THEY ALL CHARGE MUCH MORE.
COUNCILMAN KOGER SAID THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE GAVE A LOT OF MONEY TO THAT ORGANIZATION WITH THE FACT THAT THERE WAS GOING TO BE REDUCED FEES. WHEN THE DONATIONS CAME IN, THEY WERE PUBLIC FUNDS. WE ARE TRYING TO UPHOLD THAT END OF THE CITIZENS' CONTRIBUTIONS THAT THEY GAVE WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT NO CHILD WOULD BE TURNED AWAY. THE PARK BOARD GAVE A LOT OF TIME ON THIS, BUT WHEN WE LOOK AT THE BUDGET OF SOME OF THE PEOPLE THAT ARE HIRED AT THE PARK RIGHT NOW, 63 DAYS FOR A MANAGER IS A LOT OF MONEY. THAT IS $24.00 AN HOUR. WHEN WE LOOK AT IT ON PAPER THAT IS WHAT WE SEE.
MANAGER ROGERS TOLD HOW SHE HAS BEEN WORKING AND GETTING EVERYTHING READY TO OPEN.
COUNCILMAN KIDD SAID WHEN THEY HAD DISCUSSED THIS BEFORE; WE ALL AGREED THAT EVERYBODY IN THE CITY COULD GO TO THE POOL REGARDLESS OF THEIR INCOME. IF WE DO NOT HAVE THAT PROGRAM, THEN THAT IS GOING TO LEAVE A LOT OF PEOPLE OUT WITH THE ECONOMY THE WAY IT IS.
COUNCILMAN REID SAID THERE WAS A POOL MANAGER ON THE SALARY SCHEDULE @ $350.00 PER WEEK. NO ONE HAS EVER DRAWN THAT. THE ASSISTANT PARK SUPERINTENDENT IS $600.00 PER WEEK.
DEPUTY CLERK YORK STATED THAT MANGER ROGERS IS ON A HOURLY SALARY WHILE SHE IS GETTING THE POOL READY TO OPEN. THEN HOURLY AGAIN WHEN IT IS TIME TO CLOSE FOR THE WINTER. SALARY DURING THE SWIMMING SEASON.
COUNCILMAN KOGER SAID HE WOULD AGREE WITH THE PARK BOARD HAS RECOMMENDED. HE SAID NOT TO TAKE HIM WRONG BUT WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT WHAT JIMMY IS TALKING ABOUT AND DROP EVERYTHING ELSE. JUST THE $40.00.
DEPUTY CLERK YORK BROUGHT UP THE SUBJECT ABOUT THE MUNCIE POOLS NOT OPENING AND PEOPLE WERE COMING TO OUR OFFICE TO GET A SCHOLARSHIP. SHE SAID SHE WANTED TO SEE THAT SCHOLARSHIPS RESTRICTED TO CITY RESIDENTS.
COUNCIL MEMBERS AGREED. COUNCILMAN REID SAID THEY SHOULD NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR ANY REDUCED FEES BUT IS IT REASONABLE TO CHARGE AN ADDITIONAL AMOUNT FOR PEOPLE WHO DO NOT LIVE HERE AND WHOSE TAX DOLLARS AREN'T SUBSIDIZING THE OPERATION OF THE POOL. HE SAID HE THOUGHT IT WAS.
PRESIDENT YORK SAID SHE SUGGESTED THAT ON THE FEE SCHEDULE MAKE AN AMENDMENT THAT THE SCHOLARSHIP IS OFFERED TO THE CITIZENS OF NEW CASTLE. WE, AS A BODY, CAN CONTROL. WE CAN ONLY CONTROL NEW CASTLE. WE CAN'T CONTROL THE COUNTY.
ATTORNEY COPENHAVER SAID THE SCHOLARSHIP IS REDUCED FEES. SCHOLARSHIP IS PRIVATE MONEY DONATED. IF THE PRIVATE DONOR WANTS TO DONATE TO PEOPLE OUTSIDE THE CITY THAT IS THEIR BUSINESS. WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL IS REDUCED FEES. PEOPLE, WHO LIVE OUTSIDE THE CIY LIMITS, DO NOT CONTRIBUTE TO THE TAX BASE, WHICH SUBSIDIZES THE POOL THEN THEY SHOULD NOT GET THE BENEFIT OF REDUCED FEE. IT WILL BE HARD TO PROVE IF A PERSON LIVES WITHIN THE CITY OR NOT. BUT IT WOULD NOT BE WHEN THEY APPLY FOR THE REDUCED FEES. THEY HAVE TO SHOW PLACE OF RESIDENCY. HE SAID IT WOULD BE REASONABLE, LOGICAL AND ENFORCEABLE TO SAY THE REDUCED FEE WILL ONLY BE FOR THE RESIDENTS OF THE CITY OF NEW CASTLE BECAUSE THEIR TAX DOLLARS GO TO HELP SUPPORT THE POOL.
COUNCILMAN REID ASKED IF A PERSON WANTS TO GET A SEASON PASS, THEY FILL OUT AN APPLICATION. IF AN ADULT COMES IN, DO THEY SHOW ANY IDENTIFICATION OR ANYTHING? THE ANSWER WAS YES. THEN IT WOULD BE FEASIBLE NOT TO MAKE SEASON PASSES AVAILABLE TO PEOPLE WHO LIVE OUT THE CITY LIMITS OR CHARGE A SURCHARGE OF 25 TO 30 DOLLARS.
PRESIDENT YORK ASKED TO GET THE AMENDMENTS TIED IN TOGETHER. WE WILL LEAVE THE ADULT FEES AT $4.00. THE AMENDMENT TO THE SCHOLARSHIP IT WOULD STAY AT $40.00 RATE. ELIMINATE THE QUARTER AND HALF MEMBERSHIP FEE. RAISE THE ADULT TO $4.00 PER RECOMMENDATION OF THE PARK BOARD.
COUNCILMAN KIDD MADE THE MOTION TO LEAVE THE SCHOLARSHIP AT THE $40.00.
COUNCILMAN REID: SECOND:
ROLL CALL VOTE: SIX VOTES AYE. AMENDED.
ATTORNEY COPENHAVER SAID THE COUNCIL SHOULD LIMIT THE REDUCED FEE TO THE CITY OF NEW CASTLE.
COUNCILMAN REID ADDED THAT A FEE FOR PEOPLE WHO LIVE OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS OF NEW CASTLE BECAUSE THEIR TAX DOLLARS DO NOT SUBSIDIZE THE POOL.
ATTORNEY COPENHAVER SAID THE FEE WOULD BE $100.00 FOR A SEASON PASS WOULD GO TO %u2026%u2026%u2026%u2026%u2026%u2026%u2026%u2026%u2026%u2026.
COUNCILMAN REID SAID HE WANTED TO GIVE THE AMENDMENT AND THEN TALK ABOUT IT AND SEE WHAT EVERYBODY THINKS.
COUNCILMAN REID SAID THE FIRST PART OF THIS AMENDMENT IS TO MAKE REDUCED FEES APPLICATIONS NOT AVAILABLE TO ANYONE LIVING OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS OF NEW CASTLE.
DEPUTY CLERK YORK SAID THERE WOULD HAVE TO BE SOMETHING ESTABLISHED TO PROVE THEY LIVED WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF NEW CASTLE. THERE WILL HAVE TO BE A 24 HOUR WAITING PERIOD TO CHECK ON THE APPLICATION AND WHERE THEY LIVE.
ATTORNEY COPENHAVER SAID THE AMENDMENT SHOULD BE LIKE THIS. THE COST FOR OUTSIDE RESIDENTS OF NEW CASTLE, THE COST IS $125.00. WITHIN THE CITY, $100.00 BECAUSE OF PAYMENTS GOING TO THE POOL. YOU ARE NOT CHARGING A SURCHARGE, YOU ARE GIVING THE RESIDENTS OF THE CITY A REDUCTION BECAUSE THEIR TAX LEVY GOES%u2026%u2026%u2026%u2026%u2026%u2026%u2026.
COUNCILMAN REID SAID THAT BEFORE HE WENT WITH A FEE, HE ASKED WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A REASONABLE FEE FOR OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMIT RESIDENTS ON A SEASON PASS. THEY AGREED A SINGLE SHOULD BE $75.00 AND A FAMILY $125.00.
ATTORNEY COPENHAVER STATED HE WAS GOING OUT OF BEING THE ATTORNEY FOR A MINUTE. HE SAID HE HAD 2 DAUGHTERS AND THEY BUY FAMILY PASSES FOR EACH YEAR. BOTH HUSBANDS HAVE GOOD JOBS AND THEY LIVE WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF NEW CASTLE. HE SAID HIS FAMILIES ARE PAYING MUCH MORE TO USE THAT POOL THAN IF THEY LIVED A MILE OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS. PLUS THEY DONATED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE POOL. HE SAID WHY IS THAT FAIR? HE SAID THAT IS WHY HE THOUGHT IT WAS REASONABLE TO SAY IF PEOPLE LIVE WITHIN THE CITY, THEY ARE PAYING CITY PROPERTY TAXES. THAT MAKES UP A PORTION OF THE POOL BUDGET EVERY YEAR. WE ARE NOT TALKING ABOUT THE POOL WHO QUALIFIES FOR REDUCED RATES AND LIVE IN THE CITY. WE ARE TALKING ABOUT THE PEOPLE WHO DON'T. THOSE PEOPLE SHOULD PAY MORE, FOR THE SAME SERVICE, WHEN THEY PROBABLY HELPED DONATE FOR THE POOL FOR SOMEBODY THAT DOES NOT PAY TAXES WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS. BY CHARGING MORE TO THOSE WHO DON'T PAY TAXES, TO HELP SUPPORT THE POOL MAKES ABUNDANT SENSE.
COUNCILMAN REID SAID THIS WAS THE SECOND PART OF THE AMENDMENT.
COUNCILMAN REID MADE THE MOTION THAT INDIVIDUALS WHO WISH TO PURCHASE A SEASON PASS, LIVES OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS OF NEW CASTLE, ARE ELIGIBLE FOR $75.00, THIS BEING HIGHER BECAUSE THEY DON'T PAY CITY TAX TO HELP OPERATE THE POOL. A FAMILY PASS WILL BE $125.00 FOR A FAMILY LIVING OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS. THE REDUCED FEE WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE TO ANY ONE LIVING OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS.
MANAGER ROGERS SAID MOST OF THE POOLS WITHIN OUR AREA IS MUCH HIGHER. IN NOBLESVILLE, FOR A FAMILY OF 3 OR 4, IT IS $235.00, FOR 5 IT IS $250.00, 6 AND UP IT IS $285.00. $125.00 FOR A SINGLE. IN CONNERSVILLE, IT IS 3 MEMBERS AT $100.00 AND $15.00 FOR EACH ADDITIONAL FAMILY MEMBER.
COUNCIL LADY GOODMAN: SECOND
ROLL CALL VOTE: SIX VOTES AYE. AMENDMENT.
PRESIDENT YORK MOVED TO PASS ORDINANCE # 3621 AS AMENDED ON FIRST READING. COUNCILMAN REID: SECOND
ROLL CALL VOTE: SIX VOTES AYE PASSED AND ORDERED.
MARY LOGAN ASKED HOW MANY DISCOUNT PASSES WERE LAST YEAR.
MANAGER ROGERS SAID 49. MS. LOGAN ASKED HOW MANY FAMILY POOL PASSES LAST YEAR?
MANAGER ROGERS SAID 109.
MS. LOGAN SAID THEN YOU ARE LEAVING THE DISCOUNTED PASSES AT $40.00. SHE SAID THE MAYOR SAID WE SPENT $25,000 MORE IN 2009 AND $5,000 MORE IN 2010. IN ALL THIS DISCUSSION, SHE HAD FRIENDS IN MT. SUMMIT AND MOORELAND WHO WANT TO COME TO OUR POOL. SHE AGREED WITH THE DISCOUNTED PASSES BUT DIDN'T AGREE WITH OTHERS IN THE COUNTY PAYING MORE. WHEN THE POOL IS SELF-SUFFICIENT, WILL OUR TAX DOLLARS QUIT SUPPORTING IT? SHE FELT THAT EVERYBODY IN THE COUNTY SHOULD BE TREATED EQUALLY. WE SHOULD NOT EXCLUDE PEOPLE IN OUR COUNTY FOR COMING TO A COMMUNITY POOL. SHE WANTED THE ORDINANCE REVISITED.
COUNCILMAN KOGER SAID HE TOTALLY AGREED WITH WHAT MARY SAID. ABOUT COUNTY RESIDENTS BUT THOUGHT THEY SHOULD GIVE THESE AMENDMENTS A TRY TO SEE HOW IT GOES AND MAYBE WE CAN REVISIT THAT NEXT YEAR.
DEPUTY CLERK YORK SAID THAT WHAT WAS BASED ON THE DAILY DEPOSITS, AND WHAT THE POOL COST TO RUN, THOSE ARE THE FIGURES THAT WE CAME UP WITH IN THE GENERAL FUND. BECAUSE THE UTILITIES WERE PAID OUT OF THE PARK FUND, WE COULD NOT DIFFERENTIATE SOME OF THOSE UTILITIES, SOME OF THOSE SUPPLIES, THINGS LIKE THAT. THOSE ARE ROUGH FIGURES. WE WERE TRYING TO BE VERY FAIR AND SHOW ACTUALLY WHAT WE CAN PULL OUT AS AN EXPENSE OF THE POOL AND WHAT IT GENERATED IN REVENUES. THE FIGURES ARE ROUGH AND THAT IS WHY THE POOL HAS ITS OWN BUDGET THIS YEAR. THE FIGURES WILL BE ACCURATE. WE NEED TO BE MORE ACCOUNTABLE FOR WHAT THAT DEPARTMENT IS COSTING US AND WHAT WE ARE BRINGING IN.
NOT THIS YEAR, BUT IN 2012 THE POOL WILL HAVE ITS OWN BUDGET.
MS. LOGAN WAS CONCERNED ABOUT RESIDENTS LIVING IN THE COUNTY AND SHOULD BE TREATED AS THE RESIDENTS IN NEW CASTLE. SHE SAID WE ARE A COMMUNITY.
DEPUTY CLERK YORK SAID WE CANNOT CONTROL THE COUNTY. THEY DON'T PAY A PROPERTY TAX TOWARDS THE POOL.
ROLL CALL VOTE: SIX VOTES AYE PASSED AND ORDERED
COUNCILMAN KIDD MOVED TO SUSPEND THE RULES AND READ ORDINANCE #3621 ON 2ND AND THIRD READING. COUNCIL LADY GOODMAN: SECOND
ROLL CALL VOTE: SIX VOTES AYE. SUSPENDED
ORDINANCE # 3621
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FEE SCHEDULE FOR AQUATIC CENTER (AMENDING ORDINANCE #3537) WAS READ BY TITLE ONLY ON SECOND AND THIRD READING BY SANDY YORK.
PRESIDENT YORK MOVED TO PASS THIS ORDINANCE ON 2ND AND 3RD READING. COUNCILMAN KIDD: SECOND.
ROLL CALL VOTE: SIX VOTES AYE. PASSED AND ORDERED.
ORDINANCE #3622
AN ORDINANCE EXPANDING THE NEW CASTLE DOWNTOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT WAS READ IN FULL ON FIRST READING BY SANDY YORK.
PRESIDENT YORK MOVED TO PASS THIS ORDINANCE. COUNCILADY MALONE: SECOND
ROLL CALL VOTE: SIX VOTES AYE. PASSED AND ORDERED.
BRAD CROWE, PLANT MANAGER FOR NEW CASTLE E-COATING PLUS, LLC GAVE A SUMMARY AND PRESENTATION ON WHAT THE COMPANY IS DOING TO MEET THE GUIDELINES OF COMPLIANCE FOR THE TAX ABATEMENT.
PRESIDENT YORK MOVED TO APPROVE THE TAX ABATEMENT COMPLIANCE. COUNCILADY GOODMAN: SECOND
ROLL CALL VOTE: SIX VOTES AYE. PASSED AND ORDERED.
BRAD CROWE, PRESIDENT OF THE AVIATION COMMISSION, GAVE A PRESENTATION TO THE COUNCIL. HE READ A STATEMENT ABOUT THE AIRPORT EXPANSION PROJECT. HE SAID THAT THE CITY AND COUNTY SHARE 50% EACH TOWARDS THE EXPANSION PROJECT. THE REQUEST MADE BY MR. CROWE AND 2 OTHER MEMBERS OF THE BOARD IS FOR THE CITY AND COUNTY EACH TO CONTRIBUTE $45,000.00 IN 2012.
COUNCILMAN REID ASKED HOW MUCH TOTAL WAS NEEDED TO FINISH THE PROJECT.
MR. CROWE SAID THE TOTAL NEEDED FROM 2011 TO 2016 IS $241,583.00.
COUNCILMAN REED ASKED HOW MUCH THE CITY HAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE PROJECT ALREADY.
MR. CROWE SAID $45,000.00 A YEAR FOR THE PAST 5 YEARS.
COUNCILMAN KOGER ASKED IF THIS MONEY WAS PUT INTO A SEPARATE FUND OR TO YOUR GENERAL OPERATING, THE DAILY WORKS OF THE AIRPORT.
MR. CROWE SAID IT IS KEPT SEPARATE FROM DAILY OPERATIONS AND MAINTNANACE.
COUNCILMAN REID SAID IN OTHER WORDS, A PORTION GOES INTO DAILY OPERATIONS AND THE REST INTO THE FUND.
MR. CROWE SAID THAT WAS CORRECT. WE HAVE AN AIRPORT MANAGER%u2026
COUNCILMAN REID SAID DID HE UNDERSTAND, YOU SPEND THE LOCAL DOLLAR AND INCUR THE OBLIGATION, LET'S SAY 10% MATCH, SO YOU INCUR THE 10 TO 50 THOUSAND DOLLAR OBLIGATION, YOU PUT DOWN $25,000.00 AND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT REIMBURSES. IT IS A REIMBURSEMENT GRANT?
COUNCILMAN REID ASKED IF THE COUNTY WAS COMMITTED TO THEIR PORTION OF THE OPERATING COSTS.
MEMBER MAURICE GOODWIN SAID YES TO THAT AMOUNT.
COUNCILMAN REID ASKED IF MEMBER GOODWIN THOUGHT WHAT THE HOLD UP WAS WITH THE COUNTY. IS IT THE BUDGET OR MAYBE BECAUSE IT ISN'T A PRIVATE OPERATION.
MEMBER CROWE SAID THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHAT THE HOLD UP WAS BUT THEY WOULD WORK AROUND IT.
DEPUTY CLERK YORK SAID THERE IS A TAX RATE FOR AVIATION AND THOSE RATES WERE CUT. THEN THE BUDGET HAD TO BE CUT. THE CITY HAS ESTABLISHED A RATE.
COUNCILMAN REID SAID THE EXTENDED RUNWAY IS AN IMPORTANT PIECE OF INFRASTRUCTURE FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
PRESIDENT YORK SAID NEXT ON THE AGENDA, INSURANCE BILLING FOR FIRE DAMAGE DEMOLITION.
ATTORNEY COPENHAVER SAID HE HAD PREPARED A DRAFT ORDINANCE THAT DEALS WITH SEPARATE THINGS. A FIRE REIMBURSEMENT CHARGE AND A DEMOLITION CHARGE. THE FIRE REIMBURSEMENT CHARGE WILL BE MUCH LIKE THE AMBULANCE CHARGE. IT IS ONLY CHARGED IF YOU HAVE INSURANCE. IF YOU LIVE WITHIN THE CITY OR TOWNSHIP THERE ISN'T A CHARGE. THE DEMOLITION CHARGE WOULD BE REGARDLESS BECAUSE THE CITY WOULD HAVE TO OCCUR THE COSTS.
JOSH ESTELL, A LOCAL INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENT, WILL BE PRESENT AT THE NEXT MEETING AND HE CAN TALK TO YOU ABOUT HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE AND THE KINDS OF CLAUSE THAT IS IN THE HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE POLICY THAT WOULD DEAL WITH THE FIRE PROTECTION SURCHARGE. HE TOLD THE COUNCIL TO READ THIS OVER AND DEVELOP THEIR QUESTIONS.
COUNCILMAN REID SAID HE WANTED THE FIRE CHIEF AT THE NEXT MEETING. HE SAID HE HAD TALKED WITH THE CHIEF ABOUT THE INSURANCE. JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE WHAT THE FIRE CHIEF HAD THOUGHT ABOUT.
PRESIDENT YORK SAID THAT SHE HAD ALSO TALKED WITH THE CHIEF. SHE WAS GLAD TO GET THE DRAFT TO REVIEW.
PRESIDENT YORK SAID NEXT ON THE AGENDA WAS THE DISCUSSION OF AQUATIC CENTER/POOL BUDGET (SEPARATING IT OUT OF THE PARK DEPARTMENT BUDGET).
PRESIDENT YORK SAID IT CAN BE SEPARATED BUT THERE IS STILL GOING TO BE %u2026%u2026%u2026%u2026%u2026%u2026%u2026..
COUNCILMAN REID SAID IF WE SEPARATE IT, WE DON'T HAVE TO DO IT AS IT IS SELF FUNDED. LIKE EMS IS STILL PART OF THE GENERAL FUND. HE SAID, SO WE AREN'T CREATING A SET OF FUNDS. JUST GIVING DEPARTMENT DEFINITION. THERE WOULD BE A LINE ITEM IN THE GENERAL FUND.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
PRESIDENT YORK:
ASKED ABOUT THE PROPERTY DIRECTLY BEHIND THE PORT HOLE, 14TH AND I AVE.. SHE ASKED IF THERE WAS ANY THING THAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT. THE HOUSE NEEDS TO BE DEMOLISHED OR CLEANED UP.
BUILDING INSPECTOR HALL SAID THAT THEY HAVE BEEN IN COURT. HE SAID THERE IS A DEMO ORDER.
ATTORNEY COPENHAVER SAID IT WILL VERY EXPENSIVE TO DEMO AND WOULD BE BEYOND OUR BUDGETARY MEANS TO TEAR IT DOWN. WE ARE TRYING TO GET THAT DONE. THE OWNERS WOULD GIVE IT TO US BUT WE DON'T WANT IT.
COUNCIL LADY GOODMAN:
SAID SOMEONE STOLE THE NAME AND STREET SIGNS WERE KNOCKED DOWN ON THE CORNER OF 11TH AND MOURER.
PRESIDENT YORK SAID ON THE CORNER OF CHERRYWOOD AND 14TH THE STOP SIGN IS LAYING DOWN AND THE SHRUBS THAT ARE THERE NEED TO BE TRIMMED. YOU CAN'T SEE AROUND THEM, TO SEE IF TRAFFIC IS COMING.
MAYOR SMALL SAID THAT THERE IS A GRANT TO REPLACE THE SIGNS THAT ARE MISSING.
COUNCIL LADY MALONE:
ASKED IF WE ARE HIRING MOWING CREWS THIS YEAR?
MAYOR SMALL SAID YES BUT THEIR PRIORITY WAS THE CEMETERY AND PARK BEFORE MEMORIAL DAY. THEY WRAPPED UP THE CEMETERY AND ARE NOW WORKING ON ALL THE PARKS. WITHIN A WEEK, THEY ARE STARTING TO START THE BULK PICKUP.
MAYOR SMALL COMMENTED ON THE BEAUTIFUL JOB THAT WAS DONE AT THE CEMETERY. HE SAID IT REALLY LOOKED GREAT FOR MEMORIAL DAY. ALL THE WORKERS AND PART-TIMERS WORKED VERY HARD.
COUNCILMAN KOGER:
ASKED ABOUT THE POTHOLES. ASKED IF THE PATCHER WAS WORKING. MAKE THIS A PRIORITY, FILLING THOSE HOLES.
MAYOR SMALL SAID THE PATCHER HAD BEEN REPAIRED AND WORKING AGAIN UNTIL IT WENT DOWN AGAIN. HE SAID THEY HAVE BEEN FILING POTHOLES WITH COLD PATCH.
COUNCILMAN REID:
ASKED ABOUT THE TAR AND GRAVEL ON VINE STREET.
PUBLIC:
DANNY MARCUM ASKED FOR VOLUNTEERS AND TRUCKS TO HELP CLEAN UP ALONG THE RAILROAD TRACKS, ALONG C AVE.FROM 25TH ST. TO INDIANA AVE. HE SAID HE HAD CHURCHES AND ORGANIZATIONS TO HELP.
COUNCILMAN KIDD SAID HE WOULD TALK WITH HOPE INITIATIVE TO HELP.
MR. MARCUM WILL CONTACT BUILDING INSPECTOR HALL WITHIN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS AND ORGANIZE THIS.
MRS. SANCHEZ SAID WE PAY $12.00 A MONTH TO HAVE TRASH PICK UP. SHE SAID WHOEVER IS PICKING IT UP FORGETS 2 0R 3 HOMES ON ONE STREET EVERY WEEK. SHE SAID IF SHE HIRED SOMEONE TO MOW HER YARD AND HE DOESN'T COME THAT WEEK, SHOULD HE GET PAID? NO. THEN WHY DO WE HAVE TO PAY WHEN THEY DON'T PICK UP OUR TRASH?
MAYOR SMALL ASKED WHERE THIS PROBLEM WAS TAKING PLACE.
MRS. SANCHEZ SAID ON M AVE.
PRESIDENT YORK SAID HER BROTHER LIVES ON L AVE. AND HAD THE SAME PROBLEM.
MRS. SANCHEZ SAID HER AND SOME NEIGHBORS FILLED POTHOLES ALONG HER STREET.
MARY LOGAN ASKED THAT THE WEEDS ON THE CORNER OF BROAD STREET AND VINE STREET BE CUT.
PRESIDENT YORK MOVED TO ADJOURN.
COUNCILMAN REID: SECOND
