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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCM-03-04-91CARMEL CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES March 4, 1991 7:00 P.M. Council Chambers, One Civic Square The meeting of the Carmel City Council was called to order at 7:03 p.m. by Mayor Dorothy J. Hancock. Council members in attendance were Tom Irvin, Frank Fleming, David Adams, Lee Lonzo, Minnie Doane, Alan Potasnik and Annabelle Ogle. City Attorney Steve Andrews and Clerk-Treasurer Susan W. Jones were also in attendance. The invocation was given by Councilor Doane followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Councilor Lonzo asked for a change at MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 18, 1991: the top of page 3. "A member of the public" should be changed to read "Katherine Benjamin". Councilor Irvin made a motion to approve the minutes with that change. The motion was seconded by Councilor Fleming. All members voted aye. Motion carried. Councilor ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION HEARINGS/ORDINANCE D-689: Fleming made a motion to introduce Ordinance D-689 and made a motion to suspend the rules for reading the same unless the public wanted the ordinance to be read. The motion was seconded by Councilor Lonzo. Thomas Kendall wanted the ordinance read. Clerk-Treasurer Jones read the entire ordinance. Councilor Adams moved a motion to consider the additional appropriations in the order in which they appear on Ordinance D 689. The motion was seconded by Councilor Irvin. All members voted aye. Motion carried. Additional Appropriation/Communications Center/$111.620.00/Council Councilor Potasnik explained to members of the Budget/General Fund: Council and to the public that these monies were appropriated and approved in the 1990 Council budget. Councilor Potasnik wanted it stated for the record that these were not additional tax dollars but monies not spent in the 1990 budget. Actual bills and/or purchase orders were not available at the time encumbrances had to be done, so the money could not be encumbered on December 31 and the appropriations lapsed. This money would be used to purchase equipment and complete the renovation of the Communications Center. The mayor opened this hearing to the public for their comments, questions and/or objections. Hearing none, the hearing was closed to the public and opened to the Council for comments. Councilor Lonzo moved to vote on each appropriation individually. The motion was seconded by Councilor Adams. There was a discussion between Councilor Lonzo and Councilor Adams of how the council should proceed with respect to voting on each individual appropriation or amend each appropriation if needed and vote on the entire ordinance at the end of all the hearings and amendments. Councilor Lonzo withdrew his motion. Additional Appropriation/City Court/$41,155.00/General Carmel City Court Judge, Robert Fund/Additional Personnel Costs: Hughes explained his requests to the Council and asked for their favorable consideration. Judge Hughes stated the requests for salaries of the bailiff and deputy baliff were due to the omission of these positions when the 1991 budget was done last June. The request for money to pay for another full-time clerk was due to the increase in caseloads. Judge Hughes stated he originally had two full-time clerks and three part-time clerks. This request would now fund three full-time clerks and two part-time clerks. The rest of the request was to pay for benefits for the part-time clerk who was now full-time. Mayor Hancock opened the hearing to the public calling for questions and/or objections. Hearing none, the hearing was closed to the public and opened to the Council for the same. Councilor Lonzo asked Judge Hughes if he had reduced his appropriation in the part-time salaries to accommodate a portion of the cost for the full-time clerk. Judge Hughes said no. Councilor Lonzo asked the clerk-treasurer why she advertised this appropriation with the full amounts being shown when he specifically asked that the amount for the part-time clerk be backed out before it was advertised. Councilor Lonzo said he thought that was made clear in the minutes back in January. Clerk-Treasurer Jones stated she could not obtain those figures from Judge Hughes. She stated she talked with Kim Rott, the court clerk and was told that she would have to obtain that information from the judge himself. The judge never contacted her. Jones said she advertised for the higher amount, knowing the Council could reduce it at the hearing. Councilor Irvin asked if the court was self supporting? Judge Hughes replied no. Councilor Lonzo stated it was his understanding that the judge's original request was to take a part-time clerk and make her full- time and that would free up the part-time money appropriated. Judge Hughes stated he was responsible for the misunderstanding. Judge Hughes stated repeatedly that just because he moved a clerk from part-time to full-time, that did not eliminate his need for the money in the part-time line item. The judge apologized and said he did not mean to mislead the council. Park Board Budget/$2,000.00/General Fund/Office Supplies and Judy Jacobs, President of the Park Board explained the need Salary: for this $2,000.00 request. She stated they were in need of paying a secretary for taking minutes and also needed stationary and office supplies. Mayor Hancock opened the hearing to the public for questions, comments and objections. Hearing none, the hearing was closed to the public and opened to members of the council for their comments. Councilor Irvin asked the clerk-treasurer what the 1991 park budget was. Clerk-Treasurer Jones stated there wasn't a budget and this was a newly created department and a new budget request. The money would come from the operating balance of the general fund. Mayor Local Roads and Streets Fund/$10,951.00/Traffic Signal Costs: Hancock stated this money would be reimbursed by the federal government. The money would pay for a traffic light at Range Line and Medical Drive. All but $286.00 for insurance was reimbursable from the federal government. The mayor opened this hearing to the public for their comments, questions and objections. Hearing none, the hearing was closed to the public and opened to the Council. Councilor Potasnik read a memo dated February 15, 1991, to the council, from the Mayor explaining the need for the $286.00 expenditure for insurance. Councilor Fleming asked how soon the money would be returned to the city. Mayor Hancock stated that after a claim was submitted to the state, it would be about a month turn around. Common Council of the City of Carmel Promotional Fund/$8,000.00/PGA Steve Brown, Chairman of the 1991 PGA Promotional Promotion: Committee, explained the request to members of the public and to the Council. Mr. Brown explained that the total budget for the promotion was $28,000 and this $8,000 was a portion of that total budget. Brown stated that the money would not only pay for the breakfast but would also pay for a watercolor print of a collage depicting Carmel that will be given to each guest and player and lapel pins. Press kits will also be mailed throughout the country prior to the tournament, promoting Carmel. Mr. Brown stated for the record that this committee was in no way affiliated with the PGA committee. This 1991 PGA Promotional Committee was formed by Mayor Hancock in January of 1990 in order to work in concert with the Crooked Stick committee and the PGA officials to positively promote the City of Carmel as a by-product of having Carmel as the venue for the August PGA Tournament. The goal of the committee is to illustrate the quality of life found in this community, with the long range objective of attracting future economic development. Mayor Hancock then opened the hearing to the public for their comments, questions and/or objections. Mr. Bill Jakelsky, 38 Circle Drive, a 35 year resident of Carmel, stated he had received many calls from people asking him where this money was coming from. Mr. Jakelsky said this type of expenditure of money was not "setting" well with the community. Mr. Jakelsky talked about the environment. He said last year when he approached the Council about purchasing equipment for the removal of leaves rather than burning them, he was told there was no money for that. Now there seems to be money for this kind of a project and he failed to see the need. Mr. Tom Kendall, 11818 Gray Road, asked how many were being fed by this breakfast. Mr. Brown stated the tent would only hold 100 people but also went on to explain that the entire $8,000 would not be used just for the breakfast but would be used for other things related to the tournament. Mr. Rick McKinney, 50 Wilson Drive, asked if the players and officials would be staying in Carmel hotels. Mr. Brown said everyone would be making their own lodging arrangements. Mr. McKinney also said he had heard the Chamber of Commerce had been asked to donate $8,000.00. Mr. Brown said the Chamber had not been approached. Mr. McKinney supported the appropriation and stated he felt it would be good for the city. Hearing no other comments and/or objections, the mayor closed the hearing to the public and opened it to the Council for comments. Councilor Adams made a motion to amend Ordinance D-689 to change the word "breakfast" to "promotion". The motion was seconded by Councilor Lonzo. All members voted aye. Motion carried. Councilor Potasnik supported the appropriation and hoped that a good cross section of people would be invited in order to promote Carmel. Councilor Potasnik said that he supported the appropriation as long as we have this opportunity that we have people present who could really sell Carmel. Mr. Brown said he thought the mayor would be there and certainly a couple of members of the Council. Councilor Fleming also thought it was the best use of the promotional money. Councilor Adams stated that the money in this promotional fund was not tax dollars. These monies were a result of fees charged 10 years ago when the city sold economic development bonds. Councilor Adams said he couldn't think of a better purpose for this money than the PGA Tournament. Councilor Lonzo said he was disappointed in the lack of community input on this matter and wanted it stated for the record that this was not tax money being used. Councilor Lonzo stated he wanted to go City Court Appropriation: over the judge's request again for his additional appropriation. He suggested the two members on the Council who were the judge's representative should meet with the judge and discuss this matter further. Councilor Irvin asked Judge Hughes if he could find the $8,500 somewhere in his budget to help pay for the cost of this full-time person. Judge Hughes stated that in no way could he operate the court without all of these people. Councilor Lonzo asked Judge Hughes, if he was moving the part-time clerk to a full-time position and since this request tonight, funds the entire cost of the full-time clerk, where is the money that was appropriated for the part-time clerk? Judge Hughes stated he replaced that person. Councilor Irvin suggested he and Councilor Adams, as budget representatives, discuss this with Judge Hughes before making any decision. Councilor Adams stated, for the record, that he was not the judge's representative on his budget. As an attorney that would definitely be a conflict of interest. Councilor Lonzo suggested the judge contact the mayor's office and find out who is council representatives are. Councilor Potasnik then questioned the judge on the appropriation and how many clerks he had working in the court. Clerk-Treasurer Jones then stated that Judge Hughes' budget was approved for 1991 allowing for 2 full-time and 3 part-time positions. Then the salary ordinance was changed and allowed for an additional full-time clerk but did not delete the third part time position. Judge Hughes did not hire a replacement for the third part-time position but merely moved a part-time position to a full- time position. Jones stated that Judge Hughes is using the money in that part-time budget line item by giving the part-time clerks a raise and working them more hours. The current salary ordinance does allow for three full-time and three part-time positions within the court office. The Judge stated that was correct. The mayor then asked for the Council's wishes regarding Ordinance D-689. Councilor Adams moved to suspend the rules and act on Ordinance D- 689 tonight. The motion was seconded by Councilor Doane. All members voted aye. Motion carried. Mayor Hancock called for the vote. All members voted aye. Ordinance D-689 passed unanimously. PUBLIC HEARING/ANNEXATION OF PROPERTY 1443 WEST MAIN/MAX HODSON: Councilor Lonzo made a motion to introduce Ordinance C-153 and suspend the rules for reading of the same unless a member of the public wanted it read. The motion was seconded by Councilor Potasnik. Tom Kendall asked for the ordinance to be read. Clerk-Treasurer Jones read the ordinance but omitted the legal description. Mayor Hancock opened the hearing to the public calling for comments, questions and/or objections. Hearing none the mayor closed the hearing to the public and opened it to the Council for their comments. Councilor Potasnik asked if this was at the request of the city. Mayor Hancock stated that Mr. Hodson wanted water and sewer and the city will not provide those services without being annexed. The clerk-treasurer stated for the record that the advertisement was done in time and was advertised in both, the Noblesville and Carmel Ledger. Councilor Potasnik moved to suspend the rules and act on Ordinance C-153 tonight. The motion was seconded by Councilor Irvin. All members voted aye. Motion carried. Mayor Hancock called for the question. Ordinance C-153 passed unanimously. REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION/CODIFICATION/$2,731.00/ Steve Andrews explained that recodification is in the GENERAL FUND: final stages and that $2,731.00 would be needed to cover the cost of the initial contract. Andrews asked the Council to consider a request to have the clerk-treasurer advertise for the appropriation but not make any kind of payment. Andrew explained that a deadline was given by Hoosier Codification for March 11th but the zoning ordinance was just dropped on him and he hasn't had time to review it or have anyone else review it. The clerk-treasurer stated she would not make any kind of payment without checking first with Andrews and that final approval of the claim had to go before BPW anyway. She explained it often takes 90 to 120 days to get an additional appropriation through the process and wanted to have the money in place when the final bill was ready to be paid. Councilor Adams moved to authorize the clerk-treasurer to advertise for an additional appropriation in the amount of $2,731.00 for codification in the general fund. The motion was seconded by Councilor Irvin. All members voted aye. Motion carried. Councilor Fleming moved to approve a claim COMMUNICATIONS CLAIMS: to Manley-Hagist Wall Coverings in the amount of $600.00 for installing 50% of the wallcoverings and to approve a claim in the amount of $470.00 to P.W. Gollmer Electric, Inc. for the renovation of the Communications Center. The motion was seconded by Councilor Lonzo. All members voted aye. Motion carried. Councilor Irvin asked the clerk-treasurer if there was money in their budget to pay for these items now that they have their additional appropriation. The mayor asked that the record show that the clerk-treasurer nodded her head in the affirmative. Graham Toft, facilitator for STRATEGIC AGENDA REPORT/GRAHAM TOFT: the Carmel retreat presented a draft of the strategic agenda report for the city. (Copy of report attached to minutes.) Mr. Toft gave a complete overview of the report citing parks and traffic as the two main agenda items. Councilor Lonzo thanked Mr. Toft for all of his work and his ability to focus on a shared vision. Councilor Potasnik also thanked Mr. Toft and stated that Carmel faces a lot of issues that some cities may never face and this avoids the duplication of effort. Councilor Potasnik said he had written some thoughts on the report and would be sending them to Mr. Toft. Councilor Potasnik said he had always kept the entire community in mind when it came to planning. Mr. Toft commented that the council provided a lot of leadership to the community. Councilor Adams said he appreciated the process of getting away for the weekend to do this type of planning. He noted the Town Council of Fishers also had a similar retreat and Hamilton County government is now in the process of having a retreat in Bloomington. Many businesses also use this retreat process for planning, Adams stated. Councilor Ogle seconded all the comments and appreciated the way Mr. Toft pulled all their thoughts and visions together. Mayor Hancock asked the Council to direct their final comments to Graham Toft by the end of the week so a final document could be presented to the council. Mayor Hancock GRAY ROAD AND 116TH STREET INTERSECTION UP-DATE: stated that as of today, the American Aggregates Company donated the much-needed 50 feet of right-of-way, to widen the intersection of 116th Street and Gray Road. Mayor Hancock then asked the Council for their consideration in directing the clerk-treasurer to advertise for an additional appropriation in the amount of $330,000.00. This would be an approximate local share of the project. The final amount would be determined after the bids were let. The amount of $330,000 would be used for construction, right-of-way and engineering. The mayor stated she could not break down the costs at this point. Councilor Adams moved to direct the clerk-treasurer to advertise for an additional appropriation in the Local Roads and Streets Fund in the amount of $330,000.00. The motion was seconded by Councilor Ogle. All members voted aye. Motion carried. ANNEXED PROPERTIES/CERTIFICATION TO HAMILTON COUNTY CLERKS OFFICE Councilor Lonzo moved to BY DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: direct the Department of Community Development to certify annexations that have occurred since January 1990 to the Hamilton County clerk's office for voting purposes. (List attached to the minutes.) The motion was seconded by Councilor Potasnik. All members voted aye. Motion carried. There being no further business before the Council the meeting was adjourned at 9:15 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Susan W. Jones, Clerk-Treasurer APPROVED: ATTEST: A Strategic Agenda for The City Council of Carmel SEE ORIGINAL MINUTES