HomeMy WebLinkAbout10.07.24 CC Meeting Minutes w Exhibit1
City of Carmel
CARMEL COMMON COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
MONDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2024 – 6:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS/CITY HALL/ONE CIVIC SQUARE
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Council President Anthony Green, Council Members: Jeff Worrell, Ryan Locke, Rich Taylor, Adam Aasen,
Teresa Ayers, Matthew Snyder, Shannon Minnaar, and City Clerk Jacob Quinn were present.
Council Member Anita Joshi was not present.
Council President Green called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m.
AGENDA APPROVAL
Councilor Taylor moved to reorder the agenda by moving Ordinance D-2729-24 to Public Hearings and
make it item 13(c). Councilor Aasen seconded. There was no discussion. Council President Green called for
the vote. The motion was approved 8-0. Councilor Taylor moved to approve the agenda as amended.
Councilor Aasen seconded. There was no discussion. Council President Green called for the vote. The
motion was approved 8-0.
INVOCATION
Rev. Cara Spaccarelli, St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, delivered the Invocation.
Boy Scouts present in the Council Chambers led the pledge of allegiance.
RECOGNITION OF CITY EMPLOYEES AND OUTSTANDING CITIZENS
There were none.
RECOGNITION OF PERSONS WHO WISH TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL
Jacob and Amanda Baird spoke to Council about the importance of the Carmel Christkindlmarkt. They stated
how authentic the market is and how market employees work every day to make it better. The market brings
in people from Indiana and around the country. They thanked Council for having this event in the
community and allowing them to be vendors.
Rachel Priddy, owner of Rose and Lois Coffee Shop and a market vendor, thanked Maria and the team for all
their work and passion. She stated she would love to continue as a vendor in her current capacity and hopes
the market will continue in it’s current form.
Daniel Rexroth stated that he has been a resident of Carmel for over 20 years. He explained to Council that
he was skeptical of the market in the beginning, but it is now a tradition his family loves. He stated that this
Docusign Envelope ID: B53FB292-BE7B-4480-AA1E-62876274BE7E
2
administration ran on transparency but what has occurred the last few weeks is anything but transparent and
the changes bring in bureaucracy where it is not needed. He would like things to continue as they have been
with the market.
Laura Lancaster stated that she has been a resident of Carmel for 47 years. She has been to the market every
year since it’s inception and volunteers at the market. People come from all over to visit the market and she
has witnessed how the market benefits businesses from an influx in tourists. The investment from the City in
the market has benefited businesses and the City’s cultural appeal. She stated that reading how the previous
market board members were blindsided and replaced was appalling. Part of being self-sustaining means
hiring new staff, making improvements, taking on financial obligations for contracts and insurance and
having funds for incidentals. She questioned the qualifications of the new appointments to the board. Given
the sneaky procurement of the CCI trademark and logo without the knowledge of the board, it all seems
dishonest and sneaky. The article in the Current in Carmel mentioned the risk that this posses to the non-
profit status of the Christkindlmarkt. The changes being made will put the future of the market and its
authenticity at risk. The market needs to reinvest in itself.
Jerry Shrewsbury stated to Council that he is a supporter of both Carmel and the market. He has been at the
market everyday since its opening in 2017. The Christkindlmarkt has been a major resource for central
Indiana and the State of Indiana. Last year, the market had about 450,000 people attend. He stated that he
spends time talking to visitors not just about the market, but Carmel as well. He said he was disappointed in
the article that was in the Current in Carmel.
Joy Weiss spoke to Council about volunteering at the market for 4 years. She stated that she has been a VP
and board member of a non-profit in town and if you have a bunch of board members who don’t have boots
on the ground, it can be like a faceless corporation instead of a group of workers meeting the needs of guests.
Can the City of Carmel guarantee that we will have the type of leadership Maria Rosenfeld offers or will it
take a month for decisions to be made under City Control?
Michael Nahmias, Vice-President of Operations for the Carmel Christkindlmarkt, stated that he is not
speaking on behalf of the market. It is our goal to give back to the community. After just two years, the
market no longer required continued cultural grants from the City. In 2022, the market absorbed nearly $110,
000 of labor and material costs on behalf of the City. In 2023, the market paid for a staffed, dedicated first
aid hut and the number of 911 calls were halved. The market also contributed $15,000 to help with traffic
and parking concerns and plans were laid in place to streamline how the market is setup and torn down.
When fully implemented, that plan should reduce city cost by tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars on
an annual basis. This year, the market was making plans to implement a shuttle to help alleviate parking and
traffic concerns. Measures of efficiency are being instituted. We do require ample notice of changes and ask
for a fair seat at the negotiating table.
Ben Richardson spoke in favor of the Christkindlmarkt. He stated that the market is a cultural lifeline for his
wife who was born in Germany and his children who have dual citizenship. The market has become what is
under the leadership of Maria Rosenfeld. Why does the Mayor think city government can do better?
Government is not supposed to be in event management. The Mayor’s Office says this is about money, but
that doesn’t make sense. Per the article in the Current in Carmel, the market had been negotiating to pay the
City back but the Mayor’s team seized control without warning, why? If it was about the money, they could
have taken the money. These actions were taken right as the market was about the start, why? He also stated
that he has concerns about how the administration has treated people throughout this process. Will others be
detoured from civic engagement because of how the Mayor may treat them? He requested that City Council
investigate the administration in these matters and put a stop to this behavior.
Jennifer Courtney stated that she is currently a contract employee with the market. This event is a cultural
hub and a source of pride for Carmel. She spoke about her concern with the governance change as it relates
Docusign Envelope ID: B53FB292-BE7B-4480-AA1E-62876274BE7E
3
to its non-profit status and how market employees have been treated. She asked the City Council to
investigate these governance changes and how it could negatively affect the market. We risk losing what
makes the market special if these changes proceed without proper consideration and proper transparency.
Christin Kelly-Hooks stated that she is representing Grace Rexroth as her proxy. She expressed concerns
about the change in market leadership structure. She stated she does not support these changes that put the
mission and vision of the market at risk. She requested the City Council investigate the long-term
ramifications of these changes before they become final.
Travis Jerde, Indiana German Heritage Society, spoke about the important cultural significance the market
has for German Americans. This event has a $23M impact for our city. He stated it sounds like we need
more transparency on both sides of the issue. The loss of appreciation for the market CEO and staff could
doom the market’s future as people of our heritage will look elsewhere to spend our dollars.
Sandra Richardson stated that she grew up in Germany and moved to Carmel in 2013. She has worked and
volunteered at the market since 2017. For eight years, she have been able to brag to their German partners
about the great partnership between the City and market. She stated that she found out in the news that
instead of continuing the path of keeping the market and City separately financially, the City applied to own
the trademarks and the market’s soul and relationships. How can we continue our missions as a 501(c)(3) if
the City owns it? She requested that the Council investigate the issue.
Sarah Holtz expressed concerns about what she read in the latest Current in Carmel article about the market.
She asked if it was true that city leadership filed for trademarks with out notifying market leadership? She
asked if City Council was notified and asked them to investigate the process and timeline of actions. She
stated that she supported the market but is concerned about the governance changes and does not support the
changes.
Joe Burns, owner of Wisconsin Cheese Factory, stated that he has been to markets all over the country and
none are as good as Carmel’s market. He stated that Maria Rosenfeld is a big part of that success. He stated
that a satellite market in Naperville, Illinois failed because market organizers and the City couldn’t work
things out. The market ended up fizzling out and was a huge loss for Naperville. He urged Council to take a
close look at the situation.
Ron Carter stated that according to the Mayor’s all city survey, the vast majority of residents are quite
pleased to live here. Residents did not expect new members of Council, the Mayor or new staff members
from outside of Carmel to make radical, wholesale changes. In light of what is taking place with the market,
if he were on the board of one of the many boards in Carmel, he would be afraid that some other board is
secretly plotting to take over the organization. He also stated that it’s possible the new board that was
appointed by the Mayor in January may have been meeting in violation of the Open Door Law. The Carmel
Farmers Market was able to stay open during Covid because it was not part of the City. If it had been, the
Mayor would have likely required that it stay closed.
Margaret Hill stated that she has attended the market every year and is impressed that it improves every year
under Maria Rosenfeld’s leadership. She stated that she finds the Mayor making changes in a covert way
disturbing. Why was the board meeting scheduled secretly and why was the market logo and name trademark
applied for by the City in secret without the original board’s knowledge? This Mayor ran on transparency
and this process has been anything but transparent.
Josh Baird stated that he lives in Carmel and is a market vendor. He encouraged everyone to take their time
with future changes and to make sure both sides have a seat at the table for future negotiations.
Docusign Envelope ID: B53FB292-BE7B-4480-AA1E-62876274BE7E
4
Susan McDermott, former Chair of Carmel Christkindlmarkt Board of Directors, said she was appointed
because of her experience and commitment to fiduciary responsibilities. She stated that as board chair she
had one request for financial documents on July 3 and provided everything requested within 5 days. The
reimbursement agreement was close to being resolved, the sticking point was related to the City’s demand
that it be granted ownership of the market and its trademark. The board could not agree to that because it
would put the market’s non-profit status at risk. Following her resignation, the new board met to sign the
new operating agreement and did not invite the market CEO Maria Rosenfeld. Susan expressed concern
about transparency throughout the process. The former board was called to a meeting under the guise of
finalizing an operating agreement, however the City used the meeting to remove her fellow board members.
Following that meeting another board meeting was called without her knowledge which led to her
resignation. Maria and the former board members deserved to be treated better.
David Cabanbam stated that he serves as the hut manager for the beer steins and was shocked to read the
article in the Current in Carmel. The way this was handled will probably affect the ability of the market to
get vendors in the future as well as employees and volunteers.
Debbie Gangstad, Carmel Clay History Museum, stated that they would really like to be the welcome center
for Carmel. When we work together, Carmel gets things done. We are willing to do art and history walks and
we want to celebrate our differences. The first year will be free and they hope to continue that. We are not
asking for a handout, but we are asking for a hand up.
Jordan Kohl stated that he moved to Carmel so he could live car light and Carmel is a great place for
pedestrians. He expressed support for the bond ordinance and an increase in off-street trails.
Sonal Sanghani addressed Council regarding Sewa Diwali and their projects for this this year’s campaign.
Sewa Diwali is a time for reflection and giving and coming together as a community. She stated there are
drop off locations across Carmel where people can drop off donations.
COUNCIL AND MAYORAL COMMENTS/OBSERVATIONS
Councilor Worrell stated that he wanted to bring attention to the bond study that was done by Council.
Council paid an independent consultant who didn’t find anything out of the ordinary with Carmel’s debt.
Mayor Finkam addressed concerns regarding the Carmel Christkindlmarkt. With the amount of
misinformation that has been spread, she understands why supporters of the market are concerned. She stated
the market was not taken over as the City already owns the market. Since it’s inception, the market has
existed as wholly controlled subsidiary that is supervised, operated and controlled by the City existing for the
sole benefit of the City. The market leader is accountable to the board of directors, the board of directors is
accountable to the mayor and the mayor is accountable to the taxpayers. Although the goal is to have a more
independent market one day, until we get clarity on its financial position and ability to reimburse the City for
some of the estimated $1.5M in annual expenses, that is not possible. Mayor Finkam stated that as the Mayor
she has a right to the financial information she has yet to receive. Over the last 5 months, the City repeatedly
requested market financials from the leader, the attorney and the board chair and while we have received
some, the City has not received all of the documents requested. The founding documents state that market is
to submit to an audit review by an independent accounting firm at the City’s request and shall make all
books, accounting records and other documents available at all reasonable times.
A new agreement was necessary to protect taxpayers. The initial agreement was not adequate to address the
complexities of a market this size. When the market started it was a tiny dream and has now grown into
something beautiful. The market is a behemoth with lots of taxpayer dollars at risk. Our hard lines were that
City ownership continue, intellectual property is owned by the City and that competitive information could
not be used to start a competing market outside of Carmel. To the City’s surprise though, market leadership
came back with a limited number of cities it would not compete in. That could allow market leadership to
Docusign Envelope ID: B53FB292-BE7B-4480-AA1E-62876274BE7E
5
start competing markets in surrounding cities. Change is hard and the mayor is asking market leadership to
do things her predecessor did not. She stated that she promised Carmel residents that she would lead with
accountability and fiscal leadership on behalf of our community. The market CEO’s job has never been in
jeopardy. She is expected to continue in her current capacity. The Mayor stated, however, that if she hadn’t
sent out a misinformation campaign we wouldn’t have the confusion we have now. The City has no desire to
run the market. It has a capable CEO, fantastic employees and wonderful vendors and volunteers. It is the
Mayor’s expectation that a great market experience will be provided once again.
Mayor Finkam thanked Council for specific comments on budget items and great collaboration on the bond
items. The Mayor stated she believes we have an opportunity to correct budgeting problems from the past
and create a strong path moving forward.
CONSENT AGENDA
Councilor Snyder moved to approve the consent agenda. Councilor Aasen seconded. There was no
discussion. Council President Green called for the vote. The consent agenda was approved 8-0.
a. Approval of Minutes
1. September 16, 2024 Regular Meeting
b. Claims
1. Payroll - $3,669,660.93 (9/6/24 payroll) and $3,746,226.11 (9/20/24 payroll)
2. General Claims - $6,147,361.29 and $24,139.89 (purchase card)
ACTION ON MAYORAL VETOES
There were none.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilor Worrell reported that the Finance, Utilities and Rules Committee met Monday, September 30th and
would report on the items when they appear on the agenda.
Councilor Snyder reported that the Land Use and Special Studies Committee met this past Thursday to
discuss Ordinance D-2729-24. The item passed out unanimously with proposed changes. He stated he would
give more details when that item appears on the agenda.
OTHER REPORTS – (at the first meeting of the month specified below):
Henry Mestetsky, Carmel Redevelopment Director, gave the monthly Carmel Redevelopment Commission
report to Council. City Center won the 2024 Monumental Award for Neighborhood Revitalization. Councilor
Snyder and Director Mestetsky discussed the TIF for Republic. It is a 100% TIF to the developer so a
reduction in the TIF doesn’t really effect the City. They are still deciding if they want to wrap the parking
structure with residential. Director Mestetsky agreed to email Council a listing of possible tenants for the
Muse.
Henry Mestetsky gave the bi-annual report for the Redevelopment Authority. They met on the 17th of
September. They met to approve the lease rental package that Council is considering on the agenda this
evening.
Docusign Envelope ID: B53FB292-BE7B-4480-AA1E-62876274BE7E
6
Mark Dollase, Indiana Landmarks, gave the quarterly Carmel Historic Preservation Commission report.
Councilor Snyder stated that the house mentioned in the roundabout that needs to be relcoated could perhaps
be moved to property not being used by Republic Airways.
OLD BUSINESS
Council President Green announced the eighteenth reading of Ordinance D-2696-23; An Ordinance of the
Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana, Adding Chapter 8, Article 4, Section 8-44 to the Carmel
City Code; Sponsor(s): Councilor(s) Worrell and Aasen. Councilor Worrell reported that the Finance
Committee met and is sending this item back with a negative recommendation. He stated that speed is an
issue at our pedestrian crossings in roundabouts, but there is a way he had not anticipated to deal with the
issue. Raised crosswalks and rapid flashing beacons help alleviate the issue with speed. Government got to
the answer with good discussion and back and forth. He stated that he recommended Council not vote for
this ordinance and explained that the bond will include roundabout and pedestrian safety projects. Councilor
Snyder thanked Councilor Worrell for his work on the issue. Councilor Worrell moved to approve
Ordinance D-2696-23. Councilor Aasen seconded. There was no discussion. Council President Green called
for the vote. Ordinance D-2696-23 failed 0-8.
Council President Green announced the third reading of Ordinance D-2726-24; An Ordinance of the
Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana, Approving and Adopting a Third Amendment to Interlocal
Agreement; Sponsor(s): Councilor(s) Snyder and Taylor. This items remains in the Land Use and Special
Studies Committee.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Council President Green announced the first reading of Ordinance D-2731-24; An Ordinance of the
Common Council of Carmel, Indiana, Authorizing and Approving an Additional Appropriation of Funds
from the General Fund #101 to the 2024 Carmel Fire Department Budget; Sponsor: Councilor Worrell.
Councilor Worrell moved to introduce the item into business. Councilor Minnaar seconded. Councilor
Worrell presented the item to Council. Council President Green opened the public hearing at 7:35 p.m.
Seeing no one who wished to address the Council, Council President Green closed the public hearing at 7:36
p.m. Councilor Worrell moved to suspend the rules and act on this tonight. Councilor Aasen seconded. There
was no discussion. Council President Green called for the vote. Motion to suspend the rules approved 8-0.
Councilor Worrell moved to approve Ordinance D-2731-24. Councilor Aasen seconded. There was no
discussion. Council President Green called for the vote. Ordinance D-2731-24 was approved 8-0.
Council President Green announced the first reading of Ordinance D-2732-24; An Ordinance of the
Common Council of Carmel, Indiana, Establishing the Appropriations for the 2025 Budget; Sponsor(s):
Councilor(s) Green and Aasen. Councilor Aasen moved to introduce the item into business. Councilor
Minnaar seconded. Zac Jackson, CFO/Controller for the City of Carmel, presented the item to Council. Mr.
Jackson presented a PowerPoint to Council outlining the budget priories, responding to feedback from
Council with an updated proposal for the budget, budget overview and a summary (presentation included as
an exhibit to these minutes). The total budget proposed for 2025 is $146M for the General Fund and
$234.8M for all funds. There was discussion regarding setting aside the $500-$600k that is spent in costs for
supplies and contracts related to the Christkindlmarkt. Councilor Aasen expressed concerns that Mr. Jackson
is the City’s CFO and also has been appointed to the board of directors for the market. Mr. Jackson stated
that the goal is to protect the taxpayer and undo the blank check. Councilor Worrell asked to see the
agreement signed between the City and market. Council President Green explained that he recently learned
that there is $1.1M in expenses within the Street Department associated with the market. He stated that they
were told 5 years ago the market would be self-sufficient. Councilor Taylor asked if previous staff was
directed not to report expenses directly related to the market. Mr. Jackson said that he heard more than once
from staff that they were directed not to report these expenses. Councilor Locke stated he needs a lot more
Docusign Envelope ID: B53FB292-BE7B-4480-AA1E-62876274BE7E
7
information on many line items, especially costs with the market. Council President Green requested to see
the salary ordinance also broken down by department. Mr. Jackson stated that his goal with the ordinance in
it's current form is to make things more uniform across the City. Councilor Snyder stated that he has been an
outward critic of the market in the past because of the money spent by the City on the market. He also stated
he spoke with the market director who stated they could be self-sufficient. Councilor Snyder said that
perhaps that is the solution; we don’t provide City funding but also let them run it independently. Mayor
Finkam stated that the crux of the problem is that they decided they were negotiating against themselves in
many ways since the City owns the market and the decision was made that we needed to move forward.
Mayor Finkam said they want to provide a full report to Council and the public once they have all the
financial information. Councilor Taylor said it may be cheaper for the market to use outside contractors as
opposed to using the Street Department. Councilor Taylor said he also was hoping there would be less
changes this year as they gathered data from this year’s market. Councilor Taylor requested Ice Rink data.
Mr. Jackson stated they would likely have a proposal next year to deal with the cost of replacing/updating the
chiller system which will likely be 8 digits. Councilor Worrell asked for clarity on the lack of reporting from
the previous administration as it related to market expenses. Mr. Jackson said that in 2018 that some
directors were asked to not report those expenses, not in any subsequent expenses. Councilor Snyder stated
he would have also let the market operate this year under the current arrangement, but that he respects that
the decision is an Executive Branch function. Councilor Taylor asked about the financing in capital leases for
the market huts. Mr. Jackson said he would follow up with that information. Councilor Locke stated that he
would like to find a financial reality for the market moving forward because it is something Carmel desires.
Council President Green stated that it’s important to have all the information about program’s the City
supports so that we can have those public discussions about what is important. We need to have information
that we didn’t always have under the previous administration. Councilor Snyder stated that while he is not a
fan of the City money that goes to the market, he is a big fan of market and thinks they have done a
wonderful job. Councilor Aasen stated that perhaps negotiations could have been handled more respectfully
and reiterated that he would have waited until after the holidays to make changes. Councilor Worrell said
many things are being approached as if they are broken and they aren’t. There is room for improvement and
the Mayor has his full support, but he cautioned Council not to assume the worst. Council President Green
opened the public hearing at 8:44 p.m. Seeing no one who wished to address the Council, Council President
Green closed the public hearing at 8:45 p.m. Council President Green referred the item to the Budget
Committee Meeting of the Whole.
Council President Green announced the first reading of Second Reading of Ordinance D-2729-24; An
Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana, Approving Certain Carmel
Redevelopment Authority Lease Rental Bonds to Finance Various Road Improvements and Other Capital
Projects in the City and to Refinance Certain Outstanding Bonds; Sponsor(s): Councilor(s) Worrell, Locke,
Taylor and Snyder. Brad Bingham, Barnes and Thornburg, explained the changes to Ordinance D-2729-24 as
it passed out of the Land Use and Special Studies Committee. Exhibit A includes an updated and expanded
list of projects as well as listing the projects by priority. Exhibit B lists specific roundabout and pedestrian
safety projects by priority. Exhibit C is an MOU between the Council, the BPW and the Mayor that sets forth
the framework for how and when projects bid, what do you do if cost comes in high and ensures specific
amounts are spent on certain projects. Councilor Snyder read Exhibit A into the record. Council President
Green opened the public hearing at 9:03 p.m. Seeing no one who wished to address the Council, Council
President Green closed the public hearing at 9:04 p.m. Councilor Snyder moved to amend Ordinance D-
2729-24 by inserting Version A (dated 10/07/2024) in whole. Councilor Aasen seconded. There was no
Council discussion. Council President Green called for the vote. The motion to amend was approved 8-0.
Councilor Aasen moved to approve Ordinance D-2729-24 As Amended. Councilor Snyder seconded. There
was no Council discussion. Council President Green called for the vote. Ordinance D-2729-24 As
Amended was approved 8-0.
NEW BUSINESS
Docusign Envelope ID: B53FB292-BE7B-4480-AA1E-62876274BE7E
8
Council President Green announced Resolution CC-10-07-24-01; A Resolution of the Common Council of
the City of Carmel, Indiana, Approving a Transfer of Funds Between the Grant Fund (#900) and the General
Fund (#101); Sponsor: Councilor Worrell. Councilor Worrell moved to introduce the item into business.
Councilor Aasen seconded. Councilor Worrell presented the item to Council. Councilor Worrell moved to
approve. Councilor Aasen seconded. There was no discussion. Council President Green called for the vote.
Resolution CC-10-07-24-01 was approved 8-0.
Council President Green announced Resolution CC-10-07-24-02; A Resolution of the Common Council of
the City of Carmel, Indiana, Approving a Transfer of Funds in the 2024 Information and Communications
Systems Department Budget; Sponsor: Councilor Worrell. Councilor Worrell moved to introduce the item
into business. Councilor Aasen seconded. Councilor Worrell introduced the item to Council. Seth Wanlass,
interim IT Director for the City of Carmel, presented the item to Council. There is currently an opening in
the department they have been unable to fill. Therefore, they are moving money from personal services to
contracted services to have work completed. Councilor Aasen moved to approve. Councilor Worrell
seconded. There was no discussion. Council President Green called for the vote. Resolution CC-10-07-24-
02 was approved 8-0.
Council President Green announced Resolution CC-10-07-24-03; A Resolution of the Common Council of
the City of Carmel, Indiana, Transferring Funds from the General Fund #101 to the Rainy Day Fund;
Sponsor(s): Councilor(s) Green and Aasen. Councilor Aasen moved to introduce the item into business.
Councilor Minnaar seconded. Councilor Aasen introduced the item to Council. There was brief discussion
about the timing of this resolution. Councilor Aasen moved to approve. Councilor Minnaar seconded. There
was no discussion. Council President Green called for the vote. Resolution CC-10-07-24-03 was approved
8-0.
Council President Green announced Resolution CC-10-07-24-04; A Preliminary Resolution Designating an
Economic Revitalization Area and Qualifying Certain Personal Property for Tax Abatement – The Alliance
for Cooperative Energy Services Power Marketing, LLC; Sponsor(s): Councilor(s) Joshi and Worrell.
Councilor Worrell moved to introduce the item into business. Councilor Aasen seconded. Councilor Worrell
introduced the item to Council. Nick Weber, Executive Director for Economic Development for the City of
Carmel, addressed Council. Council President Green referred the item to the Finance, Utilities and Rules
Committee.
Council President Green announced the First Reading of Ordinance D-2734-24; An Ordinance of the
Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana, Fixing Salaries of Appointed Officers and Employees of
the Carmel City Court for the Year 2025; Sponsor(s): Councilor(s) Snyder, Minnaar and Ayers. Councilor
Minnaar moved to introduce the item into business. Councilor Aasen seconded. Councilor Minnaar
introduced the item to Council. Judge Brian Poindexter stated that all guidelines were followed he made
himself available for questions. Council President Green referred the item to the Finance, Utilities and Rules
Committee.
Council President Green announced the First Reading of Ordinance D-2733-24; An Ordinance of the
Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana, Fixing Salaries of Appointed Deputies and Employees of
the Carmel City Clerk for the Year 2025; Sponsor(s): Councilors Aasen, Ayers and Taylor. Councilor Aasen
moved to introduce the item into business. Councilor Minnaar seconded. Councilor Ayers introduced the
item to Council. Council President Green referred the item to the Finance, Utilities and Rules Committee.
Council President Green announced the First Reading of Ordinance D-2735-24; An Ordinance of the
Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana, Fixing Salaries of Appointed Officers and Employees of
the City of Carmel, Indiana, for the Year 2025; Sponsor(s): Councilor(s) Green and Aasen. Councilor Aasen
moved to introduce the item into business. Councilor Minnaar seconded. Councilor Aasen introduced the
item to Council. Council President Green referred the item to the Finance, Utilities and Rules Committee.
Docusign Envelope ID: B53FB292-BE7B-4480-AA1E-62876274BE7E
9
Council President Green announced the First Reading of Ordinance D-2736-24; An Ordinance of the
Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana, Fixing Salaries of Elected Officials of the City of Carmel,
Indiana, for the Year 2025; Sponsor(s): Councilor(s) Green and Aasen. Councilor Aasen moved to introduce
the item into business. Councilor Minnaar seconded. Councilor Minnaar introduced the item to Council. Zac
Jackson stated the current form of the ordinance will hopefully remove the politics from the issue. Council
President Green referred the item to the Finance, Utilities and Rules Committee.
Council President Green announced the First Reading of Ordinance D-2737-24; An Ordinance of the
Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana, Creating the Carmel Surtax Fund and Imposing a Motor
Vehicle License Excise Surtax; Sponsor(s): Councilor(s) Green and Aasen. Councilor Aasen moved to
introduce the item into business. Councilor Minnaar seconded. Councilor Aasen introduced the item to
Council. Zac Jackson presented the item to Council. Fewer than 20 counties/municipalities have introduced
this tax statewide, but many are in Hamilton County. The rate mirrors what Noblesville has in place. Council
President Green referred the item to the Finance, Utilities and Rules Committee.
Council President Green announced the First Reading of Ordinance D-2738-24; An Ordinance of the
Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana, Creating the Carmel Wheel Tax Fund and Imposing a
Municipal Wheel Tax, Sponsor(s): Councilor(s) Green and Aasen. Councilor Aasen moved to introduce the
item into business. Councilor Minnaar seconded. Councilor Aasen introduced the item to Council. Council
President Green referred the item to the Finance, Utilities and Rules Committee.
Council President Green announced the First Reading of Ordinance D-2739-24; An Ordinance of the
Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana, Amending Article 4, Sections 2-94, 2-106 and 2-150 and
Adding Sections 2-154 and 2-155 of the Carmel City Code; Sponsor(s): Councilors Green and Aasen.
Councilor Aasen moved to introduce the item into business. Councilor Minnaar seconded. Councilor Aasen
introduced the item to Council. Zac Jackson presented the item to Council. Council President Green referred
the item to the Finance, Utilities and Rules Committee.
Council President Green announced the First Reading of Ordinance D-2740-24; An Ordinance of the
Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana, Amending Chapter 2, Article 1, Sections 2-1, 2-3, 2-6, 2-
10, 2-12, 2-13 and 2-14 of the Carmel City Code; Sponsor(s): Councilors Green and Aasen. Councilor Aasen
moved to introduce the item into business. Councilor Minnaar seconded. Councilor Aasen introduced the
item to Council. Zac Jackson presented the item to Council. Council President Green referred the item to the
Finance, Utilities and Rules Committee.
Council President Green announced the First Reading of Ordinance D-2741-24; An Ordinance of the
Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana, Amending Chapter 2, Article 6, Sections 2-301, 2-302 and
2-303, of the Carmel City Code; Sponsor(s): Councilor(s) Green and Aasen. Councilor Aasen moved to
introduce the item into business. Councilor Minnaar seconded. Councilor Aasen introduced the item to
Council. Council President Green referred the item to the Finance, Utilities and Rules Committee.
Council President Green announced the First Reading of Ordinance D-2744-24; An Ordinance of the
Common Council of Carmel, Indiana, Authorizing the Issuance of General Obligation Bonds for the Purpose
of Providing Funds to Refinance Certain Capital Equipment Leases and Incidental Expenses in Connection
Therewith and on Account of the Issuance and Sale of the 2024 Bonds and Appropriating the Proceeds
Derived from the Sale of Such Bonds; Sponsor: Councilor Taylor. Councilor Taylor moved to introduce the
item into business. Councilor Minnaar seconded. Councilor Taylor presented the item to Council. Council
President Green referred the item to the Finance, Utilities and Rules Committee.
Docusign Envelope ID: B53FB292-BE7B-4480-AA1E-62876274BE7E
10
Council President Green announced the First Reading of Ordinance D-2745-24; An Ordinance of the
Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana, Adding Chapter 6, Article 5, Section 6-84 to the Carmel
City Code; Sponsor(s): Councilor(s) Worrell, Minnaar, Joshi, Ayers and Taylor. Councilor Minnaar moved
to introduce the item into business. Councilor Ayers seconded. Councilor Ayers introduced the item to
Council. Chief Drake Sterling, Carmel Police Department, presented the item to Council. There was
discussion if the ordinance goes far enough and should be strengthened. Samantha Karn, Corporation
Counsel, stated that this is a good first step and she expected the legislature to take action on this during the
upcoming legislative session. Councilor Taylor moved to suspend the rules and act on this tonight. Councilor
Aasen seconded. There was no discussion. Council President Green called for the vote. Motion to suspend
the rules approved 8-0. Councilor Taylor moved to approve Ordinance D-2745-24. Councilor Aasen
seconded. There was no discussion. Council President Green called for the vote. Ordinance D-2745-24 was
approved 8-0.
AGENDA ADD-ON ITEMS
OTHER BUSINESS
DORA Signage Approval. Council President Green removed the item from the Land Use and Special
Studies Committee. There was discussion about what needs to be submitted to the Alcohol and Tobacco
Commission. Samantha Karn stated that Council needs to approve a design for the signage. Councilor
Snyder moved to approve the design put forward by Councilor Locke. Councilor Ayers seconded. There was
brief Council discussion about the need to move the item forward. Council President Green called for the
vote. The motion was approved 5-2 (Aasen and Taylor opposed. Locke abstained).
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilor Snyder stated that we may need more time for the Finance Meetings on 10/14/2024.
ADJOURNMENT
Council President Green adjourned the meeting at 9:56 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
_______________________________
Jacob Quinn, Clerk
Approved,
ATTEST: _______________________________
Anthony Green, Council President
_______________________________
Jacob Quinn, Clerk
Docusign Envelope ID: B53FB292-BE7B-4480-AA1E-62876274BE7E
Docusign Envelope ID: B53FB292-BE7B-4480-AA1E-62876274BE7E
Docusign Envelope ID: B53FB292-BE7B-4480-AA1E-62876274BE7E
Docusign Envelope ID: B53FB292-BE7B-4480-AA1E-62876274BE7E
Docusign Envelope ID: B53FB292-BE7B-4480-AA1E-62876274BE7E
Docusign Envelope ID: B53FB292-BE7B-4480-AA1E-62876274BE7E
Docusign Envelope ID: B53FB292-BE7B-4480-AA1E-62876274BE7E
Docusign Envelope ID: B53FB292-BE7B-4480-AA1E-62876274BE7E
Docusign Envelope ID: B53FB292-BE7B-4480-AA1E-62876274BE7E
Docusign Envelope ID: B53FB292-BE7B-4480-AA1E-62876274BE7E
Docusign Envelope ID: B53FB292-BE7B-4480-AA1E-62876274BE7E
Docusign Envelope ID: B53FB292-BE7B-4480-AA1E-62876274BE7E
Docusign Envelope ID: B53FB292-BE7B-4480-AA1E-62876274BE7E