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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.19.25 CC Meeting Minutes 1 City of Carmel CARMEL COMMON COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, MAY 19, 2025 – 6:00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS/CITY HALL/ONE CIVIC SQUARE MEETING CALLED TO ORDER Council Members: Ryan Locke, Teresa Ayers, Matthew Snyder, Rich Taylor, Jeff Worrell, Anita Joshi, Anthony Green and Deputy Clerk Jessica Komp were present. Councilor Shannon Minnaar attended virtually. Council President Adam Aasen was not in attendance. Council Vice President Snyder called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. AGENDA APPROVAL The agenda was approved 8-0. INVOCATION Carmel Police Department Chaplain George Davis delivered the invocation. RECOGNITION OF CITY EMPLOYEES AND OUTSTANDING CITIZENS Carmel High School Sophomore, Sadie Cohen, was highlighted for her community service initiative “Sadie Smiles for Seniors.” Ms. Cohen proudly represented Carmel as she was crowned 2025 Miss Cardinal’s Teen, an official preliminary to the Miss Indiana and Miss America’s Teen Scholarship Organizations. Ms. Cohen is a member of the National Grand Champion Show Choir, the Carmel Ambassadors. She is also a two-time Songbook Academy finalist. Through her platform, Ms. Cohen created “Sadie Smiles for Seniors”, with the goal of creating meaningful connections across generations to support and advocate for older adults. She uses the uplifting power of music to connect with Seniors while singing at Senior facilities. She visits K-12 classrooms and speaks with students about the mutual benefits of spending time with Seniors. She recruits young people for the various events and programs she is involved with that support Seniors. She invites you to follow her journey and support her initiative on Instagram @SadieSmilesforSeniors or @misscardinalteenin. RECOGNITION OF PERSONS WHO WISH TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL Ron Carter, former City Councilor, spoke to Council. He stated that the new affiliate review ordinance is a bad ordinance, designed to fix the flaws of the original measure that was taken, which caused so much trouble. He suggested that before this ordinance is passed, a comprehensive list be made of all of the entities to be reviewed, as this will be a big list. He then directed questions to Mayor Finkam, stating that the Carmel brand was well liked by citizens, and did not need to be updated. He questioned the reasoning of mold issues for changes made to City Hall, such as the removal of wallpaper and flooring, wall adornments, and furniture changes. He believes City Hall now appears sterile due to these changes. Docusign Envelope ID: 612B12B0-DF7B-40EF-BE28-1680E9970F41 2 Barbara West spoke to Council about the proposed “Autumn Greenway”. She believes this path is not needed, as there is already a paved path between Old Meridian and the Monon that can be accessed north on Guilford through Meadowlark Park. She is also concerned about the displacement of wildlife resulting from the removal of trees for this path. She believes a feasibility study for this path would be expensive due to the electric and gas sources that exist in that area. Dr. Freddie Kelvin spoke next. Dr. Kelvin is also an artist and an author. His book “Embracing the World’s Faiths” is a concise summary of ten of the world’s faiths, written in collaboration with members of the Center for Interfaith Cooperation. Dr. Kelvin believes that a dynamic and increasingly diverse city such as Carmel will welcome the opportunity to better understand and respect the belief systems of others, which is so needed today. Dr. Kelvin’s book is available through bookbaby.com. He hopes to also make it available at the Carmel Clay Public Library along with a photographic exhibit depicting many of the world’s faiths. Frances Gileno spoke to Council about a DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) sign that was painted on the sidewalk in front of her home. She is concerned that citizens will believe they can drink alcohol on her property, as well as the KinderCare daycare center that is next door. She believes this sign was painted in error and would like to see it removed. Councilor Snyder responded that her property is private, and not part of the DORA. Councilor Worrell, Chair of the DORA Committee, responded that there is an established process for complaints, and that he would look into this issue right away. He also shared that the committee will have a meeting in the next quarter. Scott McLaughlin, a resident of the Cottages of Carmel, spoke to Council in opposition to the Autumn Greenway that will run through his neighborhood and two others. He stated that it only reduces the distance between Guilford and 3rd Avenue by 0.3 miles. He asked if an environmental study had been done to weigh the impact of the wooded area being removed. He also thinks that with the funds Carmel will lose with the passing of SB-1, this would be a good project to drop. Mark Stevens, another resident of the Cottages of Carmel, also spoke in opposition to the Autumn Greenway. He stated that at its widest point, the wooded area is only about 190 feet across, so a great deal of the greenspace will be lost by paving a trail through it. He also believes that the money to be spent on this project could be better spent on something more needed than this unnecessary path. Chad Trenshaw next spoke to Council regarding the Autumn Greenway, also in opposition. He stated the proposed path would go through his backyard. He wishes there would be a meeting to discuss this before money is spent on this project, allowing the citizens who are opposed to present their reasons. He believes this process has not been transparent nor communicated well. COUNCIL AND MAYORAL COMMENTS/OBSERVATIONS Councilor Green stated that we missed the opportunity to take a photo with our Outstanding Citizen during that portion of the meeting, and we should do that after the Mayoral Comments. Councilor Snyder spoke about the Autumn Greenway. He stated that the survey stakes placed in people’syards were the beginning of a feasibility study. All projects must be properly vetted, data must be gathered. Councilor Snyder stated that he has met with or talked to almost every one of the people who spoke today, so communication is happening. To run the proposed trail any other direction will cost 2-3 times more. The path along City Center Drive is not a pedestrian friendly trail, as there is no safety barrier between the sidewalk and the road. The trees that would be taken down are dying as we speak right now. The Urban Forester has been out there. It is not a natural wetland, it is man-made and has no positive environmental impact. It, in fact, has a detrimental impact. Councilor Snyder told residents that when the Docusign Envelope ID: 612B12B0-DF7B-40EF-BE28-1680E9970F41 3 survey was completed, the findings would be presented in a public meeting with the neighborhood. This will still happen. This was a citizen-led project, it was not created by Council or the Mayor. Citizens who did research were looking for a safe path from east to west, and this idea was presented to Council. We are still researching it. The money is there for it, but it not guaranteed to happen. Alternative ideas can be discussed at the public meeting. We are getting deep into the weeds on a project that is still in the research phase. Surveyors go into right of ways adjacent to private property all the time. Councilor Snyder did acknowledge that letters meant to be mailed out to those property owners did not go out, and that was a mistake for which we apologize. Kate Krumsee, 5th grade student at Cherry Tree Elementary, presented the Mayor’s report to Council. Earlier this month, Mayor Finkam met with Girl Scout troops from Clay Center and Prairie Trace Elementaries, to highlight the importance of getting youth involved in local government. Recently we received letters from Miss Raasch’s 2nd grade students at Carmel Elementary. These letters included suggestions on how to make Carmel a better place to live. We are very appreciative of their thoughtful input. The Mayor also participated in the Home Place Block Party and dedicated Carmel’s newest art piece, a red-tailed hawk sculpture, to our neighbors in Home Place. She thanked Councilor Green for helping to make this project become a reality. Finally, last Tuesday the Mayor visited the STARTedUP Foundation event where students showcased their biomedical sciences projects, and she was very impressed with their creativity. Mayor Finkam is committed to supporting these educational programs, as Carmel’s need for professionals in the health care field continues to grow. The Mayor further commented that this biomedical showcase was phenomenal. CONSENT AGENDA a. Approval of Minutes 1. May 5, 2025 Regular Meeting Councilor Joshi moved to approve the May 5, 2025 meeting minutes. Councilor Green seconded. There was no discussion. Councilor Snyder called for the vote. The minutes were approved 7-0. (Councilor Worrell stepped away from the dais.) b. Claims 1. Payroll – $4,237,225.79 2. General Claims – $2,694,317.42 3. Wire Transfers – $12,623,260.56 Councilor Green moved to approve the claims. Councilor Taylor seconded. There was no discussion. Councilor Snyder called for the vote. The claims were approved 8-0. ACTION ON MAYORAL VETOES There were none. COMMITTEE REPORTS Councilor Taylor reported that the Finance, Utilities and Rules Committee will be meeting on Wednesday, May 28th at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. Discussion at the May 13th meeting included the Ambulance Capital Fund, residential rental caps, and Ordinance D-2771-25, the North End Phase II TIF bond ordinance, which was passed unanimously. Docusign Envelope ID: 612B12B0-DF7B-40EF-BE28-1680E9970F41 4 Councilor Joshi reported that the Land Use and Special Studies Committee met on Wednesday May 7th. Discussion was focused on Ordinance D-2769-25, regarding the need for a valid permit to park a vehicle on a multi-use path, sidewalk or bicycle lane. That discussion will continue at the next Land Use meeting, which will take place this Wednesday, May 21st at 5:30 p.m., at the Carmel Library. OTHER REPORTS – (at the first meeting of the month specified below): Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation Director, Michael Klitzing, gave the quarterly report to Council. He let Councilor Snyder know that the survey results for the Autumn Greenway should be received this week. He then spoke to Council about the Park Resource Officer Program that was implemented this year. Police Chief Drake Sterling introduced Park Resource Officers Caleb Law and Clifton Hoag, who both came to us after four years with IMPD. Both Chief Sterling and Director Klitzing thanked the Council and the Mayor for their support of this program. Director Klitzing shared that The Waterpark season is almost upon us, opening on Saturday, May 24th. From May 24 – August 3, the park will be open daily from 11 AM – 7 PM. After school begins in the fall, The Waterpark will be open from August 9 – September 1 on weekends only, and on Labor Day, from 12 PM – 6 PM. This is exciting news, as this year CCPR has recruited enough lifeguards to allow The Waterpark to remain operating during the August weekends. Also, there are still limited spots available with the Summer Camp Series. This summer the 2025 Summer Fun Run/Walk Series will run from June 16 – August 10. The $35 registration fee benefits the Carmel Clay Parks Foundation. All participants will receive a race t-shirt and a race sticker. To register, visit CarmelClayParks.com. Lawrence W. Inlow park will be closed briefly this week for the resurfacing of the three play pods. This closure is due to an adhesion issue with the rubber play surfaces. This is a recognized national issue, affecting park systems nationwide, not just here in Carmel. This repair is under warranty and will be of no cost to the taxpayers. There will also be some mill and fill work done to the parking lot, to help control water flow. The park will only be closed for a few days and will be reopened for the Memorial Day weekend. All four splash pads will be opening this weekend. We anticipate the White River Greenway North Extension to be opening this fall. At Hazel Landing Park, progress continues on the pedestrian bridge that crosses over the White River. It will connect Hazel Landing Park in Carmel to Heritage Park in Fishers. Finally, at the Monon Community Center, the Monon Station indoor playground will be opening soon. There will be ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, June 13th. Councilor Taylor thanked Director Klitzing for his update and voiced his support for the Park Resource Officer Program. He asked about the adhesion issue with the playground surface. Director Klitzing responded that we have had this issue at both Inlow Park and Meadowlark Park. These playground surfaces were installed by different vendors. It is not a workmanship issue, it is a product issue. Councilor Snyder commented on how these play surfaces are specially engineered to protect children from falls. He also reiterated with Director Klitzing that Hazel Landing Park is not open yet. OLD BUSINESS Councilor Snyder announced the seventh reading of Ordinance D-2762-25; An Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana, Amending Chapter 8, Article 5, Sections 8-37, 8-47, and 8-48 of the Carmel City Code; Sponsor: Councilor Aasen. This item remains in the Land Use and Special Studies Committee. Councilor Snyder announced the fifth reading of Ordinance D-2767-25; An Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana, Amending Chapter 2, Article 4, Section 2-96 of the Carmel City Code; Sponsor(s): Councilor(s) Taylor and Snyder. This remains in the Finance, Utilities and Rules Committee. Docusign Envelope ID: 612B12B0-DF7B-40EF-BE28-1680E9970F41 5 Councilor Snyder announced the third reading of Ordinance D-2769-25; An Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana, Amending Chapter 6, Article 4, Section 6-63 of the Carmel City Code; Sponsor(s): Taylor and Ayers. This item remains in the Land Use and Special Studies Committee. Councilor Snyder announced the third reading of Ordinance D-2770-25; An Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana, Adopting a New Article 6 Under Chapter 4 of the Carmel City Code; Sponsor(s): Councilor(s) Aasen, Taylor, Snyder and Ayers. This item remains in the Finance, Utilities and Rules Committee. Councilor Snyder announced the second reading of Ordinance D-2771-25; An Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana, Authorizing the Issuance of Economic Development Tax Increment Revenue Bonds to Support the North End Phase II Project, and Authorizing and Approving Other Actions in Respect Thereto; Sponsor: Councilor Aasen. This item remains in the Finance, Utilities and Rules Committee. Councilor Snyder announced the second reading of Ordinance D-2772-25; An Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana, Adopting a New Article 8 Under Chapter 2 of the Carmel City Code; Sponsor(s): Councilor(s) Aasen, Ayers, Minnaar, Snyder and Worrell. This item remains in the Finance, Utilities and Rules Committee. PUBLIC HEARINGS There were none. NEW BUSINESS Councilor Snyder announced the first reading of Ordinance D-2773-25; An Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana, Approving and Adopting a Revised Interlocal Agreement; Sponsor: Councilor Aasen. Councilor Snyder introduced the item to Council. CRC Director Henry Mestetsky explained that this ordinance corrects a Scribner’s error in Ordinance D-2754-25, which was passed by Council on January 7th of this year. That ordinance approved and adopted an interlocal agreement with Hamilton County, Indiana, concerning the U.S. 31 Ramps Economic Development Area (Parcels at Clay Terrace and BJ’s Wholesale Club.) After receiving initial approval from the Carmel Common Council, the corrected version was then approved by the Carmel Redevelopment Commission, the Hamilton County Redevelopment Commission, the County Council and the County Commissioners. Director Mestetsky explained that we now need this body to approve the updated version as well. The updated version specifies that TIF funds flowing to the County can be used to pay debt service on the outstanding bonds, which is what was presented to Council previously, but that language didn’t make it into the original document. Councilor Worrell asked how a mistake like this could have happened, and from where did we receive the original document. Director Mestetsky answered that we received it from the County, and then shortly after Council approved it, the mistake was realized, and the corrected version was sent to the other approving bodies for signature. Several Councilors expressed concern with the new language, stating that they had previously believed that any funds collected beyond what was owed on the outstanding bonds would be used for 146th Street improvements, but now it sounds like those additional funds may or may not be used for 146th Street, at the County’s discretion. Director Mestetsky agreed that the County has to pay the debt on the outstanding bonds first, but beyond that, the County can decide to use the funds for 146th Street improvements as they flow in, or borrow against future revenue by issuing new debt for those improvements. Councilor Snyder sent this item to the Finance, Utilities and Rules Committee for further discussion, especially in light of the impending financial formula changes for our city. Docusign Envelope ID: 612B12B0-DF7B-40EF-BE28-1680E9970F41 6 AGENDA ADD-ON ITEMS There were none. OTHER BUSINESS Councilor Snyder stated that the new committee being referred to as “The Investigation Committee”, which was created at the May 5th Council meeting, needs a chairperson. Councilor Worrell moved to nominate Councilor Ryan Locke to chair said committee. Councilor Ayers seconded the motion. Councilor Worrell asked Councilor Locke if he was still interested in chairing this committee. Councilor Locke replied in the affirmative. There was no further discussion. Councilor Snyder called for the vote. Nomination of Ryan Locke to chair “The Investigation Committee” approved, 8-0. ANNOUNCEMENTS There were none. ADJOURNMENT Councilor Snyder adjourned the meeting at 7:16 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, _______________________________ Jacob Quinn, Clerk Approved, ATTEST: _______________________________ Adam Aasen, Council President _______________________________ Jacob Quinn, Clerk Docusign Envelope ID: 612B12B0-DF7B-40EF-BE28-1680E9970F41