Common Council

CITY COMMON COUNCIL OF HARTFORD CITY, INDIANA MAY 6, 2024 MEETING MINUTES CALL TO ORDER & WELCOME: Mayor Eckstein called to order a meeting of the Common Council of the City of Hartford City at 6:00pm May 6, 2024. ROLL CALL: Members of the council present were Michael Wolfe, Tracey Witt, Tony Scaggs, Bill Aspy, and Ron Dudelston. Mayor Eckstein, Attorney Brandon Murphy, and Clerk-Treasurer Dana Whatley were also present. PUBLIC HEARING – HARTFORD CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR ROOF REPAIR: Mr. Wolfe made a motion to suspend the regular meeting. Mr. Dudelston seconded the motion. The vote to suspend the regular meeting was 5-0. Ms. Michele Risinger, Library Director explained that the library requires additional appropriation for roof repairs due to leaks and hail damage, with plans to use saved funds for this purpose. She explained the necessity for roof repair, citing leaks and hail damage, and the desire for a comprehensive solution from one company. o Spring leaks over the stairwell. o Hail damages on the oldest part of the building. o Issues with the connection between the 1988 addition and the 1903 building. A public commenter expressed concern over tax increases for the library and emphasized that if the library has saved money, it should not further burden taxpayers. o Increase in property taxes specifically for the library. o Expectation that saved funds be used for repairs without additional tax increases. Michelle reassured her that the library is using saved funds for the repair, highlighting the challenges of maintaining an old building and the necessity of a rainy-day fund. o Use of saved funds for roof repair o The cost of roof replacement is $65,000 or more. o Challenges of maintaining an old building with multiple roofs and HVAC systems. Mr. Dudelston made a motion to close the public hearing. Ms. Witt seconded the motion. The vote to close the public hearing was 5-0. Mr. Dudelston made a motion to re-open the regular council meeting. Mr. Aspy seconded the motion. The vote to re-open the regular council meeting was 5-0. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Mr. Aspy made a motion to approve the agenda as submitted. Mr. Scaggs seconded the motion. The vote to approve the agenda was 5-0. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FOR APRIL 1, 2024: A.) MINUTES OF APRIL 1, 2024: Specific correction on a misplaced punctuation in minutes noted by Councilman Wolfe. Mr. Dudelston made a motion to approve the minutes with the punctuation correction. Mr. Scaggs seconded the motion. The vote to approve the amended minutes was 5-0. B.) MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING APRIL 27, 2024: Mr. Bill Aspy made a motion to approve the minutes as submitted. Mr. Wolfe seconded the motion. The vote to approve the minutes was 5-0. OLD BUSINESS: 1.) ORDINANCE 2024-02 – WEED AMENDMENT: There was support for changing enforcement of grass height from 6 inches to 8 inches. It was determined there was no need to send a certified letter for enforcement notice. The Code Enforcement Officer can post a notice physically pursuant to section 94.03 of the city code. Mr. Dudelston made a motion to approve the 1st reading of Ordinance 2024-02. Mr. Scaggs seconded the motion. Mr. Dudelston asked for a roll call vote: Michael Wolfe – YAY Tracey Witt - YAY Bill Aspy - YAY Ron Dudelston - YAY Tony Scaggs - YAY The vote was 5-0. Mr. Dudelston made a motion to suspend the rules for a 2nd reading of Ordinance 2024- 02. Mr. Scaggs seconded the motion. The vote was 5-0 in approval via roll call. Michael Wolfe – YAY Tracey Witt - YAY Bill Aspy - YAY Ron Dudelston - YAY Tony Scaggs - YAY Mr. Dudelston made a motion to approve the 2nd reading of Ordinance 2024-02. Mr. Scaggs seconded the motion. The vote to approve the 2nd reading of Ordinance 2024-02 was 5-0 via roll call. Michael Wolfe – YAY Tracey Witt - YAY Bill Aspy - YAY Ron Dudelston - YAY Tony Scaggs - YAY  2.) BILL SMITH – EMA: Mr. Smith addressed the council to make everyone aware of some upcoming meetings and training. o There will be a meeting with radio people and state representatives to address communication issues on Friday May 10, 2024 at 10:00 am at Montpelier City Hall. Mr. Smith stated that Representative J.D. Prescott will be in attendance as well as First Responders, Council members, Mayors, and community members. o He explained that EMA and DHS will be holding a Tornado tabletop exercise for disaster preparedness at City Hall in Hartford City for First Responders, Elected Officials, Utility Departments and Community members pm May 21st, 8:30am sign in, start at 9 o’clock. o Mr. Smith stated there will be a second FEMA disaster paperwork training session – for Elected Officials, First Responders on September 18, 2024 at 10:00am at City Hall in Hartford City. NEW BUSINESS: 1.) MR. BRIAN VALENTI: Residents are concerned about speeding on East Main Street, which lacks sufficient traffic calming measures. Mr. Valenti expressed concern over speeding between Mill and Mulberry, leading to his dog’s death. He noted the absence of stop signs or speed bumps that could inhibit speeding. Mr. Valenti emphasized the risk to children in the area. The discussion highlighted the complexities of managing animals at large, including enforcement challenges and the potential risks to public safety. Emphasis was placed on the need for effective strategies to maintain control. 2.) MR. PHIL VALENTI: Mr. Valenti expressed concern over speeding in the community, particularly on Perkins and Jefferson, and suggested the installation of stop signs and ‘Slow Child at Play’ signs. He criticized the conduct of local law enforcement, mentioning a lack of respect and accountability, and highlighted issues faced by veterans. Mr. Valenti also spoke about Ordinance 2022-14, an ordinance for Hartford City Fire Dept Key Lock Boxes. Mr. Valenti said that his new business will be opening soon, and he will not be installing a Knox Box on his building and that he has proper insurance coverage. 3.) MR. CASEY DICK – ROAD CLOSURE: Mr. Dick was not in attendance at tonight’s meeting. Mr. Dudelston made a motion to table this topic at the June meeting. Mr. Aspy seconded the motion. The vote to table was 5-0. 4.) HARTFORD CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY – RESOLUTION FOR ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR ROOF REPAIR: Mr. Dudelston made a motion to approve the additional appropriation for the library. Mr. Scaggs seconded the motion. The vote was approved via roll call vote 5-0. Michael Wolfe – YAY Tracey Witt - YAY Bill Aspy - YAY Ron Dudelston - YAY Tony Scaggs - YAY 5.) RESOLUTION 2024-13 – GILLMAN CF-1/REAL PROPERTY: Mr. Scaggs made a motion to approve Resolution 2024-13. Mr. Wolfe seconded the motion. The vote to approve was 5-0. 6.) RESOLUTION 2024-14 – SHALEE OIL CF-1/REAL PROPERTY: Mr. Scaggs made a motion to approve Resolution 2024-14. Mr. Aspy seconded the motion. The vote to approve was 5-0. 7.) MR. WARREN BROWN – SIGNAGE QUOTE FROM ADM CUSTOM CREATIONS FOR INDUSTRIAL PARK: Mr. Brown addressed council stating that he had requested proposals to replace the antiquated plywood signs at our Industrial Park to better reflect the quality of businesses that we have in our city. He only received one quote from ADM Custom Creations in the amount of $13,345.00. He is approaching 4 different entities to split the cost 4 ways in the amount of $3,336.25. He asked City Council to participate for ¼ of the cost. Mr. Scaggs made a motion to approve spending $3,336.25 on the new signage. Ms. Witt seconded the motion. The vote to approve the expenditure was 5-0. 8.) MR. TRAVIS WILLIAMSON – PERMISSION TO SPEND OVER $10,000 ON SINK HOLE REPAIR AT FRANKLIN ST. AND “A” ST.: Mr. Scaggs made a motion to approve the expenditure for the repair. Mr. Aspy seconded the motion. The vote to approve was 5-0. 9.) MS. DANA WHATLEY – CUSTOMER PARKING SIGNAGE AT THE UTILITY OFFICE: Ms. Whatley explained that the utility office has a problem with residents from across Van Cleve Street parking in the utility customer spots. She requested help with a resolution to this problem and mentioned putting up signs identifying those spaces as Utility Customer Parking Only. The council asked Mr. Jeff Thomas to obtain a quote for the cost of doing this. They asked to table this topic until the June meeting. No formal action was taken. MAYOR’S COMMENTS: Mayor Eckstein mentioned the topic of dogs-at-large. Hartford City faces significant challenges with dogs at large, necessitating a combination of increased fines, education, and responsible ownership. CLERK-TREASURER COMMENTS: NONE COUNCIL COMMENT: • MR. MICHAEL WOLFE - Concern over kids driving golf carts recklessly and unsupervised toddlers on golf carts, suggesting increased patrol and community awareness. There was discussion about possible next steps. Possibly send a letter of notice to the community addressing the issues with golf carts and suggesting increased vigilance. • MS. TRACEY WITT -Discussion on the presence of chickens, guineas, and cats in the community, indicating a need for better animal control. Ms. Witt had a resident complaint about the noise and smell coming from a neighbor’s yard due to housing these animals. She wants to address the ordinance about limiting chickens and fowl that can be kept in the city limit. She also wants to address the age-old problem of cats running free throughout the neighborhood. • MR. RON DUDELSTON – Mr. Dudelston suggested enforcing limiting speakers without a clear topic to the public comment section, capped at three minutes. There is a consensus on the need to improve meeting practices by requiring attendees to sign up at the beginning of each meeting. Attorney Murphy stated It would be in the group’s best interest to state at the beginning of every meeting the need for attendees to sign up. PUBLIC COMMENT: • MS. LISA PARSONS - The discussion highlighted a community concern about the balance between police practices for safety and the freedom of individuals to enjoy night drives without suspicion. It was acknowledged that police are acting within the law to prevent serious incidents, but there is a need for understanding and revisiting vehicle equipment regulations. Enhancing community safety involves both increased law enforcement activity and respectful communication from community members. • MS. ANNE OWEN – Reminded everyone that the Summer Concert Series at Weiler Plaza is ready to kick off on Saturday, June 1, 2024 with Cook & Belle performing. ADJOURNMENT: With there being no further business, Mr. Scaggs made a motion to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 7:22pm. FOLDER 2/REC 18