City Council

MINUTES OF THE LAFAYETTE COMMON COUNCIL October 2, 2017 REGULAR MEETING The Common Council of the City of Lafayette, Indiana met in regular session on October 2, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 20 North 6th Street, Lafayette, Indiana. President-Pro-tem Campbell called the meeting to order at 6:30pm. The Pledge of Allegiance was given to the flag of our Country. The following members were present: Present: Heide, Klinker, Reynolds, Campbell, Brown, Ahlersmeyer, Weast-Williamson, and Downing Absent: Nargi City Clerk Cindy Murray and City Attorney Ed Chosnek were present. Councilman Klinker moved to recess for Public Hearings on Ordinance 2017-31 and Ordinance 2017-32, Councilman Brown seconded. No public comment was heard. Councilman Klinker moved to resume the regular meeting, Councilwoman Ahlersmeyer seconded. Motion passed by unanimous voice vote. Councilman Brown moved to approve the minutes of the September 5, 2017 Council Meeting, Councilman Downing seconded. Motion passed Unanimous voice vote. Claims, Petitions or Communications: None The Clerk stated the following reports are available in the City Clerk’s Office: Fleet Maintenance Department Monthly-August Lafayette Renew Department Monthly-August Water Works Department Monthly-August Police Department-August Ordinances for Second Reading: The Clerk read Ordinance 2017-31 (An Ordinance for Appropriation of Local Option Highway User Tax Funds (County Wheel Tax) (Fund #2490) by title only on second and final reading. Councilman Heide moved for passage, Councilman Reynolds seconded. Mike Jones, Controller spoke regarding the Ordinance. Ordinance 2017-31 passed 7-0 on a roll call vote on second and final reading. The Clerk read Ordinance 2017-32 (An Ordinance for Appropriation of Economic Development Income Tax (EDIT) (Fund #2090)) by title only on second and final reading. Councilwoman Ahlersmeyer moved for passage, Councilwoman Weast-Williamson seconded. Mayor Roswarski spoke regarding the Ordinance. Ordinance 2017-32 passed 7-0 on a roll call vote on second reading. Ordinances for First Reading: The Clerk read Ordinance 2017-33 (An Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of Lafayette, Indiana, Authorizing the Issuance of the City of Lafayette, Indiana, Economic Development Revenue Bonds in a Maximum Aggregate Principal Amount Not to Exceed Six Million Dollars ($6,000,000) and Approving and Authorizing Other Actions in Respect Thereto) by title only on first reading. Councilman Downing moved for passage, Councilman Klinker seconded. Mayor Roswarski spoke regarding the project associated with this Ordinance. Paul Cramer, CEO of the Family YMCA talked about the new YMCA complex and their emphasis on Health, Education and Social Skills for the youth of the area and programs for Senior Citizens. Lori Walter, Executive Director Faith Community Development Corporation spoke regarding the Northend Community Center and the benefits it will provide for the community. Scott Walker, CEO, Greater Lafayette Commerce explained the planned renovation of the Greater Lafayette Commerce Building. Dennis Otten, Bose, Mckinney & Evans spoke about the financial process for the combined projects. Jason Semler, H J Umbaugh explained the process for repayment of the bonds. Ordinance 2017-33 passed 7-0 on a roll call vote on first reading. The Clerk read Ordinance 2017-34 (An Ordinance Amending Chapter 7.13 of the Lafayette Municipal Code Regulation of Traffic in a Residential Complex) by title only on first reading. Councilwoman Ahlersmeyer moved for passage, Councilwoman Weast-Williamson seconded. Ed Chosnek, City Attorney explained the changes requested in the Ordinance. Ordinance 2017-34 passed 7-0 on a roll call vote on first reading. The Clerk read Ordinance 2017-35 (An Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of Lafayette, Indiana, Authorizing the Issuance of Waterworks Revenue Bonds for the Purpose of Providing Funds to Pay the Cost of Certain Additions, Extensions and Improvements to the Municipal Waterworks of Said City, Providing for the Safeguarding of the Interests of the Owners of said Bonds, Other Matters Connection Therewith Including The Issuance of Notes in Anticipation of Bonds and Repealing Ordinance Inconsistent Herewith) by title only on first reading. Councilman Downing moved for passage, Councilman Brown seconded. Mayor Roswarski spoke regarding the need for a rate increase for needed improvements the Waterworks System. Kerry Smith, Waterworks Superintendent spoke about several money saving projects that had been implemented over the last 16 years, however the costs associated with the City’s chemical use have gone up 50%. Jenny Leshney, City Engineer gave an overview of the money saving projects that will be funded with the rate increase. The rate is a two phase increase the first will be a 36% increase and the second 11%. Mrs. Leshney noted for a typical monthly cycle of 5000 gallon usage the first increase will be $4.38 with the following year increase being $1.80 that increases the cost by $6.18 over a two year period. Mrs. Leshney stated that still leaves the City of Lafayette in the bottom 3rd of the state for rates. Councilman Campbell announced that this was Mrs. Leshney’s final Council meeting and thanked her for her years of service with the Council. Hans Steck, Bingham, Greenbaum & Doll, serving as bond council advisor stated the bond amount would be for maximum amount of $19,000,000.00 with the payments limited to net revenue of the water system. The maximum interest rate is not to exceed 7%. Mr. Steck explained after the Ordinance is passed by Council it would be sent to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) for hearings and final approval. Jennifer Wilson, Crowe Howarth gave the rate analysis for a period of 20 years with an estimated interest rate of 3.7 %. Ordinance 2017-35 passed 7-0 on a roll call vote on first reading. The Clerk read Ordinance 2017-36 (An Ordinance Establishing Rates and Charges for the Use and Services Rendered by the Waterworks Utility of the City of Lafayette, Indiana) by title only on first reading. Councilman Heide moved for passage, Councilman Downing seconded. Mayor Roswarski spoke regarding the IURC approval. David McGimpsey, Bingham, Greenbaum and Doll, explained the process of taking the rate increase request to the IURC. Ordinance 2017-36 passed 7-0 on a roll vote on first reading. Councilman Klinker moved to set a public hearing for Ordinance 2017-36 on Monday, November 6, 2017 at 6:31PM, Councilman Downing seconded. Motion passed by unanimous voice vote. The Clerk read Ordinance 2017-37 (An Ordinance Fixing the Salaries of the Appointed Officers and Employees of The City Of Lafayette, Indiana, For The Year 2018, Excluding The Sworn Protective Occupation And Law Enforcement Members Of The Police And Fire Departments) by title only on first reading. Councilman Reynolds moved for passage, Councilman Downing seconded. Mayor Roswarski spoke regarding the next three ordinances, stating the proposed raise will be 3.5% with potential adjustments after the budget is finalized. Mayor Roswarski also thanked Kim Meyer, Human Resources Director and her staff for doing an in house market analysis for several current employee positions so they could be paid accordingly. Ordinance 2017-37 passed 7-0 on a roll call vote on first reading. The Clerk read Ordinance 2017-38 (An Ordinance Fixing the Salaries of the Sworn Protective Occupation and Law Enforcement (POLE) Members of the Police and Fire Departments of the City of Lafayette, Indiana, For the Year 2018) by title only on first reading. Councilman Downing moved for passage, Councilwoman Weast-Williamson seconded. Ordinance passed 7-0 on a roll call vote on first reading. The Clerk read Ordinance 2017-39 (An Ordinance Fixing the Salaries of the Elected Officials of the City of Lafayette, Indiana for the Year 2018) by title only on first reading. Councilman Downing moved for passage, Councilwoman Weast-Williamson seconded. Mike Jones, Controller stated this ordinance includes a 3.5% raise which would increase property tax funds by approximately $5,800.00. Perry Barbee, 3700 Redbud Ave. Spoke in opposition to the Ordinance. Ordinance 2017-39 passed 6-1 on a roll call vote as follows on first reading. Ayes: Heide, Klinker, Reynolds, Ahlersmeyer, Weast-Williamson and Downing Nays: Brown The Clerk read Ordinance 2017-40 (2018 Budget Ordinance –An Ordinance Appropriating Money for the Purpose of Defraying the Expenses of Several Departments of the City Government of the City of Lafayette, Indiana For The Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2018 and Ending December 31, 2018, Including the Outstanding Claims and Obligations and Fixing A Time When the Same Shall Take Effect) by title only on first reading. Councilman Brown moved for passage, Councilwoman Ahlersmeyer seconded. Mayor Roswarski spoke regarding this Ordinance and praised the employees and departments of the City for their hard work and ability to assist other areas to keep the city fiscally responsible. Mr. Campbell asked the amount of the rainy day fund. Mike Jones, Controller stated it was $4.2 Million dollars. Mike Jones, Controller spoke regarding the Budget for 2018, this year several vacant positions were added and will be filled if money is available. Mr. Jones noted the proposed budget had a 12% increase for insurance, however he believes it will be about 3% lower. Fuel costs may rise slightly in 2018 but with the City’s participation in the Indiana Bond Bank, we are able to keep the costs stable. Ordinance 2017-40 passed 7-0 on a roll call vote on first reading. The Clerk read Ordinance 2017-41 (2018 GLPTC Budget-An Ordinance Appropriating Money For The Great Lafayette Public Transportation Corporation As Required Pursuant To Indiana Code 6-1.1-17-20) by title only on first reading) Councilman Downing moved for passage, Councilwoman Weast- Williamson seconded. Amy Burnett, Controller for GLPTC spoke regarding the Ordinance. Ordinance 2017-41 passed 7-0 on a roll call vote on first reading. The Clerk read Ordinance 2017-42 (An Ordinance To Amend the Zoning Ordinance of Tippecanoe County, Indiana-UZO Amendment #92) by title only on first and final reading Councilman Downing moved for passage, Councilwoman Weast-Williamson seconded. Ed Chosnek, City Attorney spoke regarding the amendment which gives a definition for Self-Storage Warehouses. Ordinance 2017-42 passed 7-0 on a roll call vote on first and final reading. The Clerk read Ordinance 2017-43 (An Ordinance to Amend the Zoning Ordinance of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, to Rezone Certain Real Estate from R1 to I3-943 SR 25 W. SP Cole Property Management, LLC, Petitioner) by title only on first and final reading. Councilman Brown moved for passage, Councilwoman Ahlersmeyer seconded. Jason Ramsland, Attorney for the petitioner spoke regarding the Ordinance. Ordinance 2017-43 passed 7-0 on a roll call vote on first and final reading. The Clerk read Ordinance 2017-44 (An Ordinance to Amend the Zoning Ordinance of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, to Rezone Certain Real Estate from R2 to GB-1901 Pierce Street, Chuck Newton, Petitioner) by title only on first and final reading. Councilman Heide moved for passage, Councilman Klinker seconded. Chuck Newton, petitioner spoke regarding the Ordinance. Ordinance 2017-44 passed 7-0 on a roll call vote on first and final reading. Resolutions The Clerk read Resolution 2017-19 (A Resolution Of the Common Council of the City of Lafayette, Indiana, Approving (1) Resolution No. LRC-2017-10 of the City of Lafayette Redevelopment Commission, Which Made Certain Amendments To the Economic Development Plan for the Consolidated Creasy/Central Economic Development Area, and (2) The Order of the Area Plan Commission of Tippecanoe County, Indiana Related Thereto) by title only on first and final reading. Councilman Klinker moved for passage, Councilman Reynolds seconded. Ed Chosnek, City Attorney spoke regarding the Resolution. Resolution 2017-19 passed 7-0 on a roll call vote on first and final reading. The Clerk read Resolution 2017-20 (A Resolution Authorizing The Mayor of the City of Lafayette to Enter Into An Interlocal Agreement With The City of Lafayette, City of West Lafayette, County of Tippecanoe County And The Area Plan Commission Of Tippecanoe County) by title only on first and final reading. Councilman Brown moved for passage, Councilwoman Ahlersmeyer seconded. Mayor Roswarski spoke regarding this agreement for the purchase of Traffic Counters to be shared by all entities. Resolution 2017-20 passed 7-0 on a roll call vote on first and final reading. The Clerk read Resolution 2017-21 (A Resolution Approving A Deduction For Tax Abatement In An Economic Revitalization Area (ERA) Real Estate-Subaru Of Indiana Automotive, Inc) by title only on first and final reading. Councilman Downing moved for passage, Councilwoman Weast-Williamson seconded. Mayor Roswarski spoke in support of both Resolutions. Tom Easterday, Senior Executive Vice President spoke about the project associated with the abatement and the continued growth at SIA. Rachel Hazaray, spokesperson for SIA gave council an update on the expansion for production of a new vehicle and expansion of the paint shop. Resolution 2017-21 passed 6-0-1 on a roll call vote as follows. Ayes: Heide, Reynolds, Brown, Ahlersmeyer and Downing Nays: None Abstention: Klinker The Clerk read Resolution 2017-22 (A Resolution Approving A Deduction For Tax Abatement In An Economic Development Area (ERA) Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. –Personal Property Tax Abatement) by title only on first and final reading. Councilman Heide moved for passage, Councilman Reynolds seconded. Resolution 2017-22 passed 6-0-1 on a roll call vote as follows. Ayes: Heide, Reynolds, Brown, Ahlersmeyer and Downing Nays: None Abstention: Klinker Reports of Standing Committees. There were no Reports of Special Committees. Report by the Mayor: Mayor Roswarski thanked Jenny Leshney, City Engineer for her years of service with the City of Lafayette. Mayor Roswarski informed Council that he recently met with a group interested in building an apartment complex in the area of Elston Road and Old Romney Road, he informed the group he did not feel it was a good fit for that area and he was not willing to sign off on the tax credits. The group applied for the tax credits and the Mayor will be writing a formal letter stating he is not in support of the tax credits and encouraged the Council to also send a letter. Councilman Campbell requested the City Clerk to draft a letter on behalf of the Council to be sent. Councilman Reynolds seconded. The Motion passed by unanimous voice vote. Reports of Council Councilman Heide moved to appoint Jim McDonald-Zone Business and Jackie Mize-Zone Resident to the LUEA Board/Commission for the Term of 4 Years 10/1/2017 thru 10/1/2021, Councilman Klinker seconded. Motion passed by unanimous voice vote. Miscellaneous or New Business: Tim Clary, Deputy Controller presented the Outstanding Unpaid Warrants and Check Voids Report to the Council. Mike Jones, Controller presented the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the Year 2016. Councilman Campbell announced there would be a Public Hearing on Thursday, October 5th at 5:00pm for the 2018 Lafayette City Budget and 2018 GLPTC budget. Traci Walder, Chairwoman of the Lafayette Tree Advisory Committee presented to Pat Flannelly, Police Chief a check for $1000 raised at this year’s Pooch Plunge to be placed into the Lafayette Police Canine Fund. Chief Flannelly thanked the group for their donation. Public Comment: Susan Schecter, 1001 Ferry Street, expressed concern about some areas that were left and grass that has turned to mud when curbs were replaced on Ferry St. Jenny Leshney, City Engineer spoke regarding the project and agreed that the space should have been filled with concrete. Councilman Campbell requested Dan Crowell, Street Commissioner fill the areas in question. Russell Bridges, 1114 Ferry Street and requested areas around his residence be fixed. Councilman Heide moved to adjourn, Councilman Klinker seconded. Meeting was adjourned at 8:47 PM Minutes prepared by Cindy Murray, City Clerk Complete audio of meeting available in the City Clerk’s office or at www.lafayette.in.gov