City Council

MINUTES OF THE LAFAYETTE COMMON COUNCIL October 21, 2021 SPECIAL MEETING (https://www.youtube.com/user/CityofLafayetteIN/live The Common Council of the City of Lafayette, Indiana met in special session Thursday, October 21, 2021 at 5:00 pm. President Weast-Williamson called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm. The Pledge of Allegiance was given to the flag of our Country. Present: Heide, Klinker, Nargi, Reynolds, Brown, Ahlersmeyer, Downing and Weast-Williamson Absent: Campbell City Clerk Cindy Murray and City Attorney Jacque Chosnek were present. Councilwoman Ahlersmeyer moved to approve the minutes of the October 4, 2021 regular council meeting and the October 7, 2021 public hearing, Councilman Downing seconded. Motion passed by unanimous voice vote. The Clerk read Ordinance No. 2021-51 (2022 GLPTC Budget-An Ordinance Appropriating Money for the Greater Lafayette Public Transportation as Required Pursuant to Indiana Code 6-1.1-17-20) by title only on second and final reading. Councilman Klinker moved for passage, Councilman Heide seconded. Neil Smith, Controller GLPTC spoke regarding changes to the GLPTC budget for 2022. Ordinance No. 2021-51 passed 7-0 on a roll call vote on second and final reading. The Clerk read Ordinance No. 2021-52 (2022 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, 2022 and Ending December 31, 2022,) by title only on second and final reading. Councilman Brown moved for passage, Councilwoman Ahlersmeyer seconded. Mayor Roswarski updated council with changes for the 2022 budget which includes a 5% raise for civilian salaries, a 3% raise for Police and Fire, and slight decrease in employee health insurance estimates. Councilman Klinker moved to amend Ordinance No. 2021-52 with a new exhibit, Councilman Brown seconded. Amendment passed 7-0 on a roll call vote. Councilman Brown moved to hear Ordinance No. 2021-52 as amended, Councilwoman Ahlersmeyer seconded. Amended Ordinance No. 2021-52 passed 7- 0 on a roll call vote on second and final reading. The City Clerk read the follow emailed public comment into the meeting record Good afternoon. I find it very troubling that during the continued COVID-19 pandemic and a time when evictions in Indiana are skyrocketing, the city council is prioritizing giving an additional raise to law enforcement. There are so many more social programs, mental health services, child care services, youth programs, non-profits, etc. etc. that would benefit greatly from these funds. I hope our city council will consider creating positive change in our cities rather than spend money on law enforcement seeking to curb social issues. I hope our city begins to address root causes rather than try to react to the results of social problems. But ultimately, i find it more troubling that the city council still positions public comments at the end of the meetings, after the votes have taken place. How are city councilors considering opinions of their community when they vote prior to the public comments? How are constituents supposed to make their voices heard and create an impact? I hope our council will take this into account for future meetings so that citizens voices are being heard. thanks ian andrews - columbian park (47904) Brock Harper, Lafayette spoke on behalf of citizen Kate Watson regarding her opposition to the 3% salary increase for the Lafayette Police Department. The Clerk read Ordinance No. 2021-53 (An Ordinance Fixing the Salaries of the Appointed Officers and Employees of the City of Lafayette, Indiana, For the Year 2022, Excluding the Sworn Protective Occupation and Law Enforcement Members of the Police and Fire Departments.) by title only on second and final reading. Councilman Reynolds moved for passage, Councilwoman Nargi seconded. Ordinance No. 2021-53 passed 7-0 on a roll call vote on first reading. The Clerk read Ordinance No. 2021-54 (An Ordinance Fixing the Salaries of the Sworn Protective Occupation and Law Enforcement (POLE) Members of the Police and Fire Departments.) by title only on first reading. Councilman Downing moved for passage, Councilwoman Ahlersmeyer seconded. Mayor Roswarski spoke in support of this ordinance. Ordinance No. 2021-54 passed 7-0 on a roll call vote on first reading. The Clerk read Ordinance No. 2021-55 (An Ordinance Fixing the Salaries of the Elected Officials of the City of Lafayette For the Year 2022) by title only on first reading. Councilman Downing moved for passage, Councilwoman Ahlersmeyer seconded. Mayor Roswarski spoke regarding the ordinance which will include a 5% raise for the elected officials. Ordinance No. 2021-55 passed 6-1 on a roll call vote as follows on first reading. Ayes: Heide, Klinker, Nargi, Reynolds, Ahlersmeyer, Downing Nays: Brown No Public Comment. Councilman Heide move to adjourned, Councilman Klinker seconded. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 5:28 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