City Council

MINUTES OF THE LAFAYETTE COMMON COUNCIL October 3, 2022 REGULAR MEETING (https://www.youtube.com/user/CityofLafayetteIN/live The Common Council of the City of Lafayette, Indiana met in regular session Monday, October 3, 2022 at 6:00 pm. In the Common Council Chamber at 20. N 6th Street. President Brown called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm. The Pledge of Allegiance was given to the flag of our Country. Present: Klinker, Nargi, Snyder, Reynolds, Hession Weiss, Ahlersmeyer, Weast-Williamson, Downing and Brown. City Clerk Cindy Murray and City Attorney Jacque Chosnek were present. Councilmember Hession Weiss moved to approve the minutes of the September 6, 2022 council meeting. Councilmember Ahlersmeyer seconded. Motion passed by unanimous voice vote. There were no Disposal of Claims, Petitions or Communications: The Clerk stated the following reports are available in the City Clerk’s Office: Fleet Maintenance Department Monthly-August Renew Department Monthly-August Water Works Department Monthly-August Ordinances for Second Reading: The Clerk read Ordinance 2022-33 (An Ordinance to Amend Section 2.1.260 of the Lafayette Municipal Code-Council District.) by title only on second and final reading. Councilmember Klinker moved for passage, Councilmember Nargi seconded. Jacque Chosnek, City Attorney explained the process for redistricting due to the 2020 Census changes. Ordinance 2022-33 passed 8-0 on a roll call vote on second and final reading. Ordinances for First Reading: The Clerk read Ordinance 2022-34 (2023 GLPTC Budget-An Ordinance Appropriating Money for the Greater Lafayette Public Transportation Corporation As Required Pursuant to Indiana Code 6-1.1-17-20) by title only on first reading. Councilmember Snyder moved for passage, Councilmember Hession Weiss seconded. Bryan Smith General Manager GLPTC spoke regarding several line items that will affect their 2023 budget. Items included a 13% increase in Life and Health Insurance, the rising cost of diesel and other fuels, and their liability premium increased significantly due to changes in carrier. Susan Brouillette, 1002 Highland asked about possible route changes for weekends. Mr. Smith responded that will be part of the reevaluation process. Ordinance 2022-34 passed 8-0 on a roll call vote on first reading. The Clerk read Ordinance 2022-35 (2023 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, 2023 and Ending December 31, 2023, Including the Outstanding Claims and Obligations and Fixing A Time When the Same Shall Take Effect) by title only on first reading. Councilmember Hession Weiss moved for passage, Councilmember Weast- Williamson seconded. Mayor Roswarski gave a detailed presentation of the 2023 Budget. Included in this year’s budget will be a 5% raise for civilian employees, insurance premiums increased to 6% this year. Police and Fire employees will be getting a 3% raise which is 1% above their contract rate. A new Indiana state law allows an increase for police and fire for certain years of service. The Mayor spoke regarding the plans for individual departments that will increase and decrease their budgets. Several councilmembers spoke in support of the budget. Ordinance 2022-35 passed 8-0 on a roll call vote on first reading. Pearl Speakman, 923 S. 2nd Street spoke in support of sanitation workers not working holidays. The Clerk read Ordinance 2022-36 (An Ordinance Fixing the Salaries of the Appointed Officers and Employees of the City of Lafayette, Indiana, for the Year 2023, Excluding the Sworn Protective Occupation and Law Enforcement of the Police and Fire Departments.) by title only on first reading. Councilmember Klinker moved for passage, Councilmember Nargi seconded. Mayor Roswarski noted these employees will be getting a 5% raise. Ordinance 2022-36 passed 8-0 on a roll call vote on first reading. The Clerk read Ordinance 2022-37 (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 2023) by title only on first reading. Councilmember Reynolds moved for passage, Councilmember Hession Weiss seconded. The Mayor noted these employees will be getting a 3% raise which is a percent higher than their negotiated contract. Ordinance 2022-37 passed 8-0 on a roll call vote on first reading. The Clerk read Ordinance 2022-38 (An Ordinance Fixing the Salaries of the Elected Officials of the Elected Officials of the City of Lafayette for the Year 2023) by title only on first reading. Councilmember Ahlersmeyer moved for passage, Councilmember Weast-Williamson seconded. Mayor Roswarski noted this would be a 5% raise. Councilmember Hession Weiss recommended that the council freeze their pay for 2023 and give only a 5% raise to the Mayor and the Clerk. This will be addressed at the second reading of the ordinance. Ordinance 2022-38 passed 8-0 on a roll call vote on first reading. Councilmember Klinker moved to set a public hearing for Thursday, October 20, 2022 at 5:00 pm for second and final reading budget and salary ordinances, Councilmember Hession Weiss seconded. Motion passed by unanimous voice vote. The Clerk read Ordinance 2022-39 (An Amendment to Ordinance No. 2010-11 Establishing A Local Centennial/St. James Historic District in the City of Lafayette, Indiana) by title only on first reading. Councilmember Downing moved for passage, Councilmember Weast-Williamson seconded. John Collier, Economic Development spoke regarding the ordinance. Ordinance 2022-39 passed 8-0 on a roll call vote on first reading. The Clerk read Ordinance 2022-40 (An Amendment to Ordinance No. 2010-11 Establishing A Local S. 6th St/402 Lingle Ave. Conservation District in the City of Lafayette, Indiana) by title only on first reading. Councilmember Nargi moved for passage, Councilmember Klinker seconded. John Collier, Economic Development spoke regarding the ordinance. Ordinance 2022-40 passed 8-0 on a roll call vote on first reading. The Clerk read Ordinance 2022-41 (An Ordinance Adopting An Investment Policy for the City of Lafayette, Indiana) by title only on first reading. Councilmember Weast-Williamson moved for passage, Councilmember Downing seconded. Jeremy Diehl, Controller noted this ordinance designates the city controller as the investment manager for the city. Ordinance 2022-41 passed 8-0 on a roll call vote on first reading. The Clerk read Ordinance 2022-42 (An Ordinance For Additional Appropriation of American Rescue Plan Grant Fund.) (Fund #1760) Councilmember Ahlersmeyer moved for passage, Councilmember Weast-Williamson seconded. Jeremy Diehl, Controller noted this ordinance is to appropriate $2,000,000 from the second allotment of the American Rescue Grant fund, that will be used for infrastructure improvements prior to the end of 2022 if needed. Susan Brouillette, 1002 Highland Avenue questioned if any other construction projects were included, Mr. Diehl replied, not at this time. Ordinance 2022-42 passed 8-0 on a roll call vote on first reading. Councilmember Klinker moved to set a public hearing on Monday, November 7, 2022 @ 6:01pm, Councilmember Snyder seconded. Motion passed by unanimous voice vote. Resolutions: The Clerk read Resolution 2022-22 (A Resolution Approving Deduction for Tax Abatement in an Economic Revitalization Area (ERA) Wabash National LP (South Plant) Personal Property) by title only on first and final reading. Councilmember Downing moved for passage, Councilmember Weast- Williamson seconded. Dennis Carson, Economic Development Director spoke regarding this resolution and noted it was approved by the Redevelopment Commission. Justin Ross, Vice President Tax and Treasury for Wabash spoke regarding the planned project. Mayor Roswarski spoke in support of the project. Resolution 2022-22 passed 8-0 on a roll call vote on first and final reading. The Clerk read Resolution 2022-23 (A Resolution to Transfer Appropriation Between Major Budget Classifications Within Fund 2090 (EDIT) by title only on first and final reading. Councilmember Klinker moved for passage, Councilmember Reynolds seconded. Mayor Roswarski explained to council this transfer does not change the budgeted amount for the EDIT funds allotted in the 2023 budget. Resolution 2022-23 passed 8-0 on a roll call vote on first and final reading. No Reports of Standing Committees. No Reports of Special Committees. There was no Report by the Mayor. No Miscellaneous or New Business. Reports by the Council: Councilmember Klinker recognized and congratulated Councilmember Hession Weiss on her recent retirement from LUM. Councilmember Reynolds reminded everyone about the Lafayette Fire Show. Councilmember Reynolds also praised the Utility Billing Office and Water Department for assistance with a recent issue at his home. Public Comment: Pearl Speakman, 923 S 22nd Street spoke regarding several issues in the city. Councilmember Klinker move to adjourn. Councilmember Snyder seconded. Meeting adjourned at 7:20 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