City Council

MINUTES OF THE LAFAYETTE COMMON COUNCIL July 10, 2023 REGULAR MEETING (https://www.youtube.com/user/CityofLafayetteIN/live The Common Council of the City of Lafayette, Indiana met in regular session Monday, July 10, 2023, at 6:00 pm. In the Common Council Chamber at 20. N 6th Street. President Ahlersmeyer called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm. The Pledge of Allegiance led was given to the flag of our Country. Present: Klinker, Nargi, Snyder, Reynolds, Hession Weiss, Brown, Weast-Williamson, Downing and Brown. City Clerk Cindy Murray and City Attorney Jacque Chosnek were present. Councilmember Klinker moved to recess for a public hearing on Resolution 2023-19 (A Resolution Declaring the Designation of Certain Real Estate as an Economic Revitalization Area (ERA) and Approving the Application for Property Tax Abatement-Kentland Bank, Real Estate) Councilmember Nargi seconded. No public comment was heard. Councilmember Snyder moved to reconvene the regular meeting. Councilmember Reynolds seconded. Motion passed by unanimous voice vote. Councilmember Hession Weiss moved to approve the minutes of the June 5, 2023 meeting. Councilmember Brown 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: Police Department Annual 2022 Renew Department Monthly-May Water Works Department Monthly-May Fleet Maintenance Department Monthly-May Ordinances for Second Reading: The Clerk read Ordinance 2023-22 (An Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of Lafayette, Indiana Annexing Certain Territory into the City of Lafayette, Indiana 2023 Lafayette Southeast Voluntary Annexation Carr Family Farm II) by title only on second and final reading. Councilmember Weast-Williamson moved for passage, Councilmember Downing seconded. * Ordinance 2023-22 passed 8-0 on a roll call vote on second and reading. * The following comments were given regarding the proposed annexation Ryan Munden, attorney for the petitioner reiterated this is a super voluntary annexation and all requirements of the statute have been met. The Clerk read the following letter into the record: Hi, The tone of the Open Letter would be seen as hilarious, but it was penned with seriousness and sincerity by an anonymous person. I hope the tens of thousands of Lafayette residents take cues from their trusted elected officials when it comes to economic development results. There are two key points raised in the Open Letter: Lafayette is willing to annex land and the utility agreements have been in place for decades. However, it is important to note that the Open Letter fails to mention a significant detail. The Carr Family actually volunteered to be annexed by Lafayette due to the Dayton Town Council's prolonged meddling in approving the use of their land. While other matters may be raised by various individuals, the heart of the voluntary annexation lies in the question of who the land is being sold to and what their plans for its use are. Moreover, I wish to clarify that the term 'exclusive' does not appear in the referenced document. The majority of nearby residents have shown limited interest in being annexed by Dayton. Therefore, it is reassuring to know that individuals residing on Peshewa Drive and Adams Road need not be concerned about being targeted by the Dayton Town Council. Lastly, I believe that there are numerous areas where the Town of Dayton, City of Lafayette, and Tippecanoe County can and should collaborate. It is essential for these entities to work together on various activities. Let us remember that the tail shall never wag the dog. Voluntarily submitted, Dave Leininger 764 Shady Lane Dayton, IN 47941 Chris Wischer, attorney representing the town of Dayton spoke in opposition of the annexation. Mr. Wischer responded to several Councilmember questions. Mark Buhrmester, President Dayton Redevelopment Commission. 264 Washington St., Dayton, IN spoke in opposition of the annexation. Cindy Marsh, Dayton, Area Community Coalition spoke in opposition to the annexation. Ordinances for first reading: The Clerk read Ordinance 2023-25 (An Ordinance for Appropriation of Local Option Highway User Tax Funds (County Wheel Tax)(Fund #2490) by title only on first reading. Councilmember Klinker moved for passage, Councilmember Nargi seconded. Jeremy Diehl, Controller spoke regarding the ordinance and updated on council on road paving for this summer. Ordinance 2023-25 passed 8-0 on a roll call vote on first reading. Councilmember Snyder moved to set a public hearing for Ordinance 2023-25 on Monday, August 7, 2023 @ 6:01 pm. Councilmember Reynolds seconded. The Clerk read Ordinance 2023-26 (An Ordinance to Amend the Zoning Ordinance of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, to Rezone Certain Real Estate from R2U to NBU-1300 Howell Street-The 4th Offset, LLC, Petitioner) by title only on first and final reading. Councilmember Hession Weiss moved for passage, Councilmember Brown seconded. Ryan Munden, attorney for the petitioner noted the purpose of this request is to make the property legally conforming. Ordinance 2023-26 passed 8-0 on a roll call vote on first and final reading. The Clerk read Ordinance 2023-27 (An Ordinance to Amend 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 Members of the Police and Fire Departments.) by title only on first reading. Councilmember Weast-Williamson moved for passage, Councilmember Downing seconded. Jacque Chosnek, city attorney noted this ordinance is to add a fourth facilities position in the Water Works Department, that is being funded by A vacant position. Ordinance 2023-27 passed 8-0 on a roll call vote on first reading. Resolutions: The Clerk read Resolution 2023-20 (A Resolution Confirming the Designation of Certain Real Estate as an Economic Revitalization Area (ERA) and Approving the Application for Property tax Abatement (Kentland Bank-Real Estate) by title only one first and final reading. Councilmember Klinker moved for passage, Councilmember Nargi seconded. Dennis Carson, Economic Development Director spoke regarding the resolution. Resolution 2023-20 passed 8-0 on a roll call vote on first and final reading. The Clerk read Resolution 2023-21 (A Resolution of the Lafayette Common Council Annual Tax Abatement Compliance (Round 2)) by title only one first and final reading. Councilmember Snyder moved for passage; Councilmember Reynolds seconded. Dennis Carson, Economic Development Director noted all companies have been reviewed by the Economic Development Department and found to be in substantial compliance. Resolution 2023-21 passed 8-0 on a roll call vote on first and final reading. No Reports of Standing Committees. No Reports of Special Committees. No Report by the Mayor. No Miscellaneous or New Business Reports by the Council: Councilmember Hession Weiss spoke in support of Mayor Roswarski. Public Comment: Monica Casanova, Fairfield Township trustee, 1007 N 9th expressed concerns for the rental/housing market in the City of Lafayette and made some suggestions regarding changes to housing inspections. The following citizens discussed situations involving landlords, housing inspections, eviction and rentals: Angela Moody, Econo Lodge Hotel Morgan Rose, Econo Lodge Hotel John Copeland, 1018 N. Street Sherry McGlothlin, 1120 N. 13th Street State Representative Sheila Klinker shared with the public that she has spoken with Mayor Roswarski and the city has little power to force landlords into compliance. Changes to the laws of housing rentals and inspections must come from the state level. Mrs. Klinker encouraged citizens to contact their state representatives to push for new legislation. Nancy Marshall, 21 N 27th Street gave council members a copy of a rental inspection ordinance she obtained from the town of Clarksville and spoke regarding the rental homes in her area. Jacque Chosnek, city attorney, updated everyone the work her office is doing to come up with a policy for inspection requests and accountability for landlords. General discussion ensued with councilmembers, the city attorney and several citizens in the chambers. Councilmember Klinker move to adjourn. Councilmember Nargi seconded. Meeting adjourned at 7:04 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