City Council

MINUTES OF THE LAFAYETTE COMMON COUNCIL September 5, 2023 REGULAR MEETING (https://www.youtube.com/user/CityofLafayetteIN/live The Common Council of the City of Lafayette, Indiana met in regular session Tuesday, September 5, 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 Ahlersmeyer. City Clerk Cindy Murray and City Attorney Jacque Chosnek were present. Councilmember Klinker moved to recess for a public hearing on Ordinance 2023-32 (An Ordinance Amending Section 8.08.140 and Authorizing The Continuation of Article VIII, Sections 8.08.800-890 Providing for a Stormwater Service Charge in the City of Lafayette, Indiana) Councilmember Nargi seconded. Leslie McAhren, 15 Eastland Drive, spoke in opposition to Stormwater fees. No other public comment was heard. Councilmember Snyder moved to reconvene the regular meeting. Councilmember Reynolds seconded. Motion passed by unanimous voice vote. Councilmember Reynolds moved to approve the minutes of the August 7, 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: Renew Department Monthly-July Water Works Department Monthly-July Fleet Maintenance Department Monthly-July Ordinances for Second Reading: The Clerk read Ordinance 2023-28 (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 second and reading. Councilmember Hession Weiss moved for passage, Councilmember Brown seconded. Scott Galloway, Police Chief noted this is for two proposed Community Service Officers. Chief Galloway explained how the civilian positions could assume duties that do not need sworn officers. Ordinance 2023-28 passed 8-0 on a roll call vote on second and reading. Cindy Murray, City Clerk read the following letter of support into the record: First of all, I want to commend the mayor and city council for passing Ordinance 2023-28. The commission of public safety officers to fulfill roles distinct from uniformed officers is an excellent objective. It gives the city an opportunity to conserve resources and bring new skills and perspectives to law enforcement in Lafayette. When I first read the regulation that was introduced, details were limited, but the text "to supplement the efforts of a sworn officer when a sworn officer is not required" evoke to me the idea of non-commissioned members of the police department that are prepared to be dispatched in certain circumstances. Scenarios where a community service officer, or perhaps even a counselor or other mental health professional, could respond to calls involving non-violent mental health or domestic issues to augment or replace commissioned officers. My understanding is that the intent of this bill may in fact be restricted to community liaisons and administrative assistants but would not be involved in patrols or calls. These are important tasks, but there is more that people in these positions can do. Specifically, I urge the city council to include these sorts of counseling and mental health professionals when implementing these new positions. These workers would be able to use conflict resolution training to de-escalate situations and act as a conduit connecting those in need with the resources to address mental health or substance use issues in their lives. Police officers are not mental health experts and shouldn't be expected to take on this additional job responsibility. Bringing in community resource officers that can address these issues will reduce repeat calls to houses and free officers up for other work. I urge the city council to include these roles in the present community resource officer program, as there will be benefits to both the police department and the Lafayette community. Regardless of how the city council and police department plan to implement this position, I suggest community listening sessions be organized so that these positions can best meet the needs of the people of Lafayette. Jacob Hosen 1014 S 21st Street Lafayette, IN 47905 The Clerk read Ordinance 2023-32 (An Ordinance Amending Section 8.08.140 and Authorizing the Continuation of Article VIII, Sections 8.08.800-890 Providing for a Stormwater Service Charge in the City of Lafayette, Indiana) by title only on second and final reading. Councilmember Weast-Williamson moved for passage, Councilmember Downing seconded. Mayor Roswarski listed several of the many projects funded with Stormwater fees and noted the need to reauthorize is to continue and complete these projects and future projects. Jennifer Wilson from Crowe, spoke regarding the bond renewal noting there would be no rate change. Ordinance 2023-32 passed 8-0 on a roll call vote on second and final reading. Ordinances for first reading: The Clerk read Ordinance 2023-30 (An Ordinance to Amend the Zoning Ordinance of Tippecanoe County, Indiana to Rezone Certain Property From GB to I3, 37.57 Acres Located on the South Side of SR 38 E., West of Arletta Court. Jerry Kittle C/O Innovative Engineering and Consulting Inc. Petitioner) by title only on first and final reading. Councilmember Klinker moved for passage, Councilmember Nargi. seconded. Mayor Roswarski confirmed the rezoned area is for a new trash transfer station. Andy Harris, Bestway Disposal gave a brief explanation of the project. Ordinance 2023-30 passed 8-0 on a roll call vote on first and final reading. The Clerk read Ordinance 2023-33 (An Ordinance Concerning the Construction of Additions and Improvements to the Waterworks of the City of Lafayette, Indiana, and the Issuance of Revenue Bonds) by title only on first reading. Councilmember Snyder moved for passage; Jacque Chosnek, city attorney spoke regarding the ordinance. Councilmember Reynolds seconded. Ordinance 2023-33 passed 8-0 on a roll call vote on first reading. The Clerk ready Ordinance 2023-34 (An Ordinance to Amend the Zoning of Tippecanoe County, Indiana to Rezone Certain Real Estate from GB to PDRS-Area IV Development Inc.-Danielle Biberstine-Snowy Owl Commons PD) by title only on first and final reading. Councilmember Hession Weiss moved for passage, Councilmember Brown seconded. Dennis Carson, Economic Development Director spoke in support of this project. John Schrader, attorney for the petitioner explained the planned project of affordable senior living. Elva James, Director Area VI Development spoke about the process of funding for the project. Ordinance 2023-34 passed 8-0 on a roll call vote on first and final reading. The Clerk read Ordinance 2023-35 (An Ordinance to Amend the Zoning Ordinance of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, to Rezone Certain Real Estate from NB to GB-1827 Schuyler Avenue, Gaeta Rentals, Petitioner) by title only on first reading. Councilmember Weast Williamson moved for passage, Councilmember Downing seconded. President Ahlersmeyer announced the Petitioner has requested to table Ordinance 2023-35 until the October 2nd meeting. Councilmember Klinker moved to table until October 2nd, Councilmember Nargi seconded. Motion passed by unanimous voice vote. The Clerk read Ordinance 2023-36 (An Ordinance to Amend the Zoning Ordinance of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, to Rezone Certain Real Estate from R1U&R2U-900 Place LLC, John Tiebel, Corridor Place PD) by title only on first and final reading. Councilmember Snyder moved for passage; Councilmember Reynolds seconded. Dennis Carson, Economic Development Director spoke in support of the ordinance. Chris Shelmon, Attorney for the petitioner gave a short overview of the project which will include townhomes row style and other single-family homes. This project will be a unique style development in the Rail Corridor along South 4th street. Ordinance 2023-36 passed 8-0 on a roll call vote on first and final reading. The Clerk read Ordinance 2023-37 (An Ordinance Amending Subsection 302.10 of the Lafayette Municipal Code Section 13.03.010 Removal of Graffiti.) by title only on first reading. Councilmember Klinker moved for passage, Councilmember Nargi seconded. Jacque Chosnek, City attorney spoke regarding the changes to the ordinance that will transfer the main responsibility for graffiti to the Engineering/Code Enforcement Department. The Police Department will still oversee tagging and vandalism. Ordinance 2023-27 passed 8-0 on a roll call vote on first reading. The Clerk read Ordinance 2023-38 (An Ordinance Amending Fees that the City of Lafayette May Charge for Computer Reports, Accident Reports, VIN Checks, Law Enforcement Recording and Other Miscellaneous Copies) by title only on first reading. Councilmember Snyder moved for passage; Councilmember Reynolds seconded. Jacque Chosnek, City Attorney spoke regarding the changes. Ms. Chosnek noted the main change involved police camera footage pricing. Ordinance 2023-38 passed 8-0 on a roll call vote on first reading. The Clerk read Ordinance 2023-39 (An Amendment to Ordinance No. 2020-11 Establishing A Local Centennial South/820 Ferry St. Historic District in the City of Lafayette, Indiana) by title only on first reading. Councilmember Hession Weiss moved for passage, Councilmember Brown seconded. Dennis Carson, Economic Development Director spoke regarding the ordinance. Ordinance 2023-39 passed8-0 on a roll call vote on first reading. The Clerk read Ordinance 2023-40 (An Amendment to Ordinance No. 2020-11 Establishing A Local Jefferson/413 N, 11th Historic District in the City of Lafayette, Indiana) by title only on first reading. Councilmember Weast-Williamson moved for passage, Councilmember Downing seconded. Dennis Carson, Economic Development Director spoke regarding the ordinance. Ordinance 2023-40 passed 8-0 on a roll call vote on first reading. The Clerk read Ordinance 2023-41 (An Amendment to Ordinance No. 2020-11 Establishing A Local Perrin South/221 Perrin Ave. Historic District in the City of Lafayette, Indiana) by title only on first reading. Councilmember Klinker moved for passage, Councilmember Nargi seconded. Dennis Carson, Economic Development Director spoke regarding the ordinance. Ordinance 2023-41 passed 8-0 on a roll call vote on first reading. The Clerk read Ordinance 2023-42 (An Amendment to Ordinance No. 2020-11 Establishing A Local Centennial 1008 Hartford St. Historic District in the City of Lafayette, Indiana) by title only on first reading. Councilmember Snyder moved for passage; Councilmember Reynolds seconded. Dennis Carson, Economic Development Director spoke regarding the ordinance. Ordinance 2023-42 passed 8-0 on a roll call vote on first reading. The Clerk read Ordinance 2023-43 (An Amendment to Ordinance No. 2020-11 Establishing A Local Lincoln/120 Tippecanoe St. Historic District in the City of Lafayette, Indiana) by title only on first reading. Councilmember Hession Weiss moved for passage, Councilmember Brown seconded. Dennis Carson, Economic Development Director spoke regarding the ordinance. Ordinance 2023-43 passed 8-0 on a roll call vote on first reading. Resolutions: The Clerk read Resolution 2023-22 (A Resolution Ratifying and Approving the Sale and Development Agreement for the S. 4th St. Railroad Corridor Redevelopment Project) by title only on first and final reading. Councilmember Weast-Williamson moved for passage, Councilman Downing seconded. Dennis Carson, Economic Development Director spoke regarding the resolution. Resolution 2023-22 passed 8-0 on a roll call vote on first and final reading. The Clerk read Resolution 2023-23 (A Resolution Approving a Deduction for Tax Abatement in an Economic Revitalization Area (ERA)-Toyota Tshusho America, Inc. Personal Property) by title only on first and final reading. Councilmember Klinker, Councilmember Nargi seconded. Dennis Carson spoke in support of the abatement. Mike Schopmeyer, partner with Kahn, Dees, Donovan &Kahn, LLP gave a brief explanation of the planned project. Resolution 2023-23 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: President Ahlersmeyer requested a motion to set a public hearing for 2024 Lafayette City Budget and 2024 GLPTC Budget on Thursday, October 5th at 5:00 pm in the Council Chamber. Councilmember Klinker moved to set public hearing, Councilmember Brown seconded. Motion passed by unanimous voice vote. No Reports by the Council. Public Comment: Buddy Diangelo, Lafayette expressed concern regarding speeding in the area of a preschool located in the N 17th St area. Councilmember Klinker move to adjourn. Councilmember Hession Weiss 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