City Council

MINUTES OF THE LAFAYETTE COMMON COUNCIL Thursday, October 5, 2023 SPECIAL MEETING for PUBLIC HEARING The Common Council of the City of Lafayette, Indiana met in a virtual special session on Thursday, October 5, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. President Ahlersmeyer called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm. The Pledge of Allegiance was given to the flag of our Country The following members were present: Klinker, Nargi, Snyder, Reynolds, Hession Weiss, Brown, Weast-Williamson, Downing and Ahlersmeyer The City Clerk stated that there was a quorum present. City Clerk Cindy Murray and City Attorney Jacque Chosnek were present. President Ahlersmeyer announced the purpose of the hearing was for public comment on the 2024 Budget and Salary Ordinances. The Clerk read the following Ordinances: Ordinance 2023-44 (2024 GLPTC Budget, An Ordinance Appropriating Money for the Greater Lafayette Public Transportation as Required Pursuant to Indiana Code 6-1.17-20.) There was no public comment. Ordinance 2023-45 (2024 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, 2024 and Ending December 31, 2024, Including the Outstanding Claims and Obligations and Fixing a Time When the Same Shall Take Effect.) There was no other public comment. Ordinance 2023-46 (An Ordinance Fixing the Salaries of the Appointed Officers and Employees of the City of Lafayette, Indiana for the Year 2024, Excluding the Sworn Protective Occupation and Law Enforcement Members of the Police and Fire Departments.) There was no public comment. Ordinance 2023-47 (An Amended 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 2024.) There was no public comment Ordinance 2023-48 (An Ordinance Fixing the Salaries of the Elected Officials of the City of Lafayette, Indiana, for the Year 2024.) There was no public comment. Cindy Murray, City Clerk read into the minutes the following letters from citizens regarding the proposed 2024 City Budget: Dear City Clerk Murray, I am submitting this public comment ahead of the public hearing for the Proposed 2024 City Budget. While I am unable to attend the meeting this evening, I wanted to share my frustration with the proposed 8% raise for police. The main justification provided for this raise being higher than other civilian city employees is to make police positions more competitive. Mayor Roswarski also previewed that he expected something similar next budget cycle. This continues a dangerous trend I have seen in our community. The idea that funding police more and more will keep our community safe. Since October of 2022, there have been no less than 7 ordinances passed by the city council that have provided more appropriations to LPD for bunker gear and handheld radios, new positions (both sworn and civilian), and even an increased salary bump beyond the negotiated contract rate. Where does it end? Community members have advocated to the city council to focus on community needs such as affordable housing and access to mental health resources, and have been met with dismissiveness regarding the city's ability to help and dog- whistles over concerns about the "right type" of neighbor. There are other ways to make this city and it's citizens safe and prosperous beyond increased police presence. We know that people of color, poor folks, and individuals with disabilities and mental health concerns are disproportionately impacted by policing and criminalization. Until we start addressing the root causes that perpetuate harm in this community, no amount of funding the police will get us closer to the safe communities we are seeking. I ask the city council reconsider the trend of continually increasing funding for police. From Wabash to Fairfield townships, all of our neighbors in Greater Lafayette deserve to live in safe, resourced communities that meet their actual needs. Thank you for your consideration, ian andrews 28 s. 26th st. lafayette IN 47904 Dear City Clerk Murray, I am submitting this public comment ahead of the public hearing for the Proposed 2024 City Budget. While I am unable to attend the meeting this evening, I wanted to share my shock and frustration with the proposed 8% raise for police, which is considerably higher than all other city employee raises proposed. I understand that the main justification provided for this raise being higher than other civilian city employees is to make these police positions more competitive. Mayor Roswarski also previewed that he expected something similar next budget cycle. This continues an extremely concerning trend I have seen in our community where our police are catered to more than our civilians and that funding police more and more will keep our community safe. Since October of 2022, there have been no less than 7 ordinances passed by the city council that have provided more appropriations to LPD for bunker gear and handheld radios, new positions (both sworn and civilian), and even an increased salary bump beyond the negotiated contract rate. Where does it end? Community members have advocated to the city council to focus on community needs such as affordable housing and access to mental health resources, and have been met with dismissiveness regarding the city's ability to help and dog- whistles over concerns about the "right type" of neighbor. There are other ways to make this city and its citizens safe and prosperous beyond increased police presence. We know that people of color, poor folks, and individuals with disabilities and mental health concerns are disproportionately impacted by policing and criminalization. Until we start addressing the root causes that perpetuate harm in this community, no amount of funding the police will get us closer to the safe communities we are seeking. I respectfully request the city council reconsider the trend of continually increasing funding for police. From Wabash to Fairfield townships, all of our neighbors in Greater Lafayette deserve to live in safe, resourced communities that meet their actual needs. Thank you for your consideration, Kaleb Byers 304 S 27th St Lafayette, IN 47904 Dear City Clerk Murray, I am submitting this public comment ahead of the public hearing for the Proposed 2024 City Budget. While I am unable to attend the meeting this evening, I wanted to share my concern with the proposed 8% raise for police. The main justification provided for this raise being higher than other civilian city employees is to make police positions more competitive. Mayor Roswarski also previewed that he expected something similar next budget cycle. This continues a dangerous trend; The idea that funding police more and more is what best makes our community safe. There is plenty of data that shows that spending on police will not benefit our citizens like investment in health and resources will. Since October of 2022, there have been no less than 7 ordinances passed by the city council that have provided more appropriations to LPD for bunker gear and handheld radios, new positions (both sworn and civilian), and even an increased salary bump beyond the negotiated contract rate. Community members have advocated to the city council to focus on community needs such as affordable housing and access to mental health resources, and have been met with dismissiveness regarding the city's ability to help and dog-whistles over concerns about the "right type" of neighbor. There are other ways to make this city and its citizens safe and prosperous beyond increased police presence. We know that people of color, poor folks, and individuals with disabilities and mental health concerns are disproportionately impacted by policing and criminalization. Until we start addressing the root causes that perpetuate harm in this community, no amount of funding the police will get us closer to the safe communities we are seeking. I implore the city council to reconsider the trend of continually increasing funding for police. From Wabash to Fairfield townships, all of our neighbors in Greater Lafayette deserve to live in safe, resourced communities that meet their actual needs. Investing more and more in policing is our community is investing in our punitive system rather than the supportive systems we can ALL benefit from. Let's make moves to funnel money to the latter instead. Thank you for your consideration, Stephanie Silva 3006 Elmwood Ave, Lafayette, IN 47904 Councilman Klinker moved to adjourn and Councilwoman Nargi seconded. Meeting was adjourned at 5:12 p.m. Minutes prepared by Cindy Murray, City Clerk Complete audio on file at www.lafayette.in.gov