Zionsville Town Council

Zionsville Town Council December 16, 2024 ZIONSVILLE TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR DECEMBER 16, 2024 AT 7:30 A.M. EST ONSITE MEETING 1100 West Oak Street This meeting was conducted onsite. All Councilors participated in person. Council Members Present: Jason Plunkett, President; Brad Burk, Vice-President; Tim McElderry, Craig Melton, Evan Norris, Sarah Esterline Sampson, and Joe Stein Also Present : Heather Harris, Town Council Attorney; Mayor John Stehr; Deputy Mayor Justin Hage; Cindy Poore, Director of Finance & Records; Jarod Logsdon, Superintendent of Parks & Recreation; Roger Kilmer, Senior Planner; Lance Lantz, Director of DPW; Amy Lacy, Municipal Relations Coordinator; and other Town Department Staff OPENING A. Call meeting to order B. Pledge of Allegiance Plunkett All right, good morning. I will now call to order the Monday, December 16, 2024 Town Council meeting. If you would please, stand and join me for the Pledge of Allegiance. All Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF THE MEMORANDUM OF THE DECEMBER 2, 2024 REGULAR MEETING Plunkett All right, first item on the agenda is the approval of the December 2, 2024 Town Council meeting memoranda. A copy has been posted. Are there any questions or comments from Councilors? Sampson I have a correction, sorry. Page 48 – it says inaudible. It should say John Stehr. Page 1 of 30 Zionsville Town Council December 16, 2024 Plunkett All right, any other questions or comments? Otherwise, I would entertain a motion. Sampson I move to approve the – Burk Second. Sampson Oh, okay. Plunkett First from Councilor Sampson, second from Vice President Burk. All those in favor signify by saying aye. All Aye. Plunkett All those opposed same sign. [No response] Motion passes 7 in favor, 0 opposed. APPROVAL OF THE DECEMBER 16, 2024 CLAIMS Plunkett Up next is the approval of the December 16, 2024 claims. Are there any questions from Councilors? If there are none, I would entertain a motion. Norris Move to approve the December 16, 2024 claims. Stein Second. Plunkett First from Councilor Norris, a second from Councilor Stein. All those in favor signify by saying aye. All Aye. Plunkett All those opposed same sign. [No response] Motion passes 7 in favor, 0 opposed. REQUEST TO SPEAK Plunkett All right, up next is a Request to Speak on Agenda Item. I have one request to speak. Amy, do you have anymore down there? Lacy No, I do not. Plunkett All right, so we have Michael Strohl. Michael, if you would, when you come up to the microphone, you’ll have 3 minutes. If you would, just state your name and address for the record and then I’ll start your timer. Strohl Thank you. I probably won’t take 3 minutes, but I appreciate the time. Page 2 of 30 Zionsville Town Council December 16, 2024 Plunkett All right. Strohl My name is Mike Strohl. I live at 755 Sugarbush Drive here in Zionsville. I’ve been a resident of Zionsville for 23 years now, raised my family here, love this community and I’m here today to speak actually in support of the proposed sewer rate increase which is not something you wake up at 7:30 on a Monday morning and hope to do, but I’ll do it. In my professional capacity, I’m a Senior Vice President with Citizens Energy Group in Indianapolis where I’ve worked for nearly 25 years now, the last 13 or so of which have been managing the waste, water and wastewater utilities in the City of Indianapolis and in Westfield. So I tell you that – I’m not here in my professional capacity, I’m here as a resident but I tell you that to let you know I have a little bit of experience in understanding what it takes to manage wastewater systems and first, I’d like to commend Lance Lantz and his team. They’ve done a really nice job of managing this utility for a long time without a rate increase. I think it’s been like 14 years or so and wastewater utilities are very difficult to manage. They’re very capital-intensive businesses, they have lots of mechanical systems that fail over time, systems needing to be upgraded to support growth in the community and to support economic development, lift stations need to be expanded, electricity and chemical costs are the big drivers behind them so, they’re really quite necessary. Nobody likes doing it. You, as Council members don’t like approving anything that raises costs for citizens. Lance and his team don’t like recommending it and certainly residents and customers don’t like paying it but they are a necessary requirement of running these systems so. I looked at the Crowe and Baker Tilly studies. They are both very recognized, incredible consultants in the world of utility rate making analysis and I think they’ve done a nice job and so I know it’s a large increase and I know it’s hard for you all to, to support but at the same time, you’re doing the community a favor by supporting that and expanding those systems. So, that’s all I’ve got. Thank you. McElderry Thanks Mike. Norris Thanks. Sampson Thanks Mike. MAYOR/ADMINISTRATION UPDATE Plunkett All right, we will move onto the Mayor/Administration Update and we have Mayor Stehr with us this morning. Stehr Good morning everyone. McElderry Good morning. Stehr First of all, I’m happy to tell you that we have a new Executive Assistant to introduce today and to get her, we dove deep into the Zionsville pool and found a Page 3 of 30 Zionsville Town Council December 16, 2024 lifelong resident to fill that role. Jenna Butler, she’s in the audience here sitting next to Alexa. She grew up here, she’s a graduate of Zionsville High School. She and her husband are raising their two children here and sending them to the same schools that she went to when she grew up and today is her first day so we’re going to make sure that Jenna gets around to meet all of you and I have no doubt that she will be a great addition to our staff and also a great forward-facing person for the town, representing the town to the people of Zionsville. So, Jenna, welcome. The next item I have is the S&P Report. In your packet is the Standard & Poors Report that was issued on December 6th. Now, just a little bit of background here that I think is important – the S&P lowered our credit rating in October of 2022 from AA+ to AA with a negative outlook. At the time, S&P cited a failure of internal controls, a lack of transparency, poorly performing financial software, failure to comply with state reporting standards and internal disputes between elected officials and it’s been no secret, it’s been a focus of mine, my Administration and the Town Council to turn this around and we have addressed all of these issues head on including hiring an employee in Finance who’s primary focus is to make sure that all monthly and annual engagement with the state is up to date and I can tell you this morning that that is the case. So, in recognition of those efforts, S&P has removed the negative outlook from our bond rating which now stands at AA with a neutral outlook. And in its report, and I think this is very important, S&P said notably, the town recently implemented a long-term capital and financial plan to assist in budget development and the strategic spending of reserves on capital projects. It plans to update this document annually. In addition, over the past year, the management team has adopted an internal control, investment, debt management and reserve policy. This is a very positive development for our town and it’s an indication to the marketplace that we are on track with our finances and now what we need to do is show consistency over the long term. This is one of those things that it doesn’t take long to lose it but it takes a while to get it back so S&P will continue to monitor and may consider upgrading our credit rating in the coming years and as the fiscal body of the town, I just want to say I believe that, that you deserve much of the credit for this and I want to thank you all for your good work on behalf of the town to help get us to a better place financially. The next item that I have is the Board and Commission Appointments for 2025. Also in your packet you have my appointments for the various Boards and Commissions for next year. I have 35 positions to fill before the end of the year and I’m not going to name them all but I will say that they do represent a cross- section of our town. We have Republican and Democrats, men and women, rural and urban residents and I believe they are among the best of us in Zionsville. It is always impressive to me to see the number of gifted and experienced and accomplished people we have in Zionsville and their willingness to step up when you ask. At the same time, I want to acknowledge those whose terms will end at the end of December. Thank you so much for your efforts on behalf of our town. Your, your efforts have truly made us better as a town so I want to thank everybody who is willing to step up and do that. The new Board and Commission members will take their seats on January 1st. Page 4 of 30 Zionsville Town Council December 16, 2024 One other quick note here – the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, it’s underway with a new term and we have 22 students engaged. They have already met with several Councilors and other elected leaders and department heads. They’re planning a trip to the State House to meet with our state lawmakers in the spring. They’re also working on a service project for the town and they’ll present to you on April 21st what they have learned and offering some ideas for the town based on their point of view. It’s not going to be a long, drawn out presentation but I think it’ll be a very pointed presentation and I think if you spend some time with these young people you see how impressive they are and I’m sure that this will not be a waste of time, it’ll be a good use of time not only for, for this body but for the town to hear what our young people have to say. One important note as I sign off here – the Town Hall will be closed for the holidays on December 24th and December 25th and also January 1st. We will be open for business all other days on the normal business days. So, so that’s all I have this morning. I just want to take a moment though and thank the Council for your positive engagement this year. I think it’s been a very positive year and I think we have a great foundation to build upon for 2025 and I just want you to know that I appreciate all of you very much, so thank you. McElderry Thank you Mayor. Stehr Any questions or any thoughts? Plunkett Thank you. Stehr Okay, thank you. OLD BUSINESS Consideration of an Ordinance To Rename the People of Zionsville for the Aesthetics of Zionsville (PZAZ) to the Zionsville Tree Board Ordinance 2024-41 (Final Reading) Plunkett All right, first item of Old Business is a Consideration of an Ordinance to Rename the People of Zionsville for the Aesthetics of Zionsville or PZAZ to the Zionsville Tree Board. This is Ordinance 2024-41. This is a final reading. We certainly have folks available to talk on this. Again, this is the second time we’ve heard this, so any questions or comments from Councilors? McElderry Mr. President, I’ll just add there is in the composition of the committee, there is a point where it suggests that the Town Council should appoint one non-voting secondary school student as an advisor. I’ll be working with the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor to try to identify that student so that we do have a complete group but otherwise, I have no other comments to make. Plunkett Perfect. If there are no other comments, I would entertain a motion. Page 5 of 30 Zionsville Town Council December 16, 2024 McElderry I’d like to move that we approve Ordinance 2024-41 on final reading with one slight change in Section 31.25(A)(4) it does require a space between a non-voting advisory member of the committee, so that’s just the only minor change. Plunkett Yes, I see that. Burk Second. Plunkett I’ve got a first from Councilor McElderry, a second from Vice President Burk. All those in favor signify by saying aye. All Aye. Plunkett All those opposed same sign. [No response] Motion passes 7 in favor, 0 opposed. Amy, do you see that spot on there or Heather, do you see that? Harris Yes. Plunkett Okay, perfect. Harris We talked about it. Thank you. Establishing the Non-DLGF Budget for 2025 Ordinance 2024-42 (Final Reading) Plunkett Great. All right, next item of Old Business is the Consideration of an Ordinance Establishing the Non-DLGF Budget for 2025. We have Cindy Poore, Director of Finance and Records here for Councilors if there are questions. Poore Good morning. Norris Good morning. Plunkett Morning. Sampson Good morning. Poore So sorry, hang on one second. Do all of you have the presentation in front of you? Norris Yes. Poore Okay. Before I get started, there was a revised ordinance that was sent out on Friday. Did everybody receive that? Okay. Okay, so to get started on the 2025 Non-DLGF budget, there’s a few things that I want to go through and point out. The first is the non-DLGF budget is much different from the budget that we passed in October. This one your, your revenues are not going to equally offset your expenditures and there are many reasons for this. One, a lot of this budget is Page 6 of 30 Zionsville Town Council December 16, 2024 made up of fee-based funds that may sit for a while as they accumulate before we decide that we need to appropriate anything out of them. It could also be bond proceeds or grant proceeds where you get one disbursement but the project may be over multiple years so that revenue is not accounted for every year but the main thing to remember is that the expenditures are generally going to be greater than what the revenues are showing, okay? A little bit of history – going back to 2022, it shows you what previous non- DLGF budgets that were approved and how the revenues and the expenses compare to each other. I will say I had the updated slide deck just on the expenses. In our Finance committee meeting on Friday with a discussion between Parks and Councilor Sampson, we did decide to decrease the, one of the Park impact fees by $225,000 so the expense line is actually $11,039,429.63. So that’s the amount of the ordinance that you received on Friday that you have in front of you. The estimated amount of revenues for ’25 is $6,695,270 and here again, even, even when we do budgets these are, these are estimates. We go through historical information and so forth but it’s never 100% so and that’s the same with estimating revenues. In 2025, I know there was a question about the $15,000 from the golf course in the Park. That was correct. Next year the revenue that we get in from the golf course is split 25/75 so 25% of it goes to the Park and 75% of it goes to the golf course fund. The minimum amount that we would receive from the golf course is $50,000 because in the agreement it’s $50,000 or 10% of the greens fees, whichever is greater. So what we’ve calculated this on is the $50,000. McElderry The greens fees were about $300,000 last year, is that correct? Poore Correct, yes. So the $35,000 for the golf course has been added to the revenues for the 2025 budget. Sampson That was what, what was missing last time when I was asking where the, where the – Poore Right. Sampson $50,000 added up – Poore Right. Sampson It only showed $15,000. Poore And there were three increases to park donation estimates as well for 2025, a memorial bench, there, there was a change in their general and their memorial tree. For expenditures, I want to point out that in the original one I had accounted for the RDC bonds and the reason for that was I hadn’t received the spending plan for RDC yet and wanted to make sure that those bond payments were accounted for. Since we had to go back in and redo some of this, I took those out because I Page 7 of 30 Zionsville Town Council December 16, 2024 have received the RDC spending plan and so I took the bond payments out of this which also lowered the overall expenses. Just to point out – Plunkett Cindy? Poore Yes? Plunkett When you say you pulled those out – Poore Yes – Plunkett If you, so you were waiting to get the spending plan from the RDC to make sure they had the revenue to cover it on their end? Poore Right and I knew they would have the revenue it’s just that I hadn’t seen the spending plan from RDC to make sure that they had those payments budgeted. Plunkett Okay. Poore So I just wanted, was trying to cover my base there. Plunkett Okay. Poore Yes. And I know you had a question as far as the transfers and what those lines consist of. The EMS transfer line is, the EMS fund is used to bring in the ambulance revenue and that’s the only thing that that fund is used for. So periodically throughout the year once that fund gets to a certain balance, we transfer that money out and we put it into the Fire Operating account and so, but we have to estimate how much we’re going to do throughout the year so that’s what that transfer is. The other transfers are for bond payments. The Zionsville EDA transfer that goes over to the 2010 sewage works SRF that the Oak Street helps pay for the Town Hall lease payment and then we do monthly transfers out of the wastewater fund and those funds help pay the sewage works revenue bond of 2015 and both the 2019 sewage works bonds. The total amount, here again, the total amount of the budget that we’re presenting is $11,039,429.63. Sampson So those EMS funds are from the ambulance runs? Poore The ambulance revenues. We have a billing service that takes care of the billing for that and so we have a separate fund set up for that strictly for that billing service to work with and but we don’t, we don’t pay anything out of that fund whatsoever. Sampson So aren’t we anticipating that number to go up this year with the fee increase reflected in the budget? Poore Yes. And with the revenues even if it isn’t, that’s something here again, they’re estimates and it’s nothing that we, unless there’s a lot more and we need to do an additional which you’ll see later on out of the transfer fund, I mean it’s still, we can still move the money back and forth. Page 8 of 30 Zionsville Town Council December 16, 2024 Sampson I was just thinking I would anticipate that to be a higher transfer number if we’re anticipating higher fees. I don’t know – am I not thinking about that right? I mean if we’re going up on fees because we’ve raised that, wouldn’t that increase our – Poore Well, and we also account for that revenue. We don’t, when, when we’re budgeting that revenue is accounted for in the DLGF fund or budget because we account for it in the Operating fund for the Fire Department but – Sampson As a fee it’s in the DLGF? Poore As revenue because here again, the fund that we’re transferring out of is basically just kind of a passthrough. Sampson Okay. Poore Yes. So, a summary – the 2025 estimated revenues are $6,695,270 and the proposed budget is $11,039,429.63 which is, the budget is at 40% less than 2024. Estimated revenues are about 8% less than what was for 2024. Any questions? Melton Cindy, you mentioned that the EMS you would transfer that fund out, those dollars and there’s some kind of trigger or some price point of when we do that – Poore Right, we just – Melton Just curious, what’s that number? Poore Usually we like to leave around $50,000 in that account and then once we get a fair amount over that, then we’ll move over the money. Melton And one other question – it says Fund 4446 on Oak Street EDA transfer – Poore Yes – Melton What’s that EDA stand for? Poore Economic Development Area. Melton Area? Okay, so I think that’s important just to kind of call out as it’s – Poore And those were ones that I, some of them I think that I took out but since there was, President Plunkett had a question, I went ahead and I wanted to put a description in there as to what those were for. Melton That’s great. Thank you. Plunkett Cindy, if there are parts of this that are not approved that just simply sits in the account and it can come back next year for an additional appropriation, correct? I mean it’s not like this is lost money. Poore Right. Page 9 of 30 Zionsville Town Council December 16, 2024 Plunkett Yes. I mean I would have some questions around, I know I asked this last time about the Parks impact fee, both old and new, and I noticed there’s been some changes and I understand why those changes have taken place but I guess the question I have is the Parks Board is it’s own entity, right? I mean it, it approves and recommends and etc., etc. for the Parks Department. All other departments have to come to the Town Council for approval which is why we’re in this spot and I feel like there’s some really good detail around what a lot of this stuff is being used for and I guess my question and maybe it’s for Jarod but has there been an approved impact fee spending plan by the Parks Board? Poore I don’t know if, Jarod may need to answer that. I don’t know if there’s been a specific spending plan for the impact fees. I’ll let Jarod answer that. Logsdon Good morning Council. Jarod Logsdon, Superintendent of Parks and Recreation. While there has not been an official plan developed for the impact fee, there was both an action plan developed in the 5-Year Master Plan for prioritizing projects as well as the narrative to utilize impact fees whenever it’s appropriate for one of those projects. So that’s exactly what we’re proposing within this budget request for 2025. As we look at the action plan, Carpenter Nature Preserve Phase I was proposed in 2023 to begin building in the budgets and the Mulberry concession stand was built into the 2024 budget. So, playing catchup on those projects and utilizing impact fees as they are appropriate. But concerning an actual plan, we did have a public discussion at the most recent Park Board meeting concerning the Board’s comfort with issuing this many impact fees and realizing that will leave less for future projects and it was understood and discussed publicly and then proceeded with the vote. Plunkett Yes, I mean, I think the from my perspective and I know it’s been kind of a sticking point for me is just the timeline, the phases, the, etc., etc. for Carpenter and I know we’re lowering the Mulberry Fields concession stand number to a number that was presented to the Parks Board. I just wonder why we wouldn’t request an official impact fee plan for these spends knowing that once they’re gone, they’re gone, right? And again, as we just talked about before, even if they’re pulled out until you have an opportunity to get that spending plan done with the Parks Board so that there’s just another layer of accountability because right now like the Parks Board is your accountability. They’re the ones that, that you answer to and the ones that, that would give us direction certainly in a spend like this as opposed to all of the other departments come to us for those requests. I just feel like that’s probably something that needs a little bit more due diligence as it relates to that particular spend. I understand the Mulberry Fields concession stand. I’m assuming that’s already out for RFP or RF – your guys are already getting responses for that or? Logsdon Yes, we have bid and have selected an award – Plunkett Okay. Logsdon Contingent on next year’s funding. Page 10 of 30 Zionsville Town Council December 16, 2024 Plunkett Yes, yes, I mean, I feel like that’s something that to your point, it was formally introduced and supported by the Parks Board. From my perspective, I personally would like to see, I have no problem with the budget as it’s presented here. Maybe just after the next Parks Board meeting or the next couple Parks Board meetings when you have an impact fee spending plan for the rest of that, I would feel more comfortable reappropriating that next year for those projects and having a little bit more of a dialogue around it so. Sampson Yes, I actually, adding onto that have requested Jarod to be more forthright with contingency fees and not just presenting the numbers that don’t include an amount that he’s already calculated and anticipated because I think that’s where for us to rely on our Parks Board, we need to know that they’re getting the full picture as well and that’s kind of the pushback that I had from last time was I watched your Parks Board meeting, this is the amount you said, that’s the amount we want to approve as a Council. I mean, if you look at, if you looked at his original ask, there was a 15% continency request and I just felt like that seemed a bit broad and that it would, in my mind if we’re signing off on amounts, I felt like we should have that belief that our Board that we’ve helped select at the Parks level, had had a chance to know about those contingency fees as well. So that’s just some conversation that Jarod and I have been in with Mayor Stehr and it seems that that message has been heard and he has said he would be more forthcoming with contingency fees which is why the new write out we got showed that he had 2% contingency built into the 2012 impact fees and about 8% into the 2022. I did notice that the Carpenter Nature Preserve restroom went up and that was a point I had talked about where he had listed items such as earthwork and utilities and foundational costs but it didn’t seem that he had put any of those costs in and I said I feel like we’re just going to run into wondering how you went over your budget but you still had three line items so, I did not anticipate you to move the Carpenter Nature Preserve amount up to a round number that matched the Mulberry. I see some of the logic behind it but I would’ve liked more of a numbers-based move instead of backing into it with this is the money I have left in that 2012 and that’s just me voicing my pushback at you but I do think knowing that he can’t spend these items on anything except the restroom and concession stand from the 2012, I’m gonna trust the process but I’m gonna watch the process because what he doesn’t use goes back into that fund. It can’t go for other things so there’s kind of the check and balance there but just we as a Council should continue to have someone watch the Parks Board presentations so that we know that we have someone watching over the due diligence of the process. Again, it’s just, it felt a little bit backed into for the 2012 impact fees but I do think we have great projects that we’re working on and I do support having our parks improved, it’s just the numbers part is what speaks to me as well so. Thank you for considering my request. Plunkett So the Mulberry concession stand goes from $1.2 down to $980,000, is that right? Logsdon Correct, and just to clarify – the number discussed at the December meeting is truly only for the award of that potential contract. It doesn’t include any contingency. Page 11 of 30 Zionsville Town Council December 16, 2024 Sampson And I think that is mention it to your Board because if someone had, if someone voting had a gut level of I’m not voting for a penny over a million dollars and then they’re presented the $980,000 but it might be $1.2, it’s just, that’s the clarity I was asking for but I do feel like we’re communicating well and that we all just need to continue to watch. McElderry I have a question real quick on Fund 6607 for the golf course – the construction for $100,000. That is for the restroom on hole 6, is that correct? Logsdon Yes, it would be for a pavilion with two individual stall restrooms that are ADA. McElderry And that, that will be a project that will be completed in 2025? Logsdon That is dependent on the operator. So, within the contract with the operator for the golf course, they are able to request up to $100,000 a year for capital improvements to the golf course so that, that is that process. They made a proposal to the Board which was approved so that was incorporated into this document. McElderry And what is their, what is the management company’s contribution to that project? Is that a 50/50? Logsdon At least 50%, yep, but I believe it’s slightly more as their projections were slightly over $200,000. McElderry Thank you. Burk Jarod, that reminds me of and maybe you can clarify this – in the contract with the golf course I believe it’s a 5-year contract, but there was a stipulation that if improvements to AV, I think it was $100,000, continued the contract can you explain that again to me? Logsdon Yes, so there is, as they complete capital projects from the actual completion date, that extends the contract to a full 5 years again. So it can never go beyond 5 but that end date can continue to move based on capital improvements to the course. Burk Even though the town is – are you, are you supplying that, the $100,000 to help pay for the restrooms? Does that count towards the AV? So the town is essentially paying for the AV to increase their own lease term? Logsdon So these capital improvements are going to stay with the golf course even if the management team were to leave so, the funds utilized for those requests are from the enterprise fund of golf course. So it’s never going to be tax funds or anything else, it’s strictly golf course proceeds from the past funding future developments and Cindy mentioned the split, so each year a little bit more will be replenished into that fund but once it’s spent down, the contract or the operator won’t have an opportunity to request it until it’s built back up. So there are some level of checks and balances within that fund as well just to its limited size. Page 12 of 30 Zionsville Town Council December 16, 2024 Sampson I think it’s around about $380,000? Logsdon Yep, just – Sampson $380,000 so if we do $100,000 – Melton That’s what’s in the fund now? Sampson Yes. Melton I think I requested that last time, last meeting – Sampson Yes. Melton Was a balance on that, so about $380,000? Logsdon Yes and it’ll receive $35,000 this year from this year’s, well, actually, 100% sorry – $50,000 this year. Melton $50,000, right? Logsdon Yep. Melton So we’re bringing in $50,000 and then you can give them $100,000 if they match a 50% project – Logsdon Yep. Melton So – Sampson Wait, it got $50,000 or did it only get $15,000 or $35,000? Which one of those? Logsdon This year is a prorated year because they started in April but for the first year of the contract it was 100% of that 10% green fees or $50,000. Next year it’ll be a 75/25 split with the non-operating or the Non-Reverting Operating of Parks and after that it’ll be a 50/50 split. Burk Thanks Jarod. Plunkett So I guess I do have another question about the old impact fee. It says that we’ve got construction for $2.014713 and if the Mulberry Fields concession stand went from $1.2 down to $980,000, why are we still advertising for the $2? Sampson They put it into a 2% contingency fee for $54,000. Logsdon The goal is still to utilize 2012 first for applicable amenities just to, because that, that fund is not going to grown anymore. We have a new impact fee plan so now we’re shifting to the ’22 so it’s to sunset the 2012, ’22 will continue to grow until we establish the ’27 and then move toward, always moving to the current impact fee. Page 13 of 30 Zionsville Town Council December 16, 2024 Plunkett So what we’re talking about is the old and the new impact fees. The old impact fee has a budget spend of $2 million dollars. The new impact fee has a $600,000 spend. The $600,000 spend for the new impact is the impact fee 2022 for the Carpenter Nature Preserve for parking, trails, shelter. The remaining $2 million dollars is split between Carpenter Nature Preserve restroom pavilion and then the Mulberry Fields concession stand, assuming the Mulberry Fields concession stand is still $1.2 million dollars? Because you add up the $1.2 and the $814,000 and you still get the $2 million dollars. So there was never, there wasn’t an adjustment to the Mulberry Fields concession stand going from $1.2 to $980,000. Logsdon That was changed in my memo. So if you look at that and as well as the 2022 request has reduced essentially in an equivalent amount to the Mulberry concession stand change. So, again, a restroom could be funded from either the 2012 or the 2022 impact fees so utilizing 2022 as our contingency for those two very large projects. Plunkett So the ordinance, the ordinance that I have from my packet – Sampson Well they sent something this weekend. Poore There was an updated ordinance that shows the $225,000 decrease that was sent out Friday after we had the meeting with Councilor Sampson. Plunkett Okay. Sampson This number down here – Poore So the 2022 was reduced down to $375,000 from $600,000 and Amy does have those updated ordinances. Lacy Right. You would have with the paper packets, you still have the old ones. Plunkett Well, that would make sense as to why I have an inaccurate budget. All right, any other questions for Councilors? Stein I just have a comment to the overall process – that sounded really loud. We talked earlier, Mayor, you talked about our D&B and that there was a lack of transparency in the past that we’ve worked very hard to overcome and it has already shown that it’s improved our rating. As it pertains to this budget, I just think that if we are, I mean, if we have nothing to hide then let’s be overly forthcoming with the information. And when I look down at a budget that shows revenues far less than our expenses, just and I understand it and but for our conversations that we’ve had amongst ourselves, I’m very comfortable with this but the appearance of it to somebody who doesn’t have the privilege to have those conversations that I’ve had, would look down at this and go this is a bad thing. We’re $5 million dollars under budget. And so there’s no information for the public to consume to say oh, I get it. Here’s where the shortfall is going to be coming from and so don’t know if it’s footnotes, if it’s an addendum or something to be able to show the public where the additional funds are going to come from if they choose to have it. I just am concerned because to me it, I don’t want to, I don’t want anybody to ever say this seems like a shell game because Page 14 of 30 Zionsville Town Council December 16, 2024 we’re pulling money from these funds that were from way back. It’s true, we are and it’s legitimate and the budget works but it doesn’t give the appearance that it works and so that’s what I’m trying to avoid. I don’t want anybody to look at us going they don’t know what they’re doing, look at these, look at this budget. The budget is going to – I mean it’s just a budget to start with and we know no budgets are ever perfectly correct. Poore We’ll, we’ll work to finetune that, yes. Stein I just want, it’s appearance and I think when it goes back to the transparency that D&B referenced, the fact that we’re giving the information even though it’s not required of us, takes us a step ahead when it comes to transparency. I think that allowing people who live in Zionsville to see the full picture benefits everybody. That’s just my opinion. Sampson I think that’s why we asked for the fund balances last time. So I do think one thing that would’ve been good to point out is that the $2.14 million in the 2012, it in itself is one of, if the difference is $5 million – I thought it was a little less than that but that’s $2.14 of it and I think that’s something where we could be footnoting or somehow adding. I know it’s not required in the budget process but for, like you said, just disclosure to the people who do click on the links in the agendas because there are many, many people who do because they call me and reference things that they’ve seen. It would be, it would be worthy of their attention so that they can answer their questions as well. Poore Okay. Burk I agree. Even on that coversheet where you just show expense and revenue, even just another line of revenue, former revenue from previous funds could just show how that balances out. Poore Okay. Stein Thank you Cindy. Sampson Thank you Cindy. Poore You’re welcome. Plunkett Are there any questions or comments from Councilors? I mean I would go back to I’m inclined to approve or support this budget, I just feel like specifically the conversations we’ve had this morning – every other department, every other group, every line on here seems pretty specific and I just personally for me, I would feel more comfortable approving the Park impact fee money beyond the $980,000 that was approved and supported by the Parks Board, I would feel more comfortable approving those after there’s a Parks Board approval of an impact study, impact fee spending I should say. So, that’s my personal thought. I’m certainly open to thoughts and comments from Councilors. Sampson The only last thing I had seen that was a big number was the sewage works construction of the $1.2 and I have all my trust in you, Lance. Have we had that Page 15 of 30 Zionsville Town Council December 16, 2024 number specifically been put out to the public or I know we have a lot going on over at wastewater. Poore Those are bond proceeds for project. Lantz Correct. That was a lot of steps for me to say Cindy was right. That is the balance leftover from the 2019 sewer works bond that was initially visioned to pay for four projects including Holliday Farms and extending sewer capacities up Willow Road. That remaining amount we just got word from a legal interpretation that when you borrow money you have to tell them specifically what you’re going to use it for, right, and we have a legal opinion now that we can use that $1.2 million for our main lift station upgrades so we’re very excited about that because that’s going to ease the pressure on the sewer rate and the demands, sort of phase 2 as we get into those fifth and sixth years of the spending plan for the wastewater utility. Plunkett All right, any other questions from Councilors? Having none, I will make a motion to approve the 2025 Non-DLGF budget with the amendment to, or to lower Fund 4672, the old impact fee down to the $980,000 for the Mulberry Fields concession and removing the $600,000 from the new impact fee until there is a impact fee study spend approved by the Parks Board and also as previously amended on final reading. Norris Second. Plunkett Second from Councilor Norris. All those in favor signify by saying aye. All Aye. Plunkett All those opposed same sign. [No response] Motion passes 7 in favor, 0 opposed. Poore Thank you. Plunkett Thank you. Consideration of an Ordinance Regarding a Sewer Rate Increase Ordinance 2024-43 (Final Reading) (Public Hearing) Plunkett Up next is a Consideration of an Ordinance Regarding the Sewer Rate Increase. This is Ordinance 2024-43. This is a final reading. We have Lance Lantz, Director of DPW, here. Lantz Good morning, again. Plunkett Good morning. Lantz I’ve asked Danny Stogsdill to join me up here. I wanted to recognize him and his staff. It is through their diligence, ingenuity, expertise and professionalism that Page 16 of 30 Zionsville Town Council December 16, 2024 has allowed the sewer system to continue operating at the high level it has in these lean years. So rather than a wave to the back of the room, I wanted him up here front and center as we consider this final action and you may be tired of hearing from me alone so perhaps he has something to contribute. Two meetings ago, you heard from our town accounting firm, Crowe. They walked through the process at arriving at an updated sewer rate which has not changed in, in 14 years and, of course, that rate proposed a single-family residential rate is increasing from $44.50 to $56.85. Again, this is a fixed or a flat rate as the town has utilized for a number of years, probably around 20 years. At your last meeting two weeks ago, you introduced this ordinance amending the rate and we had a rather valuable, I think, and robust discussion on some of the perceptions around a fixed rate and why it is really not in the best interest of either the ratepayers or the added burdens it places on the Administration of the utility and I thought I would share something so you don’t think this is just us talking. This is directly off the IURC website from the Office of the Utility Consumer Councilor. Most sewer utilities, most costs including the cost of wastewater collection and treatment, do not vary appreciably over time. Any cost that might vary would likely be minimal and would balance out over time in most cases involving metered wastewater rates. A large portion of the bill is set as a consistent flat amount. So recognizing that you cannot be an expert in your own community, I thought I’d share that because that does come directly from the IURC. So your action tonight is to conduct a public hearing or this morning, getting a little ahead of myself – Sampson It feels like we’ve been here forever. Lantz Is to hold your public hearing. As a non-regulated utility, non-regulated by the IURC you are charged with establishing a fair, equitable, a defensible and sustainable rate for the utility that you own and manage so you will open your hearing, listen from your ratepayers, close your hearing and then take action on what you have before you and we would, of course, be here for any way we can support you throughout this morning. Plunkett Thank you Lance. Are there any questions from Councilors? McElderry I just have one real quickly – as you’ve mentioned, we went 10 years between rate increases – Lantz 14. McElderry Thoughts on how long this rate would be in, in place before we potentially think about – Lantz Yes, thank you for asking that. I highlighted this at the introduction and I appreciate you drawing that to another audience’s attention. Within this ordinance includes an intent to address this rate or evaluate it at least every four years. That doesn’t mean necessarily there will be a rate increase every four years Page 17 of 30 Zionsville Town Council December 16, 2024 but we will make the pointed effort to make sure we don’t get as far behind the curve as we are. McElderry So a minimum of four years it would be in place? Lantz Correct, correct. McElderry Thank you. Plunkett All right, as Lance mentioned, this is a public hearing. I have proof of publication of the Notice of Public Hearing. At this point I’ll open the public hearing if there’s any members of the public who would like to speak. Seeing none, I’ll close the public meeting. Any other questions or comments from Councilors? Otherwise, I would entertain a motion. Norris I make a motion to approve Ordinance 2024-43 on final reading. Harris May I offer just as amended. There’s a few nonsubstantive revisions but they’re just grammatical. Norris Okay. I’ll withdraw the motion. I will make a motion to approve on final reading Ordinance 2024-43. Melton Second. Plunkett We have a first from Councilor Norris, a second from Councilor Melton. All those in favor signify by saying aye. All Aye. Plunkett All those opposed same sign. [No response] Motion passes 7 in favor, 0 opposed. Consideration of an Ordinance Establishing a Disability Committee Ordinance 2024-44 (Final Reading) Plunkett Up next on the agenda is the Consideration of an Ordinance Establishing the Disability Committee. This is Ordinance 2024-44. This is also a final reading. Are there any questions from Councilors? We have the Deputy Mayor with us this morning. Hage Thank you Mr. President. The only thing I’ll point out is their one substantive change is to add an additional non-voting member that may be appointed by the Town Council and may be a member of the Town Council as it was suggested at the last meeting. Plunkett Any other questions from Councilors or any comments? Having none, I will move to approve on final reading Ordinance 2024-44 as amended. Page 18 of 30 Zionsville Town Council December 16, 2024 Sampson Second. Plunkett A second from Councilor Sampson. All those in favor signify by saying aye. All Aye. Plunkett All those opposed same sign. [No response] Motion passes 7 in favor, 0 opposed. Hage Thank you. Plunkett Thank you. Consideration of an Ordinance Regarding Political Signs Ordinance 2024-45 (Final Reading) Plunkett Up next is a Consideration of an Ordinance Regarding Political Signs. If there are questions, certainly I can answer those and Heather can as well but as we talked about last time, this is just simply an opportunity to limit the amount, the total number of political campaign signs at the Town Hall polling location so. Sampson And we kept it at two from last week or two weeks ago’s meeting. I just wanted to mention that because we can always increase it if we get feedback that that’s prohibitive. Burk Can I ask a question Jason – does it include also, can we only, do we only have jurisdiction here or can we, can we can’t do it at the library? Plunkett Yes, just here yes. Burk And then on the two, was there a sign, was there a size of the signs? Are we running the risk of large signs now? Norris There’s a size limitation. Plunkett Yes. Burk Okay. Norris I think it’s on the first page. McElderry 2 feet by 3 feet. Plunkett Yes, yes 24 x 36. All right, any questions from Councilors? I’ll make a motion to approve Ordinance 2024-45 on final reading. McElderry Second. Page 19 of 30 Zionsville Town Council December 16, 2024 Plunkett A second from Councilor McElderry. All those in favor signify by saying aye. All Aye. Plunkett All those opposed same sign. [No response] Motion passes 7 in favor, 0 opposed. Consideration of an Ordinance Revising Nepotism and Conflict of Interest Rules Ordinance 2024-46 (Final Reading) Plunkett All right, up next is Consideration of an Ordinance Revising the Nepotism and Conflict of Interest Rules. This is Ordinance 2024-46. If there are questions, Heather certainly is available to answer those. Is there anything from Councilors? I would entertain a motion. Harris And there are just a couple of revisions. In the findings we just added the words to Boards, Commissions and Committees and then there’s a few nonsubstantive cleanup items. Plunkett So would this also be as amended, Heather? Harris Yes, please. Plunkett Okay. Stein I make a motion to approve on final reading Ordinance 2024-46 with amendments. Plunkett I got a first from Councilor Stein. Burk Second. Plunkett Second from Vice President Burk. All those in favor signify by saying aye. All Aye. Plunkett All those opposed same sign. [No response] Motion passes 7 in favor, 0 opposed. Consideration of an Ordinance to Repeal Inactive Boards/Commissions Ordinance 2024-47 (Final Reading) Plunkett Up next is a Consideration of an Ordinance to Repeal Inactive Boards and Commissions. Again, Heather or myself can speak to this. I know there were a couple of changes on this as well. Heather, if you want to maybe – Page 20 of 30 Zionsville Town Council December 16, 2024 Harris There are – in Section 2 or Section 3(A) we added for a committee – Board, a Commission or Committee that is organized by the town via ordinance because there are some that are executive order and additionally, we added that they may be dissolved by the Mayor instead of shall giving some discretion to look at whether or not a committee needs to remain and then lastly, also in that section we added some new language to say that 30 days prior to any dissolution, it shall be distributed to members of the Town Council for review. The Town Council may object to the dissolution of any Board, Commission or Committee on the dissolution list by a majority vote of the town in a public meeting prior to the expiration of the 30-day notice period. Again, that gives more transparency in terms of what would be dissolved. Plunkett All right, any questions from Councilors? I’ll make a motion to approve Ordinance 2024-47 as amended. Sampson Second. Plunkett Second from Councilor Sampson. All those in favor signify by saying aye. All Aye. Plunkett All those opposed same sign. [No response] Motion passes 7 in favor, 0 opposed. Consideration of an Ordinance Amending the Pathways Committee Ordinance Ordinance 2024-48 (Final Reading) Plunkett Last Old Business item is a Consideration of an Ordinance Amending the Pathways Committee. This is Ordinance 2024-48. This is also a final reading and there were not really a lot of changes to this one Heather. Harris There’s one change in Section D(3) and it just strikes the word in order just for better grammar. Consider budgeting finance feasibility to make recommendations to the Town Council upon request. Sampson Did we not want anyone to be a two-year member? Melton We discussed that with the Pathways Committee and we all kind of determined that with it being kind of a volunteer committee that some people will want one year, some people want to stay on five years and we didn’t want to limit it or forcibly say hey, you’re on for two years. So I think ultimately this ordinance as amended will work with all the parameters that are included with the one-year. Sampson So you feel this – Melton As well as the budget, as well as the changes presenting in the second quarter to try and get on the budget radar so. We had a meeting this week, it was a great meeting but I think we went over this at that meeting and I think it was Page 21 of 30 Zionsville Town Council December 16, 2024 understood that one year still is a good baseline. And actually with that, I think I’ll motion to approve the Ordinance 2024-48 with amendments if you’re asking. Plunkett First from Councilor Melton. Sampson Second. Plunkett Second from Councilor Sampson. All those in favor signify by saying aye. All Aye. Plunkett All those opposed same sign. [No response] Motion passes 7 in favor, 0 opposed. NEW BUSINESS Board and Commission 2025 Appointments – Resolution 2024-17 Plunkett All right, the first item of New Business is a Consideration of 2025 Appointments to Various Boards and Commissions and Committees. This is Resolution 2024-17. This is not an ordinance, it’s a resolution and only requires one vote. I want to take a minute and just thank all the Councilors for your feedback on various appointments and recommendations to Boards and Commissions. I want to thank the folks who have previously served on Boards and Commissions and, obviously, the folks that would like to be on and are being appointed for the next year and in some cases the next couple of years. Certainly not lost on me is the impact that a lot of folks have on this town for decades to come when they serve on Boards and Commissions and these decisions often are not easy and we have an engaged Council and an engaged community and it’s just important that we make sure we consider, consider all voices and make sure that we’re doing the right job up here from the Council seat. These Board and Commissions, like I said, impact the town for decades and I appreciate everybody’s input and engagement so. Questions or comments from anybody or Councilors? Having none, I will make a motion to approve Resolution 2024-17. Norris Second. Plunkett A second from Councilor Norris. All those in favor signify by saying aye. All Aye. Plunkett All those opposed same sign. [No response] Motion passes 7 in favor, 0 opposed. Page 22 of 30 Zionsville Town Council December 16, 2024 Petition for Alley Vacation – (Dunitz) Ordinance 2024-49 (Public Hearing) Plunkett Next item of New Business is a Petition for An Alley Vacation. This is Ordinance 2024-49. We have Roger Kilmer here with us today to go through this and do we also have the petitioners? Dunitz Yes. Plunkett Okay, perfect. Kilmer Good morning Councilors. McElderry Morning. Kilmer Roger Kilmer, Senior Planner with the town. Before you this morning for your consideration is a request to vacate a portion of a 10-foot-wide north-south alley located between Fourth and Fifth Streets south of Ash Street. The petitioner, Dunitz 2020 Trust, represented by Scott Dunitz, filed this petition with Amy Lacy in her office and Amy asked for some assistance in processing this through and so that’s where we step in and try to help out. It should be noted that – and I will put this up on the screen for you so we can talk about – the portion of the alley under consideration has been highlighted in yellow. Again, it is a 10-foot- wide strip measuring 120 feet southward from Ash Street down to another alley. This was all platted within Cross’ Fourth Addition to the town so it is a platted, platted public right-of-way and as Indiana Code requires, any consideration for vacations of public ways comes to the local governing body which is, which is the Town Council in this situation. It should be noted that in addition to the Dunitz request, the additional property owners on – and let me clarify – the Dunitz own the property shown as 445 West Ash Street so that’s on the east side of the alley. The owners of the property on the west side addressed as 475 West Ash, the family is the Voigts. They have also submitted a consent to this vacation. That was part of the materials so they are not in opposition to this. Those two properties are the only two properties that would be directly affected by this vacation. It is an unimproved right-of-way. Materials for this requested vacation were distributed to all members of our TAC committee. That includes town departments as well as emergency services, Fire, Police and also utility agencies that, that serve the area. No one responded with an opposition to this, however, Department of Public Works as well as two of the utilities did request that this, even if this request for vacation would be approved, that the area be retained as an easement for utilities, either existing or future use. So staff is not opposed to the requested vacation of this but do, do recommend and suggest that the area be retained as an easement for those utilities. I’ll be glad to answer any questions you might have and, again, the Dunitzes are here to answer questions as well. Page 23 of 30 Zionsville Town Council December 16, 2024 Plunkett I hate to have you come up to the microphone just to ask one question but the recommendation from the town to maintain the area as a utility easement – does that impact your desire at all? Dunitz Not at all. Plunkett Okay. Dunitz Our plan, we’ve been here for about four years in the Village and enjoying it. I’m, we kept two homes in Tulsa and here, Tulsa, Oklahoma and here. I’m retiring so we’re going to be here more. What we’d like to do is add a porch to the, toward the front to the north and in order to do that, according to Todd Rottmann, who is doing our design phase, we needed an additional square footage for coverage of the 35% coverage and that’s why we’re requesting the alley vacation just to add additional land that we can cover in the front with a porch. Plunkett Yes, perfect. Thank you. McElderry Will that require a variance if that is an easement to put the porch in? Dunitz My understanding from Mr. Rottmann is that we would be below the 35% without the need for a variance. Burk I was going to ask the same question so thank you Jason. Because anyone, I mean, obviously, this is really just impacting two homes there. Is, is anyone else using this alley? Do we see any concern about having it no longer available? Dunitz It’s just between the Voigts and us and we’ve talked to the Voigts and they don’t seem to have any concern for that. We’re going to leave it as it is. We’re not changing anything in the alleyway. Melton Question for Roger real quick – public right-of-way versus the utility easement – what is the use change with regards to what you can do in that space? Or is there a change? I know it goes split now goes to their parcels and allows them to utilize the additional percentages for lot coverage but is there a use change between utility easement and public right-of-way with regards to plantings and structure? Kilmer Theoretically, yes there is a difference. In practicality in this situation, again, this is an unimproved alley and there are already utilities, overhead lines in that area so the change from this being vacated from a public right-of-way to, to an easement in practical application there would be no change in use here. Melton So, again, I guess I would want to reiterate the fact that because it’s becoming a utility easement or it’s going to be maintained as a utility easement, that nothing should be built in that easement so that there can be access by the utility company in the future and I just wanted to clarify that. If we’re going to do this and give this public right-of-way, vacate it, just want to make sure for the record that we understand what that really means from the usable standpoint of it versus the theoretical lot coverage. Page 24 of 30 Zionsville Town Council December 16, 2024 Kilmer You are correct. Melton Fantastic. Thank you. Sampson Is this currently like a rock road for the alley? Is – Dunitz Say that again. Sampson Is it currently covered in stone or is, is – Dunitz The alleyway? Sampson Yes. Dunitz No, it’s primarily grass. There is a small wall within that area that we share between the Voigts but otherwise it’s grass. Plunkett All right, this is a public hearing and I have proof of publication of public hearing. At this point, I’ll open the public hearing if there’s any members from the public who would like to speak. Seeing none, I’ll close the public hearing. Heather or – Norris We’re working through the – Harris TAC – Norris We’re talking through the mechanization. Plunkett Yes – Harris This hasn’t been through the Plan Commission, correct? It’s, so it’s just a first reading? Kilmer It has not been through the Plan Commission and, again, as this is a public right- of-way, the responsibility of the vacation falls on your shoulders. It will not be presented to the Plan Commission. Harris Yes, so this will just be a first reading. Plunkett So it’ll be a first reading here and then we’ll hear it again at the next meeting. Do we need to amend any motion to maintain the utility easement? Norris If you look at Section 3 on the second page it spells it all out in there. In the last sentence it even says the rights afforded to the town in this Section shall also apply to any and all independent utilities legally operating within the State of Indiana. Plunkett Perfect. All right, any other questions from Councilors? Otherwise, I would entertain a motion. Norris Motion to introduce on first reading Ordinance 2024-49. Page 25 of 30 Zionsville Town Council December 16, 2024 Melton Second. Plunkett We have a first from Councilor Norris, a second from Councilor Melton. All those in favor signify by saying aye. All Aye. Plunkett All those opposed same sign. [No response] Motion passes 7 in favor, 0 opposed. Thank you. Consideration of a Resolution Regarding the Appropriation of Additional Funds – Year End Resolution 2024-18 (Public Hearing) Plunkett Up next is a Consideration of a Resolution Regarding the Appropriation of Additional Funds. This is Resolution 2024-18 and we have Cindy Poore, Director of Finance and Records with us for this. Poore So every year towards the end of the year, we come before you with additionals and right after this it’ll be reappropriations just to clean up some year-end items. The additional appropriations have been advertised and you should have a copy of the ordinance and the narrative behind it if you have any questions. Plunkett Are there any questions from Councilors for Cindy? As she mentioned, this is a public hearing and I have proof of publication of the public notice of public hearing. At this point I’ll open the hearing if there’s any members of the public who would like to speak. Seeing none, I’ll close the public hearing. Any additional questions or comments for Cindy? If there are none, I would entertain a motion. McElderry I would move to approve Resolution 2024-18. Burk Second. Plunkett I got a first from Councilor McElderry, a second from Vice President Burk. All those in favor signify by saying aye. All Aye. Plunkett All those opposed same sign. [No response] Motion passes 7 in favor, 0 opposed. Page 26 of 30 Zionsville Town Council December 16, 2024 Consideration of a Resolution of Year-End Re-Appropriation of Funds Resolution 2024-19 Plunkett Up next on the agenda is a Consideration of Reappropriating Funds. This is Resolution 2024-19 and we have Cindy with us for this as well. Poore The different, the additional appropriations we just did and the reappropriations, the reappropriations were just moving budgeted funds for a department between lines and so there are no additional funds being requested, it’s just the movement of funds. There may be some lines that were overspent whereas there were savings in others and so it’s just a matter of moving the money around for year- end cleanup. Plunkett All right, are there any questions for Cindy? I’ll make a motion to approve Resolution 2024-19. Stein Second. Plunkett Second from Councilor Stein. All those in favor signify by saying aye. All Aye. Plunkett All those opposed same sign. [No response] Motion passes 7 in favor, 0 opposed. Poore Thank you. Plunkett Thank you. Consideration of a Resolution Regarding Mulberry Street and Governors Lane Crosswalk Resolution 2024-20 Plunkett Up next is a Consideration of a Resolution Regarding Mulberry Street and Governors Lane Crosswalk. This is Resolution 2024-20 and we have Lance Lantz, Director of DPW, to present. Lantz Good morning. The DPW Department in conjunction previously with the Pedestrian Mobility Advisory Committee whose function has since been folded into the Pathways Committee, takes a look occasionally at locations around town where a marked crosswalk including what we call RRFB, rapid rectangular flashing beacons, might be, might be appropriate and well serving to the community. We basically have a three-tiered approach to this. First is does this even make sense? Is the speed limit 70 miles an hour and there’s five lanes of traffic, things of that matter. Once it’s determined that there’s additional consideration, we actually go out and take pedestrian counts in the spring and the fall when the weather is good and school is in session so we actually get a quantification of the pedestrians using the location and if that as when plotted, Page 27 of 30 Zionsville Town Council December 16, 2024 traffic, vehicle traffic against pedestrian traffic when it lies above basically a logarithmic curve, it is a location that supports a marked crosswalk. So the last tier of the evaluation process is there anything that’s missing – sightlines or anything else that needs to be corrected? All those conditions being met satisfactorily, the DPW recommends that you consider this as a location for a marked crosswalk and the reason we are here is because our ordinance dictates that this is an authority vested in you. However, if you read my memo, the very last line is like so many ordinances, they go back way, way, a long time ago before our governance looked like it is now and if you want to continue hearing these and maybe one or two a year, we’re happy to continue as we have been but if you are also interested in clearing up your agenda, we could bring to you an ordinance amendment that would vest that authority with the Mayor. So I’m happy to answer any questions you may have. Plunkett Are there any questions from Councilors? Melton I don’t have a question, but I have a comment. I appreciate this process that was put in place by the other committee, if you will, as opposed to the Pathways Committee but it’s just logical and I think that as you put that three-step process together and I won’t repeat all that you said about that but it just makes sense, it makes sense. We’re going to have traffic volumes increase in certain areas, pedestrian and vehicular, and as, as we move forward, we need a process to be able to kind of make those improvements and I personally just want to touch base on the, I still believe that we should go through this Council for these. That’s my personal take. That doesn’t, that’s just me being on the Pathways Committee and I’d entertain anybody else’s opinion on this to get this into the Mayor’s Office moving forward but I think we all represent different areas of the town and different areas of the town have different needs and I think, for example, this location very close to two schools, excuse me, three schools and then we have the neighborhood, very large neighborhoods on both sides. It’s just a logical thing that makes sense. However, I still believe that our constituents can come and ask us to push these forward and I think that’s a good place to keep it at the Council level. I don’t mean to take too much of your time, but I do believe in that process. It was a great process that was created by the other committee, and I’d like to continue that partially as we move forward with the Pathways Committee as at least hearing these things as we move forward so. That’s, that’s my thought. I’m very supportive of this crosswalk in that location as well as the Pathways Committee currently is as well supportive and, like I said, I kind of like hearing these and I like the public to hear these as well because I think the public sometimes doesn’t get to hear some of the good things that the DPW is doing or the Council so that’s my thought. Burk Yes, I don’t have a question but thanks, Lance, and your team for the diligence and for this process. I agree with Craig. This is in my district. There are three schools right there. There’s quite a lot of traffic and with the, I love the roundabout there but the roundabout if you’re trying to get out or if you’re a child trying to get to school, the flow is crazy because it never slows down because of the, of the roundabout so, I think it’s much needed and I appreciate you all. Page 28 of 30 Zionsville Town Council December 16, 2024 Plunkett Anything else from Councilors? This is a resolution so this is just one vote here so I would entertain a motion. Melton I’d like to make a motion to approve Resolution 2024-20. Plunkett We have a first from Councilor Melton. Burk Second. Plunkett Second from Vice President Burk. All those in favor signify by saying aye. All Aye. Plunkett All those opposed same sign. [No response] Motion passes 7 in favor, 0 opposed. OTHER MATTERS Plunkett Up next are Other Matters. Are there any other matters from Councilors? McElderry Mr. President, I’d like to just say thank you to all of the folks that filled out applications to, to try to get on a Board, Committee or Commission. I know there’s a lot of folks that don’t make it on because we have a lot of interest, and we really appreciate people’s interest and I just want to encourage them to continue. There will probably be an opportunity somewhere down the road for those that did not make it onto a Board, Committee or Commission this time around. ADJOURN Plunkett Well said, well said. Anything else from Councilors? I will make a motion to adjourn. McElderry Second. Plunkett Second from Councilor McElderry. All those in favor signify by saying aye. All Aye. Plunkett Motion passes 7 in favor, 0 opposed. The next regular Town Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 6, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the Zionsville Town Hall Council Chambers. Final notice will be posted in compliance with the Indiana Open Door Law. Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas. Page 29 of 30 Zionsville Town Council December 16, 2024 Respectfully Submitted, Amelia Anne Lacy, Municipal Relations Coordinator Town of Zionsville Page 30 of 30