City Council Update 4/15
Hi neighbors! After each meeting, you can find need-to-knows, news updates, and upcoming events on this blog! Take a look below and stay informed on what’s happening in our city! I can't believe its only been a week since we witnessed the once in a lifetime event of the total eclipse right here in Carmel!
Rebranding Effort
Before we dive into updates, the community survey has been completed and we are awaiting the results. These results along with comments from the public will help to drive the rebranding effort by Mayor Sue Finkam. To have your voice heard go to https://www.distinctlycarmel.com/
Council Recognition
The Council was pleased to witness the swearing-in of Andrew Poucher, the newest member of the Carmel police force. Welcome, Andrew! We wish him and his family all the best!
Ordinances and Resolutions
The Council passed Ordinance D-2709-24 with an amendment and a vote of 9-0. The ordinance allows for the issue of waterworks refunding revenue bonds. An amendment was attached that allowed for an extension of the date to reissue these bonds as we await and updated rating from Standard and Poors. It will allow us to negotiate better terms for the reissuance of these bonds.
The Council passed Resolution CC-04-15-24-01 with a vote of 9-0, which expresses the Council's support for the Union and Monon Square South project. This project would include a food hall and indoor gathering space north of the Palladium and an expansion of the Monon trail. The resolution supports the obtaining of outside funding and the possibility of city funding if such outside funding is supplied to the project.
Committee Updates
The Land Use Committee met to discuss the outside of the Gramercy project and we met again on April 17th at 5:30 p.m. at the Carmel Clay Public Library in the 2nd-floor boardroom. We discussed the concerns of Hunter's Glen neighborhood with regards to a pedestrian path that would connect Hunter's Glen to the Gramercy Development project. The developer and the Dept of Community Service for the city of Carmel were present and heard these concerns. The CRC was also present and gave their perspective. The rest of the meeting was focused on a review of Article 1 of the Unified Development Ordinence for the City.
The Hotel Carmichael, in cooperation with the mayor and the Carmel Redevelopment Commission, presented its financial report. The Hotel was structured as a public-private partnership between Pedcor and the city of Carmel. The Council will continue to evaluate the city's ownership of the hotel. It is critical that the taxpayers receive a positive fiscal return from this investment, and we are working to remove the taxpayers from any additional risk. The Council welcomes this big step in transparency regarding city projects and is excited to see the hotel doing well and delivering results.
The Carmel Historic Preservation Commission has been fully staffed following the appointment of two new members and the renewal of one member. The Commission has selected a new chair and provided the new members with proper training. The Commission approved a new program to help Carmel homeowners. The meetings are now recorded, and we encourage anyone interested to watch the recording.
Other Business
The Council voted 8-1 to hire an outside legal firm Kroger Gardis and Regas to help with councils review of the Unified Development Ordinance and other matters for which the council thinks the outside council may be helpful. The legal fees are not to exceed $45,000 in total which is already part of councils budget for this year.
Community Involvement Opportunities
Next Council Meeting is May 20th 6pm in City Hall
Climate Action Advisory Committee Meeting 4/23 at 6pm in City Hill
Historic Preservation Commission Meeting 5/9 at 6pm in City Hall
That’s all from me on this fine Friday! Remember, if you have any questions, concerns, or comments, please reach out to me. I’m always here to listen and advocate for you. If you wish to review the details of any city meeting the recording are available on the Carmel City You tube link. If you’d like to attend a city council meeting, committee hearing, or other council events, please visit our website and view the calendar.
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