City Council Update 8/8/24
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! SPOILER ALERT -- I WORKED ON AN ISSUE YOU BROUGHT TO ME & PASSED MY FIRST ORDINANCE!!
Special Recognition
The Carmel Police Department introduced 7 new officers that were sworn in by the Mayor. I was excited to see 3 young women among them!
Mayoral Updates
The Mayor gave updates on the ongoing search for a new Fire Chief. The next housing task force meeting is August 8th and is a working group meeting, open to the public but no public comment will be allowed. The Mayor has formed two task forces: Veterans Issues and Senior Issues, and has appointed Councilor Snyder and Taylor respectively to lead those.
Committee Updates
The Carmel Redevelopment Commission provided more updates to projects happening all around Carmel. You can find more details on these projects here.
Ordinances and Resolutions
The Council introduced and passed ORDINANCE D2724-24 with a vote of 8-0. This Ordinance (sponsored by yours truly!) requires that telecommunication cables be buried at a minimum depth of six inches. This was the issue that was brought to me by a few constituents who complained that a simple landscaping job, planting of a flower bed or a lawnmower was able to cut the fiberoptic cable on their property resulting in a loss of internet and, possibly, a loss of revenue because they work from home. The city code will now require installers to ensure that cables are buried at least 6 inches and will be assessed a fine if this is not done correctly.
The Council introduced and passed Ordinance Z-692-24 with a vote of 8-0. This was an ordinance that removed the restrictions placed on the GOAT tavern due to behaviors that violated public decency. The neighbors who brought the original complaint either called council members, including myself, or came in person to the council meeting to state that they are satisfied that the owner has rectified the situation and cautiously optimistic that the positive behavior will continue. After a lengthy discussion and repeated reassurances that this bar would operate under the same closing hours and noise rules as all the bars around it, a decision to remove these restrictions was made.
The Council introduced and passed Ordinance D-2722-24 with a vote of 8-0. This allows for the appropriation of funds from the General Fund to the Department of Community Services
The Council introduced and passed Ordinance D2725-24 with a vote of 8-0. This also passed after a lengthy public hearing and discussion. This ordinance allows the county to issue bonds against the tax revenue arising from the 96th St US 421 allocation area which will be used to build a public safety training facility for the use of all of Hamilton county fire and police training. The important thing for the public to understand about the tax revenue generated in this area is that it was designated in 2000 as a County allocation area. That means even though the tax revenue is generated in our district it is the County's money. They do not have to come to council to ask us for permission to use that money unless they are needing to issue a bond against it. I have seen the plans for and discussed in detail the needs of our fire, EMS and police training and am fully supportive of this type of facility because it will directly benefit the citizens of the city of Carmel and will help to save lives. I was reassured to hear that our police and fire will have the first rights of use of the facility and I believe this is a good partnership with the county.
The last two ordinances were D-2716-24, which removes restrictions on public drinking on the Monon Greenway, and D-2718-24, which establishes a designated outdoor refreshment area (DORA) in a large area of central Carmel. The first passed with a vote of 6-2. The second passed with a vote of 7-1. I voted against both because I believe the Monon Greenway is an area where many young children play, ride bikes and young families gather and I feel that this could harm public safety. As for the DORA ordinance, Carmel residents have always been able to bring their own alcoholic beverages to Carmel concerts and events. I believe that imposing a $250 fine on this act is an unfair restriction on citizens and their freedoms to celebrate community events in the manner they so choose. When I raised this concern, I was told that the law will be enforced with discretion so perhaps the police will choose not to look for people violating this ordinance. However, I am not comfortable passing an ordinance that I know many people will violate and may be unevenly enforced. Other cities have used DORA ordinances as an economic development tool to encourage increased consumer traffic to an economically disadvantaged areas. Carmel is not in need of such a tool. We have a thriving downtown and central core and the festivals and events that the city supports already helps all businesses to thrive. Lastly, as a physician I feel that allowing people to freely choose the type and amount of alcohol they wish to consume is their right but I am not sure government should be actively encouraging a behavior with significant public health consequences.
Community Involvement Opportunities
Next City Council Meeting: August 19th at 6pm in City Hall
Land Use and Special Studies Committee Meeting: August 21 at 5:30pm in the Carmel Clay Public Library in Meeting Room C
Finance Utilities and Rules Committee Meeting: August 13th at 6pm in City Hall
There are many exciting things going on in Carmel!
The Grand Opening of the Carmel Clay Building, which houses the Fire Dept Headquarters and SAFE House and the Fire Buffs Museum at 210 Veterans Way will be open to the public on August 15th! Drinks, food and tours will be available and the whole community is invited!
Movies are being shown twice a week at Midtown Plaza on the large video screen for families and children to enjoy! The next showing is "Kung Fu Panda 4" Tue, Aug 13 and Thu, Aug 15 at 6pm! The full schedule for the showings can be found here!
The Carmel Symphony Orchestra begins their Summer Concert series at Coxhall Gardens. The next concert is on August 23 at 8:30pm featuring motown and disco hits! It will be an amazing time and, as far as I know, you can still bring your own refreshments :)
The Carmel Fountain Square Committee is hosting a Summer Family Concert Series at the Gazebo (1 Civic Square, Carmel, IN 46032)! Concerts are held every Wednesday at 7pm! We look forward to seeing you there! More information can be found here!
The City has partnered with Blockhouse Studios to bring the unique experience of architectural projection to Carmel at the Palladium! The projections occur every Thursday through Sunday and run every 30 minutes starting 9pm with the last projection beginning at 11pm! The full details can be found here!
That’s all from me on this fine Thursday! 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 our city meeting, the recording is available here, and the meeting agenda is available here! If you’d like to attend a city council meeting, committee hearing, or other council events, please visit our website for the calendar!
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