City Council Update 7/16
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!
Citizen Updates: Sewa International Carmel Chapter is holding its second annual 5K run to benefit Carmel First Responders on Saturday August 3rd from 8 am to 11 am at River Road Park. Please sign up for this great cause at this link! https://runsignup.com/Race/IN/Carmel/Sewa5KRunWalkforFirstResponders
Mayoral Updates:
The Mayor updated us on the important search for our city's next Fire Chief! We look forward to warmly welcoming whoever is chosen for such a vital position!
The Carmel Redevelopment Commission provided the Council with updates on developments around Carmel. More detailed information on these projects can be found at ChooseCarmelin.com
The Carmel Historic Preservation Commission informed the council that 6 property owners in Carmel were awarded grant money for specific updates that are being made. The Commission welcomes further applications for this grant money. The Commission is also committed to increasing the amount of educational training it conducts for its commissioners. We currently have 7-8 properties on the national registry of historic homes in the city of Carmel.
Ordinances and Resolutions
Ordinance D-2696-23, which would establish a speed limit of 20 miles per hour in roundabouts, remains in the Finance, Utilities, and Rules Committee.
The Council approved Ordinance Z-690-24 with a vote of 9-0. This ordinance establishes specific standards for short-term rentals of pools, backyards, accessory buildings, or other structures.
The Council approved Resolution CC-07-15-24-01 with a vote of 9-0. This resolution authorizes the transfer of $49,000 to cover expenses in the Information and Communication Systems Department budget.
The Council approved Ordinance D-2720-24 with a vote of 9-0. This ordinance re-authorizes the city's current investment policy. This must be done every 4 years
The Council approved Ordinance D-2721-24 with a vote of 9-0. This resolution adds the position of Asset Management Systems Coordinator to the Carmel Engineering Department salary budget and adjusts the salary of the CIO.
First Reading of Ordinance D-2719-24 which authorizes the issuance of developer TIF bonds by the CIty of Carmel Indiana to finance improvements to support the development of the Proscenium III. The proposal is for a 95/5 TIF split and land swap which once again I feel may be too highly incentivized. This ordinance will now proceed to Finance Committee.
The Land Use Committee met on July 17th at the library to discuss Ordinance D-2716-24, which would amend alcohol prohibition on certain sections of the Monon Greenway & Ordinance D-2718-24, which would establish a designated outdoor refreshment area in the center of Carmel pursuant to Indiana state law This is what is commonly known as a DORA.
I as your representative felt that it was important to bring up a few issues.
Currently there is no restriction in the ability for anyone to consume alcohol in a public place in the state of Indiana. SO why do we need a DORA. The argument is one of made by the dept of Alcohol Firearms and Tobacco that it will help streamline the permitting process for special events- so far this does not seem to be an issue that directly effects the public. The second rational is that it is an economic driver. The restaurants and bars that are permanent fixtures in our city are restricted from selling alcohol for consumption outside their establishments during festivals which effects their business. I am sympathetic to this argument and feel if we wish to establish a DORA that it should be limited to special events in Carmel, of which there are quite a few.
As a physician I feel it is important to consider the public health impact of encouraging increased public alcohol consumption. Actively marketing a DORA as an economic driver does just that.
I believe in the freedom of people who chose to drink to be able to choose where, when and what alcohol they wish to consume. The creation of a DORA in fact limits that freedom and requires that one now purchase only alcohol from those businesses that participate in the DORA. I believe this limits peoples personal freedom.
In committee the DORA resolution was given a favorable recommendation with a vote of 3-1 to proceed for a vote by the full city council. This vote will be held at the next council meeting on August 5th
Community Involvement Opportunities
Next City Council Meeting: August 5th at 6pm in City Hall
Mayor’s Housing Task Force Meeting: July 25 at 7:30 to 9 a.m in City Hall (exclusively for resident input)
Join me and meet Indiana House District 24 Candidate Josh Lowry on Tuesday, August 27th, from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm, at the meeting house 2nd floor in the Village of West Clay
That’s all from me on this fabulous 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 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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