City Council Update 8/19/24
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!
Special Recognition
The Asian American Alliance president Rupal Thanawala presented the city of Carmel with their Partner Award for 25 years of cooperation. We are greatly honored to receive this reward and hope to continue this positive connection for years to come.
Public Comment
A community member spoke in favor of the installation of speed humps at Heatherstone place in order to protect pedestrians in the area. Another community member expressed their concerns regarding the development going on in Carmel.
Mayoral Updates
The Mayor's office is moving towards finalizing the budget and pledged that more information will be available to the public than in prior years. In addition, the City's Housing Task Force has finalized and published its report on its website. Lastly, the mayor provided her recommendation in favor of the Proscenium project.
Committee Updates
The Land Use and Special Studies committee continued discussing UDO and will be meeting again tonight at 6 pm in the Carmel Clay Public Library in Room C.
The Carmel Telecommunications Commission gave us a final report of all of the hard work the Commission has done during its time. The Commission was responsible for ensuring residents in Carmel had access to broadband and high internet access across Carmel. We are very thankful for the role this Commission has played and thank all of its members for their service to our city!
The Council received an update from Carmel PD's Latvian Sister City Police Exchange Program. Our officers have had positive experiences in the program and expressed their gratitude that such a program exists. We are excited to have our city involved in such a program and hope to continue these relationships in the future.
Ordinances and Resolutions
Ordinance D-2696-23, which would establish a speed limit of 20 mph within roundabouts, remains in the Finance, Utilities, and Rules Committee.
Ordinance D-2719-24, discussing the use of TIF bonds to fund the Proscenium project, was approved by a vote of 5-3. I voted against this ordinance because I believe that although the hotel and office space has a positive impact on the city the building of 152 more apartments in this area will increase congestion. The 30-40 apartments that are designated as 55+ are very high end luxury apartments. Many seniors in our community looking to downsize may not being able to afford these apartments.
Ordinance D-2726-24, which would approve and adopt a third amendment to the Interlocal agreement that helps continue the Independent functioning of the Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation Department for the next 2 years, remains in the Land Use and Special Studies Commission.
Ordinance D-2728-24 officially removed the Cable and Telecommunications Commission's annual report from the council agenda. The Council is thankful for the work the Commission did during its time and is grateful for its members who served our City.
Ordinance Z-693-24, which rezones certain areas in the Carmel Market Place from the Business District to the Mixed Used District, was approved by a vote of 7-1.
Ordinance D-2723-24 was approved with a vote of 8-0. This approves the use of $732,169.98 from the Storm Water Fund for the Orchard Park Drainage project.
Resolution CC-09-16-24-01 was passed with a vote of 8-0 and transfers $167,200.00 within the 2024 Redevelopment Department budget.
Ordinance D-2729-24 A robust discussion was had on the First Reading of Ordinance D-2729-24 which would approve the issuance of Carmel Redevelopment Authority (a 3 member body appointed by the mayor) Lease Rental Bonds to the Carmel Redevelopment Commission to fund road improvements and capital projects. These bonds are different than GO (general obligation) bonds in that they are not counted against our general fund
There was also a discussion of refinancing the 2014 COIT-B bonds (approximately $13M ) at a lower fixed interest rate by rolling these into the Lease Rental Bonds. This will help to lower the interest payments but also will remove the payment on these out of the general fund.
Also an issuance of a new GO bond by refinancing the cities outstanding debt (approximately $19M) at a lower interest rate was discussed. The city CFO believes will free up approximately $2M year over year in the general fund.
This discussion also touched on the need to finance debt because of the states rules that prevent us from realizing the actual gains in our assessed value through a fixed equation known as the Maximum Levi Growth Quotient.
The intent of these complex financial tools seem to be to keep our tax rates stable and to continue to be able to fund road projects and to increase salaries for police and fire. This ordinance was sent to both the Finance and Rules Committee and the Land Use Committee.
Ordinance D-2730-24, which approves the addition of speed humps on Heatherstone Place, was passed with a vote of 8-0. I believe this will prevent accidents and improve safety.
Community Involvement Opportunities
Budget Hearings on Sept 25th and 26th
Next City Council Meeting: October 7th at 6pm in City Hall
Land Use and Special Studies Committee Meeting: Sept 19th at 6pm in the Carmel Clay Public Library in Meeting Room C
There are many exciting things going on in Carmel!
I HAVE SOME EXCITING NEWS-- The CIty of Carmel will have its first City Diwali Celebration coming soon!
The Chinese Mooncake Festival will be celebrated on Saturday Sept 21 from 6-8 pm at Midtown Plaza. Please join me there!
For more information, visit: Carmel Mooncake Festival Facebook
Movies at Midtown continue this week and next with Encanto – 6pm Thu, Sep 19
Mulan – Tue, noon & 6pm Sep 24 & Thu, 6pm Sep 26
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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