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Lawrenceville City Council Lengthy, Productive

Lawrenceville City Council lengthy, productive

Staff Report  /  February 16, 2012  /  Views: 32  /   No Comments

In its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, February 9, which lasted almost four hours, Lawrenceville City Council addressed several issues.

Prior to the meeting, a short public hearing was presented by grant-writer Kara Kuykendall of the Greater Wabash Regional Planning Commission. Kuykendall spoke regarding a $400,000 Community Development Assistance Program grant to be used for water line replacement and upgrades for the city's water system, which would help alleviate current expenditures for out-dated and leaking lines. After the hearing, the resolution of support passed. The city's portion of the cost would be $695,276.

After nearly an hour-long executive session, the council voted almost unanimously to accept a contract proposal with the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Union to represent city employees. One councilman, Dan Lynn, abstained. The contract saw some concessions made by city employees regarding their share of payment of insurance costs.

Also addressed was a water rate ordinance, which was tabled until details involving water sales to the prison were further reviewed. The ordinance is expected to raise water rates for residents, both within and surrounding the city, over a three-year period, taking the minimum rates from the current $8.95 to $13.20. Subsequent rates for additional water used also would be increased. It was proposed the minimum charge per month for water users outside corporate limits go up to $15.84 over a three-year period. The matter again will be addressed at the March meeting.

A contract was awarded to B & T Drainage and Excavating of Marshall in the amount of $2,093,190.65 for the development of a small business park. The Economic Development Administration grant will pay $1,776,846, and Frank Lander (local philanthropist and businessman) gifted the city $400,000 as well for the project. With funding already paid by the city through the "North Industrial Fund," the project status is almost fully funded.

After discussion, local resident Ryan Cox received sanction for issuing a Home Occupation Permit. Cox and his wife currently operate the Harvest to Home fruit sales in an enclosed building in their driveway on Dubois Street. The permit is for that specific business only and will be voided if the Coxes should move.

The council also approved three TIF (Tax Increment Financing) commission appointments - Roxana Schultz, Ed Brumley and Jerry Harper. TIF districts are used to reinforce sales state revenue, generate new businesses, and provide jobs.

The council accepted a bid from Wayne's Tree Services to demolish properties at 407 Dubois Street and 1403 Fourth Street, which were deemed dangerous and past the possibility of repair.

Ordinances approved included one for a $500 fine when a motor vehicle is impounded; one prohibiting possession of alcoholic liquors on public streets; and another permitting residents in specifically zoned areas to purchase a reserved parking permit.

It was noted that Unit 20 School District has accepted responsibility for repairing any damage caused by heavy equipment while the new high school project is underway. Hearing this, the council listed weight restrictions for the area along outer Porter Avenue.

It is expected the water treatment plant should have its first flow test performed in May and the plant operational by June.

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