HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-08-27 MINUTES OF COUNCIL
AUGUST 27, 2013
The Batesville City Council met in regular session on August 27, at 5:30 PM at
the Municipal Building. Mayor Elumbaugh called the meeting to order. Cemetery
Supervisor Johnathan Abbott gave the invocation. Upon roll call, the following council
answered present; Tommy Bryant, Margarett Henley, Paige Hubbard, Fred Krug,
Douglas Matthews, Chris Poole, and David Shetron. Also present were the City Clerk
and the City Attorney. Councilmember Davy Insell was absent.
Councilmember Shetron moved to approve the minutes from the previous
meeting. Councilmember Bryant seconded and all voted for.
Councilmember Bryant moved to approve the prepared agenda. Councilmember
Shetron seconded and all voted for.
CITIZENS COMMENTS
None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A) SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH DESIGN
STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL FACADES
Councilmember Matthews moved to suspend the rules and read the ordinance
by title only. Councilmember Bryant seconded and the roll call count was 7 for
and 0 against. Mr. Castleberry read the ordinance by title only. Mayor
Elumbaugh said the ordinance will be placed on the next meeting's agenda for
the third and final reading.
NEW BUSINESS
B) RECOGNIZE COMMUNITY GARDEN BOARD MEMBERS
Mayor Elumbaugh recognized members of the White River Community Garden
Board. The Mayor spoke about how important healthy living is and how the
community garden goes hand in hand with the City's initiative for a healthy
community. Board members present were Chester and Sharon Clark, Bill Luster
and City Liaison Johnathan Abbott. Other members are Jim and Roma Prah,
Susan Shawver, Cheryl Sibley, and Lynn Makarik. All were given a certificate of
appreciation.
C) DISCUSS CONDEMNATION OF THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 990 COLLEGE
STREET
City Attorney Lindsey Castleberry addressed the council regarding the
condemnation proceedings on the burned out property located at 990 E. College
Street. The property burned on November 11, 2011 and is currently tied up in a
lawsuit. Mr. Castleberry said he previously contacted the attorneys on both sides
of the lawsuit and expressed the City's concerns with the property. He said he
has contacted them again and told them of the City's intent to condemn the
property. He said one side was okay with the condemnation and the other side
made no comment. He explained to the council that the homeowners will get a
letter informing them of the condemnation. After 20 days, a condemnation
resolution will be considered which will be set for the September 24th meeting.
After the resolution is adopted the homeowners have 30 days to clean up the
property. If the homeowners do not clean up the property, the City will do so and
place a lien on the property for the expenses occurred in doing so.
D) EXECUTIVE SESSION
Councilmember Bryant moved to go into executive session. Councilmember
Henley seconded and all voted for.
Upon returning from executive session, Councilmember Matthews moved to re-
appoint Mr. Steve Case and Mr. Danny Storlie to the Batesville Appeals
Commission. Councilmember Shetron seconded and all voted for. Their terms
will expire on September 9, 2018.
E) ENGINEER'S REPORT
City Engineer Damon Johnson addressed the council with his Engineer's Report.
He gave a brief update on projects around town. The contracted jobs were
progressing at a good speed and City crews are staying busy with routine work
throughout the City.
F) FINANCIALS
The City was given a copy of the July, 2013 financials for review.
MAYOR COMMENTS
Mayor Elumbaugh said he had been contacted by Gary Hicks, the son of Mr. Bill
Hicks, regarding the extremely sharp curve at Sidney and E. Boswell Streets. He said
Mr. Hicks has offered to sell the City a small portion of land in the corner so the City can
cut it down and widen the curve and make it not so sharp. The Mayor said he offered
Mr. Hicks $1,000.00 for the property, contingent upon the council's approval. Mr. Hicks
countered offered with $5,000.00 or rename the portion of Sidney Street in front of his
father's house to Bill Hicks Street. The council said they were interested in obtaining
the property and asked the Mayor to contact Ms. Pat Dunnegan with the Housing
Authority and inquire about possibly buying a small portion of land across the street as
well.
LIAISON REPORTS
Councilmember Henley said she attended a meeting with the Main Street
Batesville board. She said there seemed to be lots of interest in keeping the program
going and they are currently looking for a new director.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
None
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Councilmember Matthews moved that the
meeting be adjourned. Councilmember Bryant seconded and all voted for.
RICK ELUMBAUGH, MAYOR
DENISE M. JOHNSTON, CITY CLERK