Council Discuss Issues Before Close of 2007


(posted Nov 30)


The Speedway Town Council's November 28 work session helped tie up last minute issues that will require a vote in the council's last 2007 meeting on December 10. The council decided to have only one meeting in December before the new council takes over in 2008.

Ordinance 1088, covering  new vendor and permit fees, could be back on the agenda. The ordinance has been tabled since June so the council could examine the possibility of restructuring the fees for non-profit organizations wanting to promote community spirit or host community events such as fund raisers.

The "global issue" is whether the town should waive permit fees and vendor fees for these internal civic events or charge fees to cover additional costs for police, fire and the street department personnel needed to provide a safe environment. Councilors Jeff Hartman and Dean Farmer were concerned of the monetary stress it adds to the town's financial picture. Farmer said the permit fees help the town to break-even with overtime for town employees.

Town Councilor Gary Raikes said he sees the value in the parade because of the community spirit it created, and he contended that spirit justified the costs. Raikes said the issue is that events like the parade, Rock'in on Main Street or the go kart race need to be planned for to make sure the resources are there. He contended that an event like a fall festival during the motorcycle race could not be accommodated by the police to furnish the manpower.

Clerk-Treasurer Sharon Zishka said the proposed ordinance would help her for the 2008 race events, but that if it wasn't passed, the current ordinances covering vendor fees and permits are still valid.

Town Attorney Kim Blanchet indicated the council could create a supplemental ordinance to cover the town's community requests to have events.

The council will not have to address the formation of a merit board for the fire department at the next meeting. Farmer explained the firemen were pushing for a merit board in case of consolidation. Hartman indicated that he has distanced himself from the issue, but the reason the firefighters want a merit board and collective bargaining is in case consolidation occurs with Indianapolis. The merit board would prevent the ranked firefighters like captains and lieutenants from being demoted by IFD.

Blanchet explained the town could create its own merit board that would be comprised of two members appointed by the council president, one by the town council, and two members by the firefighters. Indianapolis would have no say in the appointments.

The councilors are also expected to reappoint the redevelopment commissioners although it was noted at the meeting that none of the members have contacted the council requesting reappointments. Other appointments are open for Community Development Corporation and the storm water management board. Zishka said current commissioners Jim Dillard and Jason Delisle would like to continue to serve. People who are interested in serving on boards should contact their district councilor to submit a resume. The district councilor must nominate that person before he or she can be appointed to a board. Golay emphasized to those applying for appointed positions to not take it personally if they are not selected. He said often times the job is political. The storm water management board appointment requires that a person must be a Democrat to fill the vacancy.

Zishka also raised the issue that cable commissioners should be able to use the town's vehicles when covering meetings because of liability issues. Hartman thought it was fair for the them to use a town vehicle since they are volunteers using their own cars and gas to perform work for the town.

The lame duck council will not become involved with the selection of the new town manager and will let that be a priority for the new leadership with the 2008 council. Councilor Lu Hillmer requested Blanchet write the job qualifications and to prepare to advertise the position.

Hillmer took a stand that Redevelopment Commissioner Scott Harris needs to pick whether he wants to serve as an paid executive director or commission president. Hillmer did not want the dual position to be renewed after the December 31 expiration date. Harris has a unique position where he can approve of his own claims as an executive director while acting as president of the redevelopment commission.

Councilor Gary Raikes preferred to contact the commission to see if they needed an executive director. Farmer suggested contacting Harris first "to see what he has to say" before taking action.