Harris Continues Consulting Position Until March 30


(posted Dec 11)

Scott Harris will continue to serve both as the Speedway Redevelopment Commission President and as a paid consultant to the SRC until March 30. The Speedway Town Council approved a conflict of interest disclosure agreement for the second time. Councilor Dean Farmer called it the "same program." The first disclosure agreement allowed Harris to bill up $55 an hour for his consulting work that is not to exceed an average of 20 hours per week.

Town Councilor Gary Raikes thought it was necessary to extend the agreement for 90 days to re-evaluate the SRC's progress.

Harris thanked council for the approval. He also noted that since the selection of Mansur as the master developer, the firm's president has been on Main Street four times within the last ten days. Mansur will be organizing an advisory panel from the  Urban Land Institute to make a report about Speedway.

The council also approved a resolution to create a special zoning district for the Speed Zone area. The special zoning district also requires approval from the Metropolitan Development Commission and City County Council since it amends the county zoning ordinance.

Harris also reported that Metropolitan Planning Organization has determined Gilman Street, Grande Avenue and Main Street are not of regional significance. He expected the plat committee to review Grande Avenue soon as it is part of the approval process to vacate the road. The SRC supports Allison Transmission's desire to vacate the road to better increase plant efficiencies.

Harris said the final approval is more of a "rubber stamp" that will allow the SRC to develop Main Street and Gilman Street. The regional significant roads such as 16th Street, Georgetown Road, and Holt Road will need an EPA air quality study first.

The council also approved to write off $4,529.58 in uncollected water bills for 2005 and to approve of uncollected 2007 water bills to be turned over to collections. Raikes requested that legal counsel see if an ordinance could be drafted to end the repeat offenders that allow tenants to escape paying their water bills. Clerk Treasurer Sharon Zishka noted that liens cannot be placed again the real estate for water, only delinquent sewer bills.

The council also made appointments to boards and commissions at this last meeting of 2007. The council appointed of Brian Bailey, Dave Smith and Mike Simson to serve on the Board of Zoning Appeals. Jim Dillard and Jason Delisle were reappointed to the community Development Corporation. Jack Sneyd was appointed to the Marion County Alcohol Beverage Board and Police Commission. Rachel McKay was reappointed to parks board and Clint McKay was appointed to the storm water board. Wanda Smith inquired why Rick Hostetler's nomination was not brought before the council. President Bill Golay said a candidate must be nominated by a councilor before being eligible to be appointed.

Steve Bishop, Ron Fisher, Scott Harris, Vince Noblet and Benny Grove were reappointed to the SRC.