CITY OF ATTICA
MARCH 11, 2002
The Common Council for the City of Attica met on the 11th day of March 2002 at the hour of 7 p.m. at city hall. Those present: Mrs. Valarie Maus, Mr. Larry Grant, Mr. Bill Craft, Mrs. Kay Gustus, Mr. Curt Phelps, Mr. Tom O’Connor, and Mr. Deon Swift.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Phelps made a motion to approve the minutes of the February 11, 2002 council meeting, seconded by Mrs. Gustus. All ayes.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mr. Greg Beumer, Grant Consultant, was present for the public meeting on the North End Water Project. Mr. Beumer recorded statements from several citizens, who live in the north end, regarding their water pressure and any water problems they are experiencing. The citizens expressed concern not only about water pressure problems in homes but for the serious safety issues regarding fire hydrant situations that need to be rectified. These recorded statements, and letters received from citizens, will go to the Department of Commerce along with the city’s request for a grant.
The Zoning and Planning Commission met March 5 and discussed the request from Mr. Jerry Myers to rezone an 18.7 acres tract of land from suburban to B-2 (General Business). The property is located south of the city, west of Weaver’s Suzuki-Polaris and other business and residential properties, and west of The Badlands Off-Road Park. If the property is rezoned, there are plans to develop a campground consisting of building structures to support camping and approximately one hundred camping sites. The board voted to make a negative recommendation to the Attica City Council. Mr. James McCabe, attorney representing Mr. Myers and Mr. Mark Gustus, was present and spoke to the council. Mr. McCabe reported since the Zoning and Planning Commission meeting, Mr. Gustus has chosen to make seventy campsites rather than one hundred as originally stated. Mr. McCabe assured the council that Mr. Gustus would not put in anything that wouldn’t be already allowed in B-2, reserving perhaps a storage warehouse and a wholesale establishment. Mr. Gustus doesn’t want a tavern or nightclub and that can be a condition. Mr. McCabe said campground rules had been given to the council for their perusal. The rules include no alcohol; campground shuts down at 10 p.m.; and lighting will be diffused lighting. This will be a family area. Mr. McCabe said he thinks it would be a welcome addition to the city of Attica and would bring in more business. Several of the businesses on Xavier Road already cater to the people who frequent the Badlands. Mr. McCabe said a hedgerow along with trees and evergreens would camouflage the campground. Also, there would be double fencing between the property line and campground, all the way around it. All recreational vehicles are parked in a closed area, and will not be allowed into the campground. Mr. Gustus will be complying with all state regulations. Someone will be on duty at the entrance gate twenty-four hours a day. The customers have to sign acknowledgement of the rules and regulations. Mr. Gustus reserves the right to search their motor vehicles and campers for alcohol. People will patrol the campground and if anyone is found using alcohol, they will be immediately evicted. If there is any trouble enforcing the rules, private security guards will be hired. Mr. McCabe assured the council that Mr. Gustus wants a family campground, no liquor, drugs, or firearms allowed. Mr. Gustus stated that no one would be able to leave a camper in the campground permanently. When they leave, they must take their camper with them. He does not want the facility to have a poor reputation. Mr. Charles Tribby, resident of Xavier Road, spoke and was vehemently against the campground one hundred per cent. Mrs. Kelly Weaver, also a resident, stated she does not want the campground in her backyard. Mr. McCabe requested that the council reconsider the board’s negative recommendation to the city council. After considerable discussion among council members, Mr. Phelps made a motion to approve the rezoning of the area from Suburban to B-2 (General Business), seconded by Mrs. Gustus. Roll was taken with three ayes, two nays. Motion passed.
CITIZEN’S PETITIONS
Mayor Swift informed the council that Mr. Scott Garrett had filed a request for rezoning of two properties, Lots 115 and 116, located next to McDonald’s. The request is to change the zoning from M1 (Light Industrial) to B2 (General Business). Mrs. Gustus made a motion to send the request to the Zoning and Planning Commission, seconded by Mr. Phelps. All ayes.
Mrs. Mirriam Fogel, a downtown merchant, went before the council to request a change in the downtown parking from parallel to diagonal. She feels it gives more parking spaces to business customers and also makes it easier to park. Mr. Phelps made a motion to forward the request to the Traffic Committee, seconded by Mrs. Maus. All ayes. The Traffic Committee will present their recommendation at the April council meeting.
DEPARTMENT HEADS
Mr. Robert Smith, Director of Public Works, presented to each council member a copy of work transactions that his department had done since the first of the year.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Mrs. Nancy Mitchell, Clerk/Treasurer, read Resolution #1, 2002, A RESOLUTION TRANSFERRING FUNDS FROM THE DEFERRAL AND DIVERSION TO A CRIME CONTROL FUND. Mrs. Gustus made a motion to pass Resolution #1, 2002 seconded by Mr. Craft. Roll was called, with five (5) ayes, 0 nays. Motion passed.
Mr. Craft made a motion that there was a finding that Harrison Steel has substantially complied with the Statement of Benefits that it asked for from the City Council of the City of Attica, Indiana, seconded by Mrs. Gustus. All ayes.
NEW BUSINESS
Dates for the citywide spring cleanup were discussed. Mrs. Gustus made a motion for the tentative dates to be May 17 and 18, if these dates are open with Wabash Valley, seconded by Mrs. Maus. All ayes. Mr. Phelps, representing Wabash Valley, will confirm the dates with the council at the April meeting.
Council members informed those citizens present that a decision had been made last fall for that to be the final time burning would be allowed within city limits. It is a State of Indiana law that burning not be allowed. Questions from citizens present concerned what mode of disposal would they be able to use in order to be rid of yard wastes such as branches and leaves. Mayor Swift assured them leaf bags were available in the clerk’s office and Mr. Smith and his employees will work with them to take care of the situation. Mayor Swift said a solution would be decided upon in the future.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
Mayor Swift said a special meeting would be held to discuss with the council a new personnel policy manual. The plans are for the new policy to be presented to the employees in May.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to be brought before the council, Mrs. Gustus made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Phelps.
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Deon H. Swift, II, Mayor
ATTEST:
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Nancy Jo Mitchell, Clerk/Treasurer