MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL VALPARAISO, INDIANA

November 14, 2022

The Common Council of the City of Valparaiso, Indiana, met on Monday November 14, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. in City Hall. Mayor Murphy called the meeting to order. The Pledge of Allegiance was said. Present were Councilmembers Reed, Cotton, Schmidt, Pupillo, Peterson, Anderson, and Costas.

MINUTES

Councilmember Schmidt moved to adopt minutes of the October 24, 2022 meeting. Councilmember Reed seconded the motion. Upon voice vote the motion passed with a 7-0 vote.

ORDINANCE NO. 25, 2022

AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VALPARAISO, INDIANA, FOR THE PURPOSE OF ESTABLISHING COUNCILMANIC DISTRICTS

Councilmember Schmidt moved that Ordinance No. 25, 2022 be read a second time by title and a third time in full and be considered for adoption and the opportunity be given for the offering of amendments.

Councilmember Reed seconded the motion. Clerk-Treasurer Taylor read the Ordinance.

Brian Bosma advised the fourth Whereas in the Ordinance has been changed. It includes reference to written comments that were submitted by Ms. Myers and Domer.

Councilmember Cotton stated he would like to correct the fact that there has not been a first reading on this Ordinance. It is his understanding that the first reading will be tonight and then adopt under suspension of the rules. He was advised there has been a first reading. He added everyone did a good job on this Ordinance. He discussed competitiveness versus compact and diffused. He favors competitiveness. Brian Bosma replied competitiveness is not required in redistricting. Equality is required.

Councilmember Reed stated she likes the coordinators plan. It benefits the community without a great deal of change. Maybe in 10 years when this is done again, they will be talking about adding another council seat.

Attorney Lyp advised the Council, when they vote to remember the fourth Whereas clause that has been added.

MOTION: Councilmember Schmidt moved to adopt Ordinance No. 25, 2022. Councilmember Reed seconded the motion and so approved with a 7-0 vote.

RESOLUTION NO. 19, 2022

A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VALPARAISO, PORTER COUNTY, INDIANA, ADOPTING A FISCAL PLAN FOR THE ANNEXATION OF PROPERTY KNOWN AS THE “IN-49 & VALE PARK RD ANNEXATION

Councilmember Schmidt moved that Resolution No. 19, 2022 be read and considered for passage. Councilmember Reed seconded the motion. Clerk-Treasurer Taylor read Resolution No. 19, 2022.

Beth Shrader addressed the Council. This is tied to the sports complex. The southern part of the park is included it the annexation area. Another part of the park that is important and relative to the Fiscal Plan is a segment of Memorial Drive extended that will come through the annexation area. Also important are any sort

of storm water or utility improvements that happen in the part within the annexation area. It is a voluntary annexation which means the majority of the property owners are parties of the annexation. There are three Public Hearings required. The zoning being requested in this annexation is Campus, Public Space, Rural and GR for one parcel.

Tonight, the Council will be requested to review the Fiscal Plan and Ordinance No. 26, 2022 will be introduced on first reading. January 23, 2023 will be a Public Hearing. February 27, 2023 the Annexation Ordinance will be on the Agenda for adoption. The remonstrance period runs through August, 2023. The point of the Fiscal Plan is to see if the annexation area will generate enough revenue to cover the cost of capital and noncapital expenses. By year 6 the cost/expenses are evened out.

Councilmember Cotton asked the purpose of the waiting period. Beth Shrader explained while she is not sure, it is her opinion that it gives citizens time to consider the idea.

Attorney Lyp stated the City has gone way beyond trying to reach out to the GR property owner. This is the property owner that did not sign the petition.

Councilmember Cotton asked about the importance of having that one parcel. Beth Shrader replied it is important in regard to the alignment of the road.

Councilmember Cotton asked about the projected numbers. He would like to know where they came from. Beth Shrader explained the sixth year is where capital costs end with this project, and costs go to maintenance costs. The figures used come from the Assessor’s office.

MOTION: Councilmember Schmidt moved to adopt Resolution No. 19, 2022. Councilmember Reed seconded the motion and so approved with a 7-0 vote.

ORDINANCE NO. 26, 2022

AN ORDINANCE ANNEXING CERTAIN TERRITORY TO THE CITY OF VALARAISO, INDIANA, PLACING THE SAME WITHIN THE CORPORATE BOUNDARIES THEREOF AND MAKING THE SAME A PART OF THE CITY OF VALPARAISO, INDIANA (THE “IN-49 & VALE PARK RD ANNEXATION”)

Councilmember Schmidt moved that Ordinance No. 26, 2022 be read a first time and considered on first reading. Councilmember Reed seconded the motion. Clerk-Treasurer Taylor read Ordinance No. 26, 2022.

Beth Shrader advised she will do a presentation on this Ordinance at the Public Hearing.

Councilmember Cotton asked if the Fiscal Plan has any bearing on subsequent plans to move forward. Beth Shrader replied they are independent.

MOTION: Councilmember Schmidt moved to carry Ordinance No. 26., 2022 to the January 23, 2023 meeting. Councilmember Reed seconded the motion and so approved with a 7-0 vote.

ORDINANCE NO. 27, 2022 AMENDMENT OF 2023 SALARY ORDINANCE

Councilmember Schmidt moved that Ordinance No. 27, 2022 be read a first time and considered on first reading. Councilmember Reed seconded the motion. Clerk-Treasurer Taylor read Ordinance No. 27, 2022.

Clerk-Treasurer Taylor explained with the combination of Public Works and Utilities there is an employee that needs to be added to the City Salary Ordinance. The job title is City Services Business Operations Manager.

This title has been added. The money is already in the budget.

MOTION: Councilmember Schmidt moved to approve Ordinance No. 27, 2022 on first reading. Councilmember Reed seconded the motion and so approved on a voice vote of 7-0.

MOTION: Councilmember Schmidt moved to suspend the rules on Ordinance No. 27, 2022. Councilmember Reed seconded the motion and so approved on a roll call vote of 7-0.

MOTION: Councilmember Schmidt moved to adopt Ordinance No. 27, 2022 on final reading under suspension of the rules. Councilmember Reed seconded the motion and so approved on a roll call vote of 7-0.

Council Liaison Reports

Councilmember Reed reported the Porter County Education Service Center has a meeting at VHS tomorrow at 6:00pm. The Schoolboard Meeting is Thursday at 6:00 pm

Councilmember Pupillo reported the Valparaiso Fire Department is hiring Councilmember Cotton advised Utilities will be looking at places to add wells.

Public Comment

None

The meeting adjourned at 6:31 p.m.

/s/ Holly Taylor, Clerk-Treasurer