Citizen concerns: A resident and a representative from the 451 American Way development voiced their concerns about more streets and buildings directly surrounding their neighborhood, as each unit has its own HVAC which vents directly outside. They are worried that exhaust fumes and noise from a new building will impair their quality of life and have a negative impact on the value of their neighborhood. They are also concerned about possible drainage issues.
What’s next: Council President Rick Sharp noted that he understood their concerns but also reminded them of the limits of the council where private enterprise is concerned.
What happened: The ordinance prohibiting barbed wire and electric fencing was passed
What it means: No new installation of barbed wire, razor wire or electric fencing is allowed within three feet of any street, sidewalk, alley or other public way within the city’s corporate limits. All existing electric fences within the city’s corporate limits will be required to have double-faced warning signs every 100 feet. Underground pet containment systems are exempt from this ordinance.
What’s next: The mayor did not sign the ordinance.
What happened: Council voted against supporting Pedcor’s TIF application for Midtown redevelopment
What it means: The mayor and the council were sharply divided on this issue. Council members Kevin Rider and Sue Finkham were the sole supporters of the resolution, and Mayor Jim Brainard urged the remaining council members to reconsider their opposition.
“I am disgusted,” councilwoman Finkham said of her fellow council members’ refusal to support the resolution. Councilman Rider echoed, “I am baffled at why we don’t want to bring this money back into the community.”
However, councilwoman Luci Snyder, expressing surprise at Finkham’s strongly worded opinion, reminded the council that they had made a commitment to debt reduction. And while she conceded that supporting Pedcor’s TIF application would not immediately take money out of taxpayer’s pockets, it would ultimately obligate the city down the line in terms of water, sewer and utilities to the tune of approximately $8 million to $9 million.
What’s next: Pedcor can proceed with the TIF application without the city’s support