By Karen Kennedy
What happened: The city funded a fundraising shortfall for the high school marching band
What it means: A resolution was unanimously passed to give $20,000 to the Carmel High School Band Boosters for their trip to perform in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif. Per Snyder, the money came from undistributed money in the Arts Fund.
What’s next: The money will be used to help the CHS Band to represent Carmel at the Rose Bowl.
What happened: Councilor Luci Snyder questioned a contract originating from Nancy Heck’s communications department
What it means: Snyder asked the Mayor to justify the annual expenditure of $99,000 on former Indianapolis Star reporter Dan McFeely as an economic development consultant. She further questioned McFeeley’s expertise on the subject.
What’s next: Snyder has asked that the matter be addressed in January’s first council meeting.
What happened: The police and fire departments sought to upgrade their communications equipment
What it means: A new resolution was introduced to adopt an interlocal agreement between the city and the county to purchase the basic infrastructure for the P25 radio system for the police and fire departments for $9.6 million. The new system will allow for communication county-wide amongst all police and fire departments. The vote on the ordinance was delayed until a special meeting of the council on the morning of Dec. 19 where an initial concern about the length of the contract was resolved.
What’s next: It was passed at the special meeting Dec. 19 and no further action is needed.
What happened: No committees met to take further action on ordinances before the council.
What it means: The following ordinances received readings: “Support for the Arts Fund,” “Adoption of a Storm Water User Fee,” “Appropriation of Funds for the Purchase of the Brookshire Swimming Facility,” “Prohibition of the Use of Weapons,” “Amendment of the Noise Regulations,” “Amendment of the C3 Plan 2009.”
What’s next: All remain in their various committees.
Other news: Eric Seidensticker was unanimously elected Council President. Sarann Warner was reappointed to the Carmel Ethics Commission. Dave Bowers and Brad Myers were reappointed to the Carmel Redevelopment Commission.