The Carmel City Council met Feb. 19 to discuss a new role at City Hall, a public art commission and Airbnb permit exceptions.
WHAT HAPPENED: The Carmel City Council unanimously approved a new City Hall position that will focus on transportation, including cycling, pedestrians, electric vehicles and more. Councilor Sue Finkam was absent for the vote.
WHAT IT MEANS: The position started off originally as a bicycle administrator job but has since expanded to more of an economic development position that Councilor Tony Green said “there’s a huge need and demand” for. The position would be funded in 2018 and goals will be tied to the position, which could depend on whether it’s funded in the future. About half of the salary will come out of the mayor’s budget.
WHAT’S NEXT: A search will take place for a candidate who will be vetted through an Internet process. The job opening will be posted online soon.
WHAT HAPPENED: The Council voted 5-1 to approve a new art commission that would give guidance on the placement of public art.
WHAT IT MEANS: The commission would get notice of any artwork — such as the sculptures in the Hazel Dell Parkway roundabouts that initially sparked the idea — and then make a nonbinding recommendation to Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard about an appropriate location.
WHAT’S NEXT: Councilors will get to appoint one person from their districts to the commission. At-large councilors can appoint someone from anywhere in the city.
WHAT HAPPENED: The Carmel City Council considered suspending certain dates for obtaining a permit to use a dwelling for a short-term rental such as Airbnb.
WHAT IT MEANS: Anyone could rent out a room in their house during certain major events, such as the Carmel Marathon, Indianapolis Mini-Marathon, Indianapolis 500, Songbook Academy Week, Brickyard 400 or other large conventions without getting a city permit. Brainard’s team suggested the following dates for 2018: Feb.28 to March 4, March 30 to 31, May 4 to 5, May 25 to 27, July 21 to 28, Sept. 8 to 9, Sept. 21 to 22 and Nov. 30 to Dec. 1.
WHAT’S NEXT: The ordinance was sent to committee.
