Carmel City Council recap

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Compiled by Adam Aasen

What Happened: The Carmel City Council passed its new noise ordinance.

What it Means: For months, this ordinance has sat in committee, but the council finally hammered out the details. There was a last-minute push to shortened the number of days that fireworks could be set off in July, but that runs counter to state law, so that couldn’t make it in the bill. The law includes a chart of the level of decibels allowed by distance. There are exceptions for religious institutions and constructions from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

What’s Next:  The law was adopted.

What Happened:  The Council approved $324,600 for street paving.

What it Means: After a protracted fight over potholes – which was detailed in the Current – the Council approved transferring $324,600 from the city’s “rainy day” reserves to the street paving account. This is in addition to $700,000 that was moved into the account in May. Since that action, the street department has released a list of prioritized roads, which is why the council decided to add more money.

What’s Next:  Work begins. A complete list of roads was published in a May 30 article in the Current.

What Happened:  The Council approved $220,000 for drainage problems on Emerson Road.

What it Means: As a follow-up to the last council meeting, the City Council agreed to transfer money from the “rainy day” fund to fix drainage problems on Emerson Road. Severe flooding in the area had previously caused some residents to not be able to even leave their homes.

What’s Next: This money will go toward engineering so the scope of the project can be analyzed. Any leftover money from that analysis will go toward beginning the project and most likely the City Council will have to approve more funding once an estimate is finalized.

What Happened: An inter-local agreement was approved for renovations to fire stations 43 and 44.

What it Means: The city of Carmel and Clay Township cooperate on fire issues, but this project will be funded through the township. Township Trustee Doug Callahan – a former fire chief – said he promises no taxes will be raised. Councilors said these renovations are surely needed. City attorneys say the deal only puts the city at risk if the township were to dissolve or merge with the city.

What’s Next: The agreement was approved.

What Happened: The Council approved the establishment of a revenue deposit fund.

What it Means: Now, all tax increment finance (TIF) money will first be deposited into this account before it is spent in various ways, such as paying off bonds. This way, the council can track the balances. In addition, the law includes a chart that shows what happens if there’s not enough TIF money.

What’s Next: The law was adopted.

What Happened: Edward Rose developers might be allowed to use TIF money to repay an $11.5 million bond.

What it Means: Developers for a project called The District, located near the roundabout at Old Meridian, want to buy an $11.5 million bond and then repay it using the TIF money raised from their area. It would be a 75-25 split with the city receiving a fourth of the revenue. Some councilors said they would be happy with this arrangement but all of the debt risk lies with the developer and many would argue that the increase in TIF revenue is a result of their construction. This project was already approved by the Carmel Plan Commission and the City Council.

What’s Next: The bill is sent to the Finance, Rules, and Administration Committee which meets next on Aug. 21.


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