Compiled by Ann Marie Shambaugh
The Carmel City Council met May 15 to discuss liquor licenses, rezoning and several other matters.
What happened: The council approved an ordinance requiring applicants for Carmel’s four new three-way alcoholic beverage permits to enter into a formal written commitment as a condition of their eligibility.
What it means: In March, Indiana lawmakers passed a provision that issued new permits to sell beer, wine and liquor in growing municipalities. The ordinance outlines information that applicants must submit and how the city will distribute the licenses.
What’s next: The ordinance is now in effect.
What happened: The council decided to send to the Land Use and Special Studies Committee an ordinance that would rezone 68 properties in the Arts & Design District and Midtown areas to C-2/mixed-use district classification. No one spoke on the issue at the public hearing.
What it means: The proposed zoning would allow for new development to be built closer to the street and share parking among other changes that are believed to promote walkability and fit in with surrounding projects. If adopted, the zoning change would only apply to future development and would not affect existing buildings. The properties are generally near Main Street and Range Line Road and extend south to City Center Drive and west to 3rd Ave. SW and Industrial Drive.
What’s next: The Land Use and Special Studies Committee will meet on May 25 to discuss the issue.
What happened: The council voted to approve an amended ordinance that changes which city officials and employees must fill out an annual Statement of Economic Interest requirements.
What it means: Previously, all city employees and elected officials were required to submit a form that discloses certain types of gifts and compensation. City Attorney Doug Haney said approximately 90 percent of people submitting forms had nothing to report, so he requested changing the ordinance to require that only those with something to report be required to submit the form. Councilor Sue Finkham suggested an amendment to the proposed ordinance requiring all elected officials, except for the city judge, to also fill out the form every year to promote transparency. The council approved the ordinance with her amendment.
What’s next: Haney said that the updated ordinance will save time and resources in his office. Previously, he said he had to designate an employee to track the status of the forms for portions of the day for three months of the year.
