The Carmel City Council met Oct. 15 to vote on salaries, hear an update from the Carmel Public Art Advisory Committee and more.
What happened: The council approved 2019 salaries for elected officials and employees of the city court, clerk-treasurer’s office and executive branch.
What it means: Most employees are receiving a 3 percent cost-of-living adjustment. Mayor Jim Brainard will receive a 7 percent raise, making him the highest-paid mayor in the state. All salary ordinances passed unanimously except the one for elected officials, which councilor Tony Green opposed.
What’s next: The salaries go into effect Jan. 1, 2019.
What happened: Brian Patterson, chairman of the Carmel Public Art Advisory Committee, gave the new group’s first regular update to city council. The group was formed in February to advise on locations for new public art.
What it means: Patterson said committee members found it difficult to separate discussions about the location of public art from the art itself and suggested the committee would like to have more of a role in selecting the art. Councilor Ron Carter said an ordinance amendment would likely be needed to make that happen, and it’s not something he supports at this time.
What’s next: The commission was expected to meet with Mayor Jim Brainard this week.
What happened: The council approved a resolution transferring $90,000 within the Mayor’s Office budget.
What it means: Much of the transfer will cover work done by Coonrod & Associates, which provides financial consulting for the town. Brainard said it can be difficult to predict how many hours of consulting will be needed when the budget is planned 18 months in advance.
