City of Bloomington, Indiana City Council, 6 Mar 2019

Previous Meeting Next Meeting

⏯

youtube image

►

From YouTube: Bloomington City Council March 06, 2019

Description

Agenda, Regular Session Minutes, , Committee of the Whole Memo, Packet : https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/download?meetingFile_id=4349

A

Welcome everyone. I'll call to order this bloomington common council meeting regular session and committee of the whole for wednesday.

A

March 6 2019 well the clerk. Please call the roll.

B

Member ruff, chopra, piedmont, smith, granger present.

A

Here, sims here, sandburg here.. Thank you.

A

Thank you, and here's our agenda. and, if you'd like an agenda that you can find them beside the clerk on the desk. There.

A

Will have approval of minutes for december 19th of 2018 regular session and we'll have approval of minutes for special sessions for.

A

23Rd of january and the 13th of february 2019 and.

A

We will have approval minutes for the 21st of february 2019.

A

Then we'll go to reports we'll have reports from council members, the mayor and city offices.

A

Council committees, and we have a nikomia miss evening for tobe strout.

A

Then we will go to the public and you'll have an opportunity for 20 minutes.

A

For public comments, if you would like to make a comment not on our agenda.

A

Then we'll go to appointments for boards and commissions. We have one item for.

A

Legislation for second reading and resolutions that being resolution 1904 to confirm resolution.

A

19-0 three extending the period of designation of an economic revitalization area.

A

Approving the statements of benefits and authorizing periods of abatement for real and personal property improvements.

A

Regarding properties at 1300, south patterson, drive,, catalan,, indiana, llc, petitioner,.

A

We will then go to legislation for first reading, and that is ordinance.

A

1907, which is amending the title 15 of the bloomington municipal code regarding updating, permissible towing and.

A

Storage fees for authorized towing services, then we will go to additional public comment, another 20 minutes. If the public would like to speak.

A

We'll visit our council schedule before we adjourn and then reconvene as a committee, the whole chaired by councilmember.

A

Chopra on ordinance 1907., so that is our agenda. Summation.. Are there approval of minutes?.

C

I move approval of the minutes of december 19 2018 regular session.

A

Okay,, it's been moved and seconded any additions or corrections?.

A

City clerk bolton,: do you have a comment?? I think I was going to make the same comment that councilmember.

B

Piedmont smith was going to make was that there were several corrections made to the minutes.

B

For december 19 2018, and also to thank her for pointing them out. so,. Thank you.

B

Thank you., so those additions and corrections have been made.

B

Distributed to all the councilmembers shortly before the meeting so very good, any other additions, corrections?.

A

Seeing none all in favor of adoption of the regular session minutes of 19 of january 2018., say aye aye.

A

Any opposed okay.

C

January 23rd minutes 2019 special session.

A

Any additions or corrections.

A

Okay,, all in favor,, say aye.

D

Sorry, there was this is, which date january 23rd?. Yes,.

D

There was a correction, but it has been made and is in front of you.. It's the highlighted thing.

A

Okay, just received it.

A

It was an addition of a name. Oh.

A

A

Okay, any other additions and corrections.

A

Okay, seeing none, then we will.

A

All in favor say aye any opposed okay, those are adopted. I.

C

Move approval of february 13, 2009 teen special session minutes.

A

Any additions are precious for those minutes.

A

Okay,, seeing none all in favor say aye any opposed those are adopted.

C

Approval of minutes from february 21st, 2019, the state of this city special session minutes.

A

Thank you any additions or corrections for those?.

A

Okay, all in favor, say aye any opposed.

A

Wonderful. those minutes are adopted. We will now go to reports.

A

From council members. I'll start on my left with councilmember sandberg.

E

Thank you, councilmember sims,.

F

Thank you.. I do want to say that uh,, most people, watching., I'm sure, have noticed and maybe folks in the audience that.

F

Councilmember bolin.- it's not here this evening and if you don't know he lost his father.

F

A week or so ago, so.

F

We miss him and just want everyone to keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers.. Thank you.

A

Thank you, councilmember sims, councilmember, ruff,.

A

Comes my report.

G

No report., I just like to thank councilmember sims for making note of.

G

Councilman, roland's tragic loss of his father.

A

Thank you, councilmember chopra,.

H

Yes, briefly, it's that time of year, where we start to see all those blue and yellow college pro painter signs all over town that are.

H

Non-Compliance with our city code., I wanted to let my.

H

District three representatives know that I made contact with.

H

The franchisee, who is always a new person every year, so it's just a struggle.

H

That they are not in clients with our city code and they are not wanted in the public. Right-Of-Way is in the front of every single neighborhood in the city of bloomington.. I.

H

Have zero faith that they'll be removed, but the message has been passed on and if they are not, I will.

H

Be contacting perhaps some people sitting in the back of the room today.. Thank you.

A

Thank you, councilman rashad, councilman, piedmont. Smith.. Do you have a report?? I.

D

Just wanted to remind everyone that march is women's history month and.

D

There are two events coming up that are organized by the commission on the status of women here in bloomington.

D

The first is the annual women's history month, luncheon,, which will be march 20th.

D

Starting at 11:30 a.m. in the convention center and.

D

The second event and well,- I should mention that.

D

There will be awards for women of the year and for the lifetime achievement award and the toby stroud.

D

Lifetime achievement award given at this event.

D

Mary get see who was my choir director way back when, with the university children's choir is.

D

To be named a woman of the year., I.

D

Unfortunately, do not have in front of me who the other award winners will be.. So I apologize.

D

Then we have a leadership development event,, which is going to be on march 30th.

D

From 10:00 a.m. to noon here in the showers building and there will be an emerging leader of ward presented at that event,.

D

So I urge you to check those out if you just do a.

D

Google search women's history, month, bloomington,, indiana, it'll. Take you right to the bloomington city of bloomington page with more information about.

D

Signing up or attending those events. thank you.

A

Thank you, councilmember granger, thank you.. I just want to congratulate my colleague mr. simms.

C

Unsuccessfully, walking away from his I mean retiring from his.

C

Job at indiana university.

C

He's already knows how to play the game and he's been down to florida engulfed and everything anyway.

C

Take it easy and put all your time in this.

C

A

Thank you and thank you for announcing women's history month. I had. I wasn't going to mention a few events,, but those have been mentioned., so I.

A

Won't have nothing else to add and.

A

So we'll now go to the mayor and city offices for any reports.

A

No reports, okay,, so we'll go to council committee report.

A

A

Nikomia m-- for toby's throughout this evening and.

A

We need a motion to adopt that.

A

Okay, thank you,. This is an unco miam that was.

A

Drafted by counsel with staff support,, you know, I'll, go ahead and read it.. We were going to have.

A

Steve olin read at this evening.: this is recognizing toby strout way.

A

Whereas toby stroud served as executive director of middle way, house from 1987 to 2017 and.

A

Carried out those duties as a fierce and tireless advocate for empowering survivors in the communities response to their needs and.

A

Whereas, during those thirty years as a local and national leader in the field of domestic and sexual violence,.

A

She refined the focus of middle-way house on supporting survivors of domestic violence and their children and.

A

Work to extend the agency's services and resources to survivors of sexual violence and human trafficking and.

A

Whereas the services provided these survivors were expanded to add crisis intervention.

A

Legal advocacy support groups on scene advocacy.

A

Licensed childcare and youth programs, a prevention curriculum within schools and many other vital initiatives and.

A

Whereas with the construction of the rise.

A

Middle-Way houses, transitional housing program in 1998 and the renovation of the historic coca-cola.

A

Bottling company in 2010 much of these services are now performed in what has been a quiet transformation of this area of south washington street and.

A

Whereas in conjunction with the city's bicentennial celebrations, it is fitting to lend her name to these blocks with their historic facades and empowering future.

A

Now, therefore, be it hereby declared by the common council of the city of bloomington. That.

A

The common council wholehearted support.

A

Her heartedly supports the naming of south, washington.

A

From 3rd street to 2nd street as toby strat way in.

A

Honor of her contributions to community and many services to survivors that she brought together on this street.

A

That is our in come--as. Are there comments from council.

A

Councilmember sandberg.

E

Knew toby strout and had the pleasure of watching her remarkable work with middle-way house.

E

Can certainly attest that she was a force of nature.

E

She was a true activist who was an advocate for the women that she and her organization served.

E

The countless women whose lives she and middle-way house have changed are certainly.

E

Worthy of this tribute. and for what is to come on friday with the the naming of the street in her honor?.

E

This is a wonderful thing to celebrate and to remember her life and the legacy that she has left. Thank you.

A

Counsel, councilmember ruff.

G

Well, as the incoming language, indicates, toby strout was really embodied.

G

This one of the essential elements of bloomington as a community.

G

Selfless service to better the community in the quality of life, particularly for those in unfortunate.

G

Circumstances and what she contributed to the community was, is lasting and incredibly important and has made a huge difference and.

G

Even though she's she's gone on her impact and her influence and her contributions will be continued to be felt for a long time., if not for forever.

G

A

Councilmember grainger.

C

Thank you, toby was one of the.

C

Early people I met when I moved to bloomington,. I think it was 17 years ago and.

C

I appreciate that my colleague, susan sandburg said she's a force of nature.

C

But one of the things that I know about toby from the very first time that I met her.

C

She was like a mother chick and she would do anything.. She would fight to protect her.

C

She was like a mother hen who would fight to protect her chicks and.

C

She did a lot for this community in educating.

C

Bringing us along as to the importance of these issues that were still.

C

Unfortunately, fighting against and for thank you.

A

Thank you. anyone else. do you have anything?.

A

I just want to say that I got to know toby because she was an original member of the.

A

Commission on the bloomington commission, on sustainability and.

A

She was a constant reminder of the equity ii.

A

That is that it tends to be eclipsed by environment and economics, and she would always turn us back to.

A

Social equity, which was important.

A

And she served there, I think about eight or nine years actually, and I.

A

Just want to say it took commended tremendous courage.

A

To take on the subject of.

A

Domestic violence and to do it for 30 years and.

A

I she transformed our community and the world in that process, so.

A

We'll now go to public event, if the public would like to.

A

Have anything to say on this topic,, please step forward.

A

Okay, anyone like to speak on this? okay., we're back to council.

A

Then for adoption should we call the roll voice for it.? Okay, all in favor of accepting this encomium recognizing toby start way say aye.

A

Okay, any opposed?

A

great we've accepted it.. Thank you.

A

Okay,, we will now go to.

A

Public, if the public has something that they would like to say, step forward.

A

And state your name and.

A

Items not on our agenda. is that correct? okay, thank you. and you might want to sign in there's a sign-up sheet.

A

I think perhaps there is there. okay, they helped the clerk.. Thank you.

I

People, my name is david van deventer.. I am the operations manager for lyme scooters in bloomington.

I

Yeah come closer. yeah. yeah.. I am the operations manager for lime scooters in bloomington.. I.

I

Was born here in bloomington less than a mile away., I.

I

Went to I you here,, I've raised my two sons here and.

I

I really care about this community. so.

I

I consider bloomington to be my town and I think that lime scooters are good for bloomington.. I.

I

Recently completed the survey that the city has put out about the potential ordinance and.

I

Found it lacking any place to put any positive comments in there.

I

So I wanted to come and just lay out some of the things that I think are positive.

I

So, since october, when the scooters were launched, more than 200,000 rides have been taken.

I

We have between 6 and 15 full-time.

I

Operations, specialists or mechanics to work on the scooters and move them around.

I

Our operations, specialists and mechanics all make more than a living wage, which I know is important to everyone in this community.

I

We also utilize independent contractors to pick up the scooters and charge them at night and redeploy them in the mornings and.

I

Since october, those chargers have earned over $100,000.

I

In talking to them, some of them use that money to buy christmas for their families pay bills that they were otherwise struggling with.

I

One of our chargers was able to pay down his debt to income ratio, so he could get a loan for a new minivan and.

I

One actually conveyed to me that he was able to keep his startup afloat.

I

He builds practice gates for, like motorcycle races and.

I

I thought that was kind of interesting, so.

I

Some general stats about lime globally,, since we've launched riders.

I

I've traveled more than 28 million miles, which is the equivalent of 117 trips to the moon.

I

32% of our riders reported that their last trip was to or from dining or entertainment establishments,.

I

40% reported that their last trip was commuting to or from work or school and.

I

Around the world, approximately a third of our riders reported that they were replacing a trip by an automobile, be it personal or.

I

Rideshare or taxis, so what that means in bloomington is a potentially.

I

66,000 of those 200,000 rides that have been taken since october have been to replace vehicles.

I

In some cities around the world, they're seen as high as 40 percent rates.

I

And just so, we know that lime isn't just for rich people or young college students.

I

Globally,, the average age of our rider is 32 years old and.

I

25% of our riders are older than or equal to 37 years of age.

I

We also have programs to help people with.

I

Less means we have a program called lime access that.

I

Anybody that receives like social services or assistance.

I

Can utilize that line was also very integrated into the communities and they care about them.

I

On election day in 2018.

I

One in ten of our rides utilized free, promo codes to get to and from the polls.

I

Lime also is concerned for the environment and in october of 2018.

I

Limes fleet became the industry's first 100% carbon free electric fleet,.

I

Here in bloomington, we're striving to reduce that even further we're.

I

About to begin using, two eassist trikes actually move some of the scooters around. Instead of always using our van.

I

And then, lastly, I just wanted to note that I've been working closely with.

I

Morgan in the mayor's office and the director of parking operations that I you and.

I

Trying to respond and remedy any complaints within 60 minutes.

I

A

Thank you for your comment and providing that information.

A

Other other comments from public on items not on her agenda.

A

Okay,, seeing none we'll move on now to appointments to boards and commissions. Are there any.

A

Seeing none we'll move to legislation for second reading and resolutions.

F

Resolution 1904 be introduced and read by the clerk by title and synopsis. Only.

A

It's been moved and seconded that resolution 1904 be introduced in read by the clerk by title and synopsis. Only all in favor. say aye.

A

Any opposed will the clerk please read?.

B

Resolution 1904 to confirm resolution 1903 extending the period of designation of an economic revitalization.

B

Area approving the statement of benefits and authorizing periods of abatement for real and personal property improvements.

B

Regarding properties at 1300, south patterson drive.

B

Catalan, indiana llc petitioner. The synopsis is as follows. This resolution confirms resolution 1903.

B

Extending the economic revitalization area, designation of a parcel owned by catalan, indiana llc and known as 1300 south patterson drive. This designation.

B

Extension was recommended by the economic development commission and will enable the expansion of catalans, packaging, vile, filling and syringe filling.

B

Capacity creating additional jobs within the city. The resolution also.

B

Authorizes a 10-year period of abatement for certain personal and real property improvements at 1300, south patterson drive.

B

And that's the same abatement schedule for both real and personal property.

B

Please note that the public comment on this agenda item serves as the legally advertised public hearing on this legislation.

B

And you do not have a committee recommendation for this resolution.

A

F

Move the resolution 1904 be adopted.

A

Thank you, mr. paine,, please.

J

Can you all hear me okay?

J

brand pain, department of economic and sustainable development.- so this is our third hearing on this issue.. Thank you for your attention.

J

I will speak briefly on what I think are the highlights of the proposal. Catalans is here to answer questions, as, of course, am I, but they will not be making remarks.

J

So I'll try to keep it short. So, in a nutshell,.

J

Cattlemen proposes to upgrade their protect production and packaging facility at 1300. South patterson drive.

J

Which would increase their total assessed property value by a figure of 44 million dollars on.

J

That new basis of property tax liability, the city would authorize a declining abatement schedule.

J

Reducing projected taxes payable on the new property value from four point: five: five million to 2.2 million over the ten-year period.

J

To receive this incentive, candalyn commits to invest 125 million dollars in capital improvements and add 200 new positions at a minimum average salary of sixty six thousand five hundred dollars, plus benefits.

J

Procedurally,, this has been unanimously approved by economic development commissioners and supported by staff.

J

So the the key points from a staff perspective are these.

J

The net benefit to the city is very strong.

J

This is what results in 2.2 million dollars in new tax revenue to the city, an additional 1 million dollars in county option income taxes.

J

200 high wage full benefit jobs and 132 million dollars in additional wages circulating in the community, the full revenue generation after the 10-year window. On that 44 million.

J

Would continue as well as once, the full the property value is phased in. So beyond the 10-year window,.

J

This will be taxed at the full rate authorized under the law.

J

These are excellent jobs. These jobs are life-changing for the unemployed in the underemployed workers in our community.

J

The average salary of these jobs is in the top quintile of bloomington wages.

J

Even the lowest paying jobs created by this proposal would place in the top half of area wages.

J

This doesn't include the security and safety of full benefits that accompany the jobs.

J

The marginal benefit of employment, wage growth from minimum wage to a living wage job from a living wage job to a.

J

Competitively paid above average, wage job cannot be overstated.

J

The marginal benefits of those households is huge and we believe well worth the public investment.

J

This is the highest return on incentive dollar for commercial job creation, tax abatement project in city.

J

Recent history, as far as I'm aware in city history, the value we're getting in annual wage dollars to public dollars spent is twice the value we've gotten from previous tax abatements to the same entity.

J

Much higher capital commitment by a factor of more than one hundred percent.

J

In terms of efficient growth, this particular proposal is a unique example of efficient growth.

J

It doesn't require additional road infrastructure.. It doesn't require additional wastewater.

J

It is the augmentation of the productivity of an already existing facility.

J

We're taking a parcel and instead of creating more sprawl or making that parcel more useful.. Thank you.

J

So we believe this is exactly the type of.

J

Condensing a value addition that we need from commercial projects.

J

This is an incentive to succeed., not merely a reward for doing business.

J

Catalan indiana is competing for a finite pool of capital project resources from catalan corporate and the outcome of this.

J

Application will influence the course of future developments.. I.

J

Don't think we live in a universe where it is either absent. This abatement, catalan, never invest another dime of improvement, bloomington.

J

I also don't think we live in a universe where absent this abatement.. It occurs exactly as proposed.

J

I think it's less an example of but-for causation., but but how causation? How will this partnership go? Forward?.

J

How many jobs will be created? What will be the average wages of those jobs?? How will the relationship between the city and a core?.

J

Playing at pillar and member the business community go forward and what will happen to the other?.

J

Hundreds of thousands of open square feet at the old rca facility.

J

So I think successful partnership on this project will make future expansion in bloomington, rather than one of catalans, 30 plus other domestic facilities. Far more likely.

J

So, in conclusion, staff recommends your strong support of this proposal and we look forward to working with you to continue.

J

Maximizing the value of incentive dollars and progressing rather than making this a set price of doing business.. Thank you very much,, very.

A

Good. thank you. mr. payne, before we go to questions with the representative from catalin. I'd like to add anything. you're, satisfied. okay?.

A

We'll go then to council councilmember chopra.

H

Yes, my question is for mr. payne and please excuse my confusion.

H

Over the difference between what we're voting on this evening and our last vote, if you wouldn't.

H

Mind explaining the difference between I.

J

Don't believe, there's a difference if I've communicated. otherwise,, I apologize where's, the patient, project?.

H

But last time we voted yes or no on a tax abatement.

A

So attorney daniel sherman, who can explain what a confirmatory resolution represents? Good? Yes,.

K

You're confirming each of the elements that were initially approved in.

K

The sixth, so the extension of the er, a.

K

The bennet, the urinalysis, your evaluation of the statement of benefits and that they warrant this.

K

Tax abatement and.

K

There may be something else, I'm missing, but.

K

All this all those things you approved two weeks ago, you're confirming tonight.

H

Two yes votes, wow.

K

Yes, there's a declaratory resolution by statute, and this is the confirmatory resolution and.

K

This also includes an advertised public hearing.

H

Yeah, okay. thank you. and mr.

A

Sherman, if in my correct and saying that we have three options this evening, that is to vote.

A

Yes, in the confirmatory resolution to vote. yes with amendment or to deny., is that correct?.

K

That's correct.

K

I didn't I failed to mention: were the periods of the abatement.

K

And in this case, there are ten year periods of abatement for both that, what's done on real estate and personal property,.

A

Thank you, does that serve to clarify okay, other questions from council.

A

Okay, mr. paine, thank you. I think that we're satisfied because we've gone through this.

A

Two meetings long, so we'll go to public. Now the public would like to comment on this resolution.

A

Okay,, seeing no public we're back to council for.

A

Final comment or recommendation, councilmen repeat mount smith.

D

Yes,, I'm gonna vote yes on this. I I just wanted to.

D

Make a comment.: this is a site that.

D

Before cooking, which is now catalan, moved there.

D

It was vacant for a long time. A lot of that area., where are ca used to be, is still vacant and.

D

A lot of the development that is going in gone in there, the dermatology clinics of social security, office,, etc.

D

Is a very suburban type? Development.- it's all set back from the street with big parking lots and such.

D

And I was at a meeting of the mission restorations inc about, we could go and you.

D

Know that there were concerns about the hospital site and people were like well.

D

We don't want the hospital site to end up looking like the rca site.

D

You know, with this kind of spread out big buildings.

D

And the the lucky thing for for us in the city is that we, the city, has purchased the hospital sites.

D

So we have a lot more control over what is built there. it's also between two neighborhoods., so it.

D

Lends itself to just continuing the street grid and.

D

Building in the context of those neighborhoods.

D

So while I'm happy to see catalan expand, it's it's unfortunate that that whole site that used to be rca is.

D

Has really not been integrated into the neighborhood where I live, mcdole gardens, neighborhood.

D

You know, there's no street grid there. it's really one big.

D

Kind of shopping mall like area which is largely still vacant,, so that is unfortunate.. I mean, it's it's come a long way, certainly since rca left.

D

But it's um,: it's not really the ideal of what we'd like to see in the middle of the city. As far as infill development.

D

So this is not a criticism of catalan at all.. It's just a comparison with how we can do better with a hospital site.

D

Thank you. Thank you.

A

Councilman sandburg, did you ever come in?.

E

He's grateful to be able to welcome a new corporate entity into the community that will develop into a good partner.

E

With the city of bloomington, with respect to what we need.

E

What we need are good jobs in this community.. We need good jobs with good wages with good benefits., and that is what this this.

E

Operation tends to you know, promises to provide, and so for that reason alone. I am in favor.. Thank you.

F

Thank you,, I think many of our discussions.

F

Of members up here on the board, I mean particularly in campaigning time,, but one of the things many of us talk about is.

F

Wanting to create additional jobs or job creation.

F

I think this project hits the mark.

F

It will increase a number of jobs with higher wages and some.

F

Very decent benefits.. I think we owe thanks to the staff for the hard work.

F

The bdc staff and the catalan folks, we've asked a lot of questions.. I think you guys have worked hard too clarify your answer. Our questions.

F

Is it a perfect world no.

F

Are we giving up some things to get some things? yeah,, but I think in the scale.

F

The city is gonna, benefit a longer term and at a higher rate than what we might.

F

Perceive to give up., so I will vote yes for it, and I am.

F

Really appreciate the hard work and look forward to future projects that we can do to help our citizens. Thank you.

A

Councilmember ruff.

G

Well, at the last meeting there was a discussion that a more appropriate way to think about.

G

This proposal, or tax abatements in general, was that it's really a it's a deferred av enhancement rather than a tax abatement and.

G

While I understand that it seems a little bit obtuse to me, because you could make the same argument about any.

G

Improvement to property.

G

It's going to enhance av, it's going to increase av and.

G

G

Investments in real property or personal property will result in significant job.

G

Job benefits, job dividends that wasn't. The argument that was made was thinking of the taxpayer myself, as I.

G

Say deferred av enhancement was was was more accurate than tax payment, and I just have to disagree with that. Fundamentally, just because I.

G

Understand it,, but every investment and 99% of people's investments in properties and result in.

G

Tax subsidies, tax, abatements.

G

You know,- this is great. This is a great project, good jobs, good wages.

G

But to me that doesn't mean sort of automatically.

G

Granting a tax abatement that I think we should only grant if we really believe we're highly confident.

G

That it wouldn't happen without it. now.. I don't I don't. I know that not everybody agrees with that analysis.

G

On my council colleagues and I respect that, that's fine.

G

But that's where I'm at. I just I just cannot.

G

Believe that a firm of this size number one in the world for what they do internationally globally.

G

With the tiny portion of overall operating costs of doing business at this facility that this tax beam represents.

G

In a facility here, that's already set up to do this and it's just an expansion of that.

G

That that this abatement somehow makes it.

G

Manat more efficient or to do it somewhere else.. I.

G

Can't quite accept that I'm glad catalan, it's making this investment here and I'm hoping that they'll make every pot every effort to.

G

Hire all positions from existing local unemployed or underemployed.

G

People in the community and.

G

So it's not a criticism of any aspect of.

G

The business of firm of the model of the proposal.

G

G

That I can't believe that I don't accept that this is a critical element in.

G

Making the expansion.

G

Bloomington existing facility for this the best place to do it.

G

I know I don't think that the payment does that, and so since I don't believe that, then I can't.

G

Support support it., so I'm gonna vote. no.. Thank you.

G

They're coming.

A

Okay, I'll have a crack, then I I'm sympathetic to councilman ross argument, but I think I I differ because.

A

And this was discussed at the edc meeting, and that is that there were other options for cattlemen to pursue. There were other communities to invest in.

A

This is not, I don't think the only.

A

Means by which are the only rationale that they would.

A

Use to invest in the community.

A

But there are many others and there's the work.

A

Force,, you know the education of the community there's the facilities of the community.

A

There's the land of a labonz and certain things like that,, but there are other.

A

This is one of many considerations and I think that this is a wise investment for the community.

A

And it is completely consistent with.

A

The direction of life sciences and biotech investment. it's been worked on by both.

A

The city of bloomington, by to be edc by the chamber.

A

It's consistent with in our vision, policies., it's consistent with in.

A

The various public and private partnerships so that we've done it's consistent with the education that we've invested in.

A

For instance, at ivy tech, which is producing local employment for this commit for this investment.. So I think it's it's multifaceted.

A

This is not the only thing that you know, it hangs on in terms of the.

A

Of the investment by catalin, but it's part of the picture- and I want to thank katalin for investing in our community.

A

It's much appreciated, and I think this is a very good example of the public/private.

A

Dimension of how we can provide good employment for the community and.

A

Investment for us, so if there are no other comments.

A

Councilmember chopra. yeah, go ahead.. I.

H

Apologize for deciding late to comment., I will be voting.. No, as I did the previous.

H

Date that we discussed this project, not because I don't value businesses and not because I don't think it's important to se.

H

Wages growing and jobs growing, but.

H

This- and I said it last time, is a reward and not an incentive.

H

The tax abatement should be an incentive should be.

H

Something that is used to convince a business to do something and.

H

That I've been clear about, but I wanted to make another point that you know,. We have.

H

Many many local, small and medium sized businesses that offer jobs in this city.

H

And it also provide jobs, good-paying.

H

Living wage jobs that sustain our economy and they're, not getting these tax abatements, and I bet you what they do is probably to scale if they were able to get tax, abatements based,. You know.

H

The size of the business and the number employees they have and if they could get in a tax abatement, would be able to.

H

Do what catiline does at that's at a smaller scale, and it just doesn't it's just not right.

H

I'm happy to support businesses to be successful,, but I'm not happy to.

H

Reduce the tax obligations on large corporations when.

H

We have so many problems in the city that we're trying to solve and we don't have the money to do so.

H

I'll be voting. no.. Thank you.

A

Okay, the questions are called and seconded well, the clerk. Please call the roll.

B

Councilmember f.

B

Smith, yes, granger, yes, rallo, yes, simms, yes, sandburg,! Yes thank you.! Thank you.

A

Resolution 1904 is adopted.

A

5-2 will now move on to legislation for first reading.

F

Since 1907 be introduced and read by the clerk by title and synopsis, only.

A

As moved and seconded an ordinance.

A

1907 be introduced and read by the clerk by talent. Synopsis only will the clerk., please read all in favor., please say aye.

A

Thank you any opposed.

A

B

1807 amending title 15 of the bloomington municipal code.

B

Regarding updating permissible towing and storage fees for authorized towing services.

B

The synopsis is as follows: ordinance 1907, updates.

B

The maximum fees authorized towing services may charge when performing city initiated, shows.

B

That present the city permits at maximum towing fee of $55 for daytime towing.

B

$65 for nighttime, towing, $25 for dollying, $10 or $15 per day of storage, depending on whether or not the vehicle is wrecked and a 15 dollar per night story. A.

B

15 dollar per night retrieval charge. The these maximum permissible fees have remained unchanged since 2001 and.

B

Therefore, have fallen out of line with the maximum permissible fees utilized by all other government agencies in monroe county.

B

Ordinance 1907 updates and simplifies permissible maximum.

B

Towing fees by authorizing a $125 based towing fee, regardless of the time the chou's initiated.

B

Maintaining the existing $25 in fee and.

B

Updating permissible storage fees to $25 per day, regardless of whether or not the towed vehicle is wrecked.

B

A

You will now go to additional public comments. Anyone would like to speak on items not under agenda.

A

Okay,, seeing none will visit our council schedule.

A

Mr. sherman,, we have a work session on friday.. Yes,.

K

The one item to discuss is the an appropriation ordinance that would.

K

Appropriate additional funds for the repair of the 4th street garage.

K

So that's ready for your discussion consideration on friday. It would be.

K

If it moves forward would be part of a packet going out the following friday for consideration.

K

During the the wednesday's of march 20th, march, 27th and april 3rd.

K

Would like to have a sense whether you would want to hold that meeting.

K

And let you know that if we do so and I expect we will find people wanting to attend.

K

We expect to move it to a larger room.

K

Ok other than the council library,. So who would like to attend that by show of hands.

A

Well, who expects to I I mean.

A

Ok, 1 2, 3, 4, 5, people, ok, exactly will need a full room.

K

Just a reminder that we are going into a committee of the whole later on this evening and.

K

Will not meet next week because of spring break.

A

Do you have a sense of what room we might reserve.

K

Excuse me for the work session yes,. There is a meeting in the.

K

Mccloskey room that it stops at noon and I anticipate that's where we'll meet.

A

Wants to attend so it may, it will likely be the mccloskey room,, but it'll be noticed that the council.

A

Office, correct? yes. okay,, very good.

A

So that concludes our agenda.. Is there a motion for adjournment?.

A

Okay on favor, say aye, we're adjourned and we'll reconvene in a moment for the committee of the whole.

H

Committee of the whole to order on this.

H

Sixth day of march 2019, we do only have one item on the agenda,, which is to discuss ordinance.

H

1907 amending title 15 of the bloomington municipal code.

H

Entitled vehicles and traffic regarding updating, permissible, towing and storage fees for authorized towing services.

H

This evening we have asked, as a council mike rooker, our city attorney, to attend, and I believe you have a presentation for us. mr. rooker.

L

Yes,, thank you councilmember cheh. Thank you. Councilmember chopra.

L

Michael rooker city attorney for the city of bloomington.

L

Tonight we're presenting on presenting ordinance 1907, which proposes an update to the maximum permissible.

L

Towing fees that the city's towing partners may charge when they respond to city initiated tows. To give you a little bit of background information.

L

The city of bloomington partners, with a number of local towing companies to handle vehicle towing, that's required from the city's right-of-way or from city parking, lots or other city property.

L

Right now, the city partners, with four companies, ken's westside, towing.

L

Rick's towing, auto mobile, towing and hawkins towing over here to my left, our representatives from ken's, rick's and auto mobile tonight,.

L

Unfortunately, hawkins couldn't make it, but we do have some other folks present.

L

These city initiated tows that these folks respond to are governed by a number of regulations. Some are set forth in the city code.

L

Some are set forth in a contractual agreement between the city and these towing companies.

L

One of the one of the terms that set forth in the city code is the maximum permissible rates that may be charged when they.

L

When they respond to city initiated toes, I think it's important, maybe to draw a quick distinction between what we're talking about tonight.

L

And also what people would typically call a private toe, so ordinance.

L

1907 is proposing some changes that would affect public toes or city initiated toes.

L

It wouldn't have any impact on what we call private toes.

L

So those are toes from private property that are initiated by either a private business owner or a private individual and that's arranged.

L

Between the the individual or the business and another towing company,, so.

L

So toes from, for example, a restaurant parking lot or from an apartment.

L

Complexes parking lot would be a private toe and those wouldn't be governed at all by this ordinance.

L

Anyways getting back to this particular ordinance last year.

L

Some of the city's towing partners reached out to us and said that they believe that our towing fees.

A

Excuse me., I think our mics have somehow.

A

Now they're working, I think, that's better yeah.

L

Thanks for pointing that out, do I need to start over, or can I just proceed from there?? Is that okay? okay, great.

L

So last year some of our towing partners pointed out that our fees seem to be.

L

Inconsistent with some of the other fees that they were permitted to charge for the other.

L

Public entities that they service in monroe county, as you can see by the chart, that's on your screen.

L

After we did a little bit of research that did appear to be the case, so the base fee- that's permitted by monroe county indiana, university, isp.

L

Indiana state, police and elet's ville those base fees are quite out of line with what the city's current base fee is. The base fee for those entities is.

L

One hundred and twenty five dollars., our fees, are currently fifty five dollars for a daytime tour. Sixty five dollars for a nighttime tow.

L

Similarly,, the storage fees that the city permits the maximum storage fees.

L

The city permits its authorized. Towing services to charge are lower than the other entities as well.

L

We permit a charge of either $10 for an operable vehicle or.

L

$15 for a wrecked vehicle, other other entities are permitting either between twenty or thirty five dollars, depending on what they choose to allow.

L

So we're proposing an update to those two particular charges in ordinance, 1907.

L

Ordinance 1907 would bring the base fee up to one hundred and twenty five dollars the maximum permissible base fee and the maximum per day. Storage.

L

Fee to twenty five dollars for our authorized, towing services.

L

You know,, this is important for a couple of reasons.. We want to continue to partner with responsible, effective and efficient companies.

L

We want to continue to draw their interest, and we also want to make sure that those rates are fair and that they permit our partners to provide proper equipment.

L

Proper ppe, proper safety equipment and also a fair wage to their workers.

L

You know,, I don't. I don't want to minimize this ordinance, but on some level we really do view view this as one of those almost housekeeping measures, that's necessary from time to time.

L

There are lots of rates and fees in the city code and we need to look at those periodically to see if they've grown, stale.

L

This one hasn't been touched in nearly two decades, and so it is out of line with what other people are permitting.

L

So I'm happy to address any questions you may have.

L

Our towing partners are here as well. they're happy to address questions from the council.- we appreciate your consideration.

H

Thank you, mr. ricker questions from my right, mr. rallo,. Mr. ricker,. I'm sorry you just sat down but.

A

You've already stated this, but I just want to clarify so the discrepancy is because it has been unaddressed for some time.

L

Yeah,, that's right, this ordinance or excuse me.. These rates haven't been touched since 2001.. So that's nearly 18 years, ago. mm-hmm., okay,.

A

C

There's no longer an night retrieval charge. Is that? Because there's no longer night retrieval of the cars.

L

No,, so a night retrieval charge is if you wanted to come pick up your car from the towing company at night.

L

We would they still perform tows at night, but it just you know,. There were a lot of rates and our the rates we were charging.

L

We're a lot more complicated than what we were seeing. Other agencies charge.

L

Which we believe made it more difficult both for the towing companies to administer and for members of the public to determine what a fair.

L

Charge would be so. This is simplifying those rates by getting rid of the night retrieval charge and then also saying the base fee is going to be.

L

$125, regardless of when, when the tow is initiated and that the storage fee is the maximum storage fee, is.

L

$25, regardless of whether or not the vehicle is wrecked or operable.

H

I don't see any other questions by council members and this is not up for public debate.

H

It is okay fine,, then, let's do that.

H

If there is anyone here this evening, that would like to comment on ordinance.

H

1907, as described, please do come to the podium,. Please.

H

Write your name and introduce yourself to the council,. Please.

M

Hi,, my name is ken parrish,. I own ken's, westside, service and towing here in bloomington.

M

First and foremost, thank you for taking the time to listen to us., and we appreciate you everything that you do for us.. So.

M

With that being said, I've been in this business since I was 18 year old. I am.

M

Second-Generation towing service. I've owned this business for going on seven years after my father, retired.

M

We've serviced bloomington in the community for several years. I.

M

Have been around since the last time it was addressed.

M

Working underneath my dad all of these guys that you see over here.

M

Rick heaton with rick's towing is here as well. matt james with auto mobile services here in bloomington, as well as he said earlier,.

M

One of us couldn't be with us tonight for that we apologize.

M

We just want you guys to know and understand what this means to us, as with our small business.

M

Since this was last addressed, we can probably buy a tow truck.

M

This is just little things, but you know we could buy a tow truck in 2001 for about $40,000 to do the same services in which we perform for you guys today.

M

That same said, truck now cost us one hundred and five thousand dollars to purchase and put into operation.

M

Obviously, cost of living has increased.

M

I don't have to explain to you guys what that increase. Is you guys know all that.

M

But to get a decent wage on a driver at this point in time.

M

These rates have got to go up.. We do pay generally by percentage., you know, what the driver does that, seeing that increases his payroll?.

M

Second of all,, we are getting out of bed at two o'clock in the morning and going and getting these accidents. These calls.

M

And at fifty five dollars a day and a small percentage of that you can imagine.

M

How discouraged the driver is or how unhappy is to get out of bed for the city of bloomington call?.

M

Not that he won't do it., he is more than happy to do. It. we've done it for years and we'll continue to do so.

M

With a few other things being said,, there are a lots of other things that go into contribution today, a.

M

Little bit about myself, I am president of the district, seven with the I twa, which is the indiana towing and wrecker association for the state of indiana.

M

We work with legislation up in indianapolis, quite a bit as partnership and speaking back and forth.

M

Trying to get a lot of things going, but as they tell me, we have to start with our local governments to try to get change and try to do something with us.

M

I also would like to build a relationship with you guys to where, if you guys have any questions at any point in time, whether it.

M

Be towards this type of towing that we do or in the private towing sector, that I.

M

Know can sometimes be a thorn in someone's side occasion that you guys may or may not deal with.

M

Be happy to answer any questions with that at a later date,.

M

We have also recently been recognized through the state through the incident management control systems that they are now conducting.

M

Classes through indiana state police.

M

Indiana firemen's association's they're, actually holding hosting classes and everything.

M

They are actually beginning to recognize towing services, as first responders.

M

By doing so, we are going to be held to a higher standard than what we have been in the past. That being said,.

M

Our quality of vehicles that we show up on-scene our equipment that we have to use.

M

Things have got to be rated., they have to be stamped that to meet osha standards.

M

Twenty years ago, when all this went into place. that wasn't such a case.

M

We weren't bound by certain criterias or held to certain standards.. We weren't asked to be in certain uniforms.

M

Ansi three reflective, as you guys can see with my uniform.

M

Being on these highways and being safe., not only is that.

M

To accredit eight, our selves to let you guys know what this means to us has to be a part of the first responders.

M

Unfortunately, all of this cost money and for us to be able to do this and provide safety for our employees that work with us.

M

We spend extra money and all of this comes out of our pocket.

M

To make drivers more visible with the fire department, with the with the police that we work with side by side on the roadways.

M

You know we go on and on about the move over law.

M

We are part of that., we are the people that are that are getting run over and killed every day because of this.

M

These rates will help that with us significant.

M

I can't tell you how much it would help my business as well as these gentlemen who sit over here.

M

To get our rates up to a normal standard to where it makes business.

M

Practices easier and financially able to do what we do at a safer level.

M

Ultimately, our goal is to be safe and offer a proper service to everyone in our community. At a fair rate.

M

We're not trying to for ask anything from from any of you or our community to pay some outrageous price.

M

We just asked that the city come up to what other.

M

Entities in the area that we tow for and we are bound by contract.

M

Just to come up to their standards and make it easier for us to do business with you,, you know,, no life stuff.

M

Again,, I can't tell you how much we appreciate all the opportunities that you guys give us and allow us to work with you.

M

I want to do this for a lot of years.

M

I'm still I'd like to thank a young man, and I think I'd like to be a part of this community for a lot more years.

M

With that being said, if you guys have any more questions or anything about that, I'd be happy to answer anything again.

M

Please please do not interpret what we're asking you that has anything to do with the private towing that mr. ricker has spoke on earlier.

M

We don't do private towing. None of the four companies that are involved with bloomington contract and near towing services do private towing services in this area.

M

We do it for our reasons. we'd be more than happy to discuss that with you at a later time.. Why we don't do that.

M

We want to try to stay as professional for you guys as we possibly can and.

M

Meet those standards as why we're asking for it again and again.

M

Thank you for everything.

M

Thank you, well,. I understand you are speaking as a member of the public this evening. I'd be happiest chair to allow.

H

Council members to entertain questions to you if there are any, I think councilmember sims had a question.

F

Thank you,, mr. parrish,, can you give us an idea, and you said your drivers earn a percentage?.

F

Can you give us an idea of what's the base pay and.

F

I don't want to exact I just kind of want to get an idea.. I would say, as a I.

M

Can speak a bit on behalf of my company?, but I would say, as an average in a community, an average percentage would be anywhere from 25 to 30% of what the call pays.

M

To the truck., so if it was fifty five dollars for a tow in for a bloomington police department call, he would make.

M

Top 30% of that call for his wage. now that being said,.

M

Most bloomington police calls accident scenes first and foremost.. We have 30 minutes to respond.

M

We have anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes on scene at the most generally. If it's a non.

M

Major incident, if it's just a traffic stop or a.

M

Illegally parked vehicle or something like that?

M

we're gonna, have an hour to an hour and 15 minutes invested.

M

So if you can take the percentages, I apologize, I don't have a calculator in front of me at this moment,, but fifty five dollars at 30 percent.

M

That's basically, your hourly wage for that driver.

M

Who is taking himself away from his family, whether it be at dinner or holidays or whatever, to respond to a police call?.

M

At a not-so-great wage for what this gentleman or female does?.

F

Okay. thanks, man. no.. Thank you.

H

I'm gonna put you on the spot a little bit,, but I feel obliged to do so,. I keep using the word gentleman.

H

But you do have women employed as well.? Is that correct?? We do? In fact you have with.

M

My lovely wife here with me today.

H

And I promise you she probably works harder than any of us guys at any given day.. I believe you, sir.

H

Thank you very much.. I just think that's important to recognize.

M

Absolutely any other questions?.

H

Thank you very much.. Is there anyone else from the public?.

H

Here tonight, who'd like to speak on this item.

H

Seeing none, I do think that we have additional counsel questions. Perhaps for the administration, no, okay,, never mind, we did.

H

H

Would we like a comment period.

C

Yes, cause member granger make a comment go ahead. I just want to point out.

C

We've been, it seems, the city's been kind of flaxen reviewing our.

C

Fees, fines charges and we need to stay on top of this.

C

Better, particularly when it has this.

C

Impact on individuals not working directly for the city,, so I think it's past time that we've done this and thank you for bringing it forward.

E

Council want to thank mr. parish and everyone who's here tonight, representing.

E

Those of you who provide this service, I think it is. absolutely right that we vote to increase this.. I certainly will be, and I.

E

Learned a lot from hearing you. talk about what you do and how you're you're.

E

Professionals are paid and the fact that you're considered first responders, and I think that's important.. We here in the city of bloomington.

E

Support our police officers and our fire fire teams and certainly happy to make sure that.

E

You're individuals are getting fair wages for the really hard and dangerous work that you do. so.. Thank you.

H

We had a motion do pass.

H

And I'll start on my right for a voice vote.

C

Yes, yes, yes, yes,. I believe that's a do pass recommendation of.

H

7-0. That concludes our business. For this evening.. We are adjourned.

N