![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/icons\/t2009_City_Council.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Notes from tonight’s City Council meeting.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Council President Tom Smith is giving a brief overview of his time on the Plan Commission. \u00c2\u00a0Councilman John Shoaff is asking if guidelines created through the Plan-It Allen and Community Development Action Plans (CDAP) is brought into the discussions. \u00c2\u00a0Smith answered yes. \u00c2\u00a0Councilwoman Karen Goldner is asking about validity of CDAPs because of the language used and timing. \u00c2\u00a0John Urbahns, Director of \u00c2\u00a0Community Development, is at the table talking about codifying some of the CDAPs into the plan. \u00c2\u00a0When Plan-It Allen was adopted, the CDAPs by neighborhoods were cast aside. \u00c2\u00a0They are working on the validity of the language in the CDAPs and will be bringing them back at some point to Council for approval and inclusion. \u00c2\u00a0Karen – “Only thing worse than not engaging the public, is to engage them and then ignore what they input.”<\/p>\n
S-09-09-05<\/strong> – Software is City owned, not shared with the County. \u00c2\u00a0Offer is open to County to also use the software. \u00c2\u00a0We do have the software, this is for the annual maintenance cost. \u00c2\u00a0Councilman Pape is trying to clarify what exactly it is we are purchasing. \u00c2\u00a0This is for updates and help for the software. \u00c2\u00a0This allows us to get the maintenance releases that continually upgrade the software, fix bugs and that sort of thing.<\/p>\n Karen Goldner – why is it important to have updates in payroll software? \u00c2\u00a0Tax Tables \u00c2\u00a0are updated. \u00c2\u00a0We can produce payroll, but checks would be inaccurate. \u00c2\u00a0“This is the way software works, you’re just stuck with it.”<\/p>\n This \u00c2\u00a0is 20% of the purchase cost annually. \u00c2\u00a0Mitch Harper – sounds more like an annuity than insurance to me. \u00c2\u00a0Is this comparable to what private industry pays? \u00c2\u00a0Response – there’s not that many payroll software companies out there.<\/p>\n Tim Pape – at $114k per year – more than the Mayor makes. \u00c2\u00a0Paying for problem solving and updates. \u00c2\u00a0We call for support all the time. \u00c2\u00a0We put it in this last year. \u00c2\u00a0Couldn’t hire an employee to work on it because they wouldn’t have access to the source code.<\/p>\n Purchased over two or three parts. \u00c2\u00a0Over $1.1 million over 10 years. \u00c2\u00a0Any way to audit how much we are using them and go back and say it’s unreasonable. \u00c2\u00a0Advised us to take it or leave it. \u00c2\u00a0Is that your Conclusion (Pape)? \u00c2\u00a0No. \u00c2\u00a0(Pape) so that’s your conclusion? \u00c2\u00a0Yes.<\/p>\n I’m not happy to accept the fact that we’re under their thumb to accept this.<\/p>\n Tom Didier: Are all software companies like this? \u00c2\u00a0Yes. \u00c2\u00a0Used to be 15%, now 20%. \u00c2\u00a0If we don’t continue with this? \u00c2\u00a0We’d have to buy another new package and then pay 20% to them.<\/p>\n Karen Goldner – you have little opportunity to challenge the support.<\/p>\n Mitch Harper – How do they lose money on installation? \u00c2\u00a0They don’t.<\/p>\n Karen – the company has made a large investment in the development of the software and this is the way the recoup it.<\/p>\n We have a company that wants to give us the software for free, we just pay the 20% maintenance fee. \u00c2\u00a0Trying to get us away from their competitor.d \u00c2\u00a0Mitch responded that it sounds like they are then pricing their product appropriately.<\/p>\n Liz – If we were to buy it and then contract it out for support? \u00c2\u00a0We’d have to hire inside staff.<\/p>\n Greg Purcell – This is messing with your General Ledger. \u00c2\u00a0Prices are comparable. \u00c2\u00a0Benchmark of comparison, ask other cities and school districts, you’ll find we’re right in league.<\/p>\n Tim Pape – we’re in a valued position – we’re a customer. \u00c2\u00a0Rather stay as a valued customer, than a victim. \u00c2\u00a0If services we’re getting from them are substantial – you can always seek to renogiate contracts whether or not you have leverage. \u00c2\u00a0We need to audit and see how much we are using them. \u00c2\u00a0An awful lot of money.<\/p>\n Councilman Smith – any other entities using them? \u00c2\u00a0County is using them for part of the taxes.<\/p>\n Mitch – when would we get a report? \u00c2\u00a0Greg – you will have it before the final vote next week.<\/p>\n Liz – asking for decorum as they are the types of companies we’d like to have.<\/p>\n Mitch Harper voted against. \u00c2\u00a0It was passed with the caveate that the information be provided before the final vote.<\/p>\n S-09-09-08<\/strong> – Councilwoman Brown opposed, everyone else in favor.<\/p>\n S-09-09-10<\/strong> – Agreement has been in place for several years. \u00c2\u00a0We know exactly how much the city and county each use. \u00c2\u00a0Had a reduction from last year of $30,000.<\/p>\n Karen – what services are involved? \u00c2\u00a0We pay for certain things. \u00c2\u00a0Pay for a company to do the City’s firewall. \u00c2\u00a0County also uses it and are debited for it.<\/p>\n S-09-09-17<\/strong> – Consultant is based in Indianapolis. \u00c2\u00a0Construction should commence Spring 2010. \u00c2\u00a0Part of the consent decree. \u00c2\u00a0Which way to take the sewer flow will be determined. \u00c2\u00a0Overflow prevention, relief sewer.<\/p>\n RFQs – we have a good idea of what the project should come in at based on other experiences and such. \u00c2\u00a0Liz Brown – why isn’t that included in the RFQ? \u00c2\u00a0Response – we do indicate a range. \u00c2\u00a0How much of a range? \u00c2\u00a010-20% range. \u00c2\u00a0Do we ever end up negotiating with someone over the range? \u00c2\u00a0No. \u00c2\u00a0Liz – it would be nice to know what the range was and how close it was. \u00c2\u00a0Total project cost, design comes in at about 6%.<\/p>\n All in favor, Harper opposed.<\/p>\n R-09-09-19<\/strong> – Roadway through the “pie”.<\/p>\n Liz Brown – how do we know how much they spent? \u00c2\u00a0John Urbahns, they’ll provide receipts. \u00c2\u00a0It is a reiumbursement agreement. \u00c2\u00a0If it costs more, it will be developers cost. \u00c2\u00a0If Councilmen CEDIT dollars hadn’t been put in, where would the extra $50,000 have come from? \u00c2\u00a0John – may have needed to scale back or look for other sources.<\/p>\n Councilman Glynn Hines – what is the process going forward to determine allocation of CEDIT dollars? \u00c2\u00a0John – we have put aside a certain amount for improvements. \u00c2\u00a0Hines – how do you get input from Councilpersons? \u00c2\u00a0They will talk with council members about projects in their districts to receive input. \u00c2\u00a0Hines – how do you prioritize which district goes first? \u00c2\u00a0Have to look at economics. \u00c2\u00a0In this one, you’re getting about $20 million investment for $250,000 in assistance to the projects, in addition to the tax abatement. \u00c2\u00a0Will be a public road. \u00c2\u00a0Hines is asking that At-Large council persons be included in discussions.<\/p>\n Karen – Greg Leatherman, Executive Director, signed based on TIF funds, John Urbahns signed on behalf of the Mayor and CEDIT dollars.<\/p>\n Mitch Harper – Agreement talks about right of way. \u00c2\u00a0They are to provide for sidewalks and right turn lane on Lima Road side. \u00c2\u00a0Project will be INDOT annd this requires it for INDOT at no expense. \u00c2\u00a0ROW is for sidewalks or INDOT.<\/p>\n There is no legal description of where the roadway will go – unknown location or path. \u00c2\u00a0It is not specified in the ordinance. \u00c2\u00a0Terms of public road acceptance. \u00c2\u00a0All of us are familiar with Apple Glenn in jefferson Pointe and substandard design. \u00c2\u00a0Same in Village of Coventry. \u00c2\u00a0Does this assure problems of Apple Glenn and Coventry Lane won’t happen here? \u00c2\u00a0Build to same standards we would require.<\/p>\n Tom Didier – Send over a copy of how the street will be located.<\/p>\n 60 foot, three lanes road. \u00c2\u00a0Two travel and center turn lane.<\/p>\n Tim Pape – seems like the road is possibly a barrier to anything else. \u00c2\u00a0It was studied and pedestrian traffic was studied and trail will be part of it. \u00c2\u00a0Pape – you’re going to be bringing a lot of youth into it.<\/p>\n John Shoaff – talking about context sensitive design. \u00c2\u00a0Are other engineering values being observed?<\/p>\n Liz Brown – I think it’s great to bring this type of development to an industrial area. \u00c2\u00a0Understanding the traffic patterns, it will be complimentary to the development.<\/p>\n John – Has the pedestrian traffic been balanced with vehicle traffic?<\/p>\n Tim – will add value to community. \u00c2\u00a0Doesn’t help 60 feet of lanes if no one wants to be on foot in the area. \u00c2\u00a0If no one will want that, it doesn’t help.<\/p>\n Didier – This will have a tremendous amount of walkability. \u00c2\u00a0A lot of traffic from out of state. \u00c2\u00a0 I know this is a very heavily trafficed area. \u00c2\u00a0The amount of people coming from out of state with limited connectivity wouldn’t be good. \u00c2\u00a0You will be able to walk to Glenbrook Commons from this area.<\/p>\n Shoaff – it’s a city planning problem.<\/p>\n Brown – It will no longer be an ugly area of town for those going to the Zoo down Wells Street. \u00c2\u00a0It’s not an area to encourage people to walk across Coliseum Boulevard. \u00c2\u00a0People will want three lanes of traffic. \u00c2\u00a0Want it to be as safe and easy as possible. \u00c2\u00a0 Sometimes it’s gonna be heavily trafficked and there’s nothing you can do about it. \u00c2\u00a0I’m looking forward to this spot. \u00c2\u00a0This is much better than what was sitting on that gravel pit before. \u00c2\u00a0As long as it doesn’t cost more than it costs, let’s move on. \u00c2\u00a0“Do Pass”.<\/p>\n Pape – how do you get the best return from a \u00c2\u00a0project? \u00c2\u00a0How do we encourage pedestrian traffic? \u00c2\u00a0Perhaps we’ve encouraged automobiles over pedestrians too much.<\/p>\n Goldner – trail on one side, no sidewalks on other. \u00c2\u00a0John – Would we rather have 10 foot trail or 5 foot sidewalks one both sides of street? \u00c2\u00a0Key is pedestrian traffic across a greater distance than across the street. \u00c2\u00a0Karen – those areas where sidewalks are built only on one side, no one is happy with it long-term. \u00c2\u00a0John – that’s one of the things we need to decide as a community. \u00c2\u00a0What do we want and what can we afford? \u00c2\u00a0Sidewalks on both, trail on one, sidewalk on one? \u00c2\u00a0Who would pay for it?<\/p>\n Harper – sort of a sparse agreement and MOU, not to say that’s bad. \u00c2\u00a0Not finding who bears additional costs over $250,000. \u00c2\u00a0The intent is this a not to exceed contract. \u00c2\u00a0Mitch – it is not clear in the documents provided.<\/p>\n Opposed – John Shoaff and Mitch Harper. \u00c2\u00a0Abstained – Tim Pape.<\/p>\n R-09-09-06<\/strong> – easements. \u00c2\u00a0Up to $176,000 per acre. \u00c2\u00a0Price is $100,00 per acre – due to ditch crossing. \u00c2\u00a0Appraised value at $243K , down to $130,000. \u00c2\u00a0Will connect to new sewer when it’s completed. \u00c2\u00a0Already are connected. \u00c2\u00a0Properties can be annexed.<\/p>\n Marty – will new Parkview Hospital tie in? \u00c2\u00a0They’re already tied in.<\/p>\n Mitch – was there coordination to tie in with trails? \u00c2\u00a0Yes. \u00c2\u00a0This project would not tie in per Public Works.<\/p>\n A-09-09-11<\/strong> – This feeder main will extend from water filtration plant to Lima\/Cook Road pump station and holding facility. \u00c2\u00a0Over 5 and a half miles long. \u00c2\u00a0Two phases already completed. \u00c2\u00a0Science Central to Fernhill. \u00c2\u00a0Completed in 2011. \u00c2\u00a0Determined would be best to include Fernhill in this because of 3 Sheets. \u00c2\u00a02,380 feet. \u00c2\u00a0Follows abandoned railroad. \u00c2\u00a0Pufferbelly trail will be constructed on top. \u00c2\u00a0It’s the Fort Wayne & Jackson Railroad. \u00c2\u00a0Also New York Central Railroad.<\/p>\n S-09-09-12<\/strong> – API lowest bidder. \u00c2\u00a05.3% below next bidder. \u00c2\u00a0Wrap up in December 2009. \u00c2\u00a07 bids, most of others weren’t close. \u00c2\u00a0Won contract three out of four previous contracts.<\/p>\n S-09-09-13<\/strong> – we need to relocate water line. \u00c2\u00a0164 feet of sanitary service. \u00c2\u00a0Only two bidders. \u00c2\u00a015% above engineers estimate, 13% below next bid. \u00c2\u00a0Finish around March, 2010. \u00c2\u00a0Funded through water revenues.<\/p>\n Pape – why over the engineer’s bid? \u00c2\u00a0Pipe costs and gate valve cost. \u00c2\u00a0Contractor noticed difficulties we didn’t see.<\/p>\n Brown – does it concern you? \u00c2\u00a0Response – Base a lot on historical costs. \u00c2\u00a0Working with other construction projects on-going. \u00c2\u00a0Difficulty of work vs historical costs. \u00c2\u00a0Some contractors went jointly, which reduced number. \u00c2\u00a0We’re drilling them in rather than trenching. \u00c2\u00a0Not many contractors can drill them.<\/p>\n Harper – high degree of cooperation with INDOT? \u00c2\u00a0Did that increase bids? \u00c2\u00a0Tight timelines. \u00c2\u00a0Northern half has to be done in \u00c2\u00a090 days. \u00c2\u00a0They’re going to have to put more crews and extended hours and such. \u00c2\u00a0We didn’t tie down contractors by selecting methods per INDOT.<\/p>\n S-09-09-14<\/strong> – Underground was lowest of 7 bidders. \u00c2\u00a0$85,000 below next bidder, $15,000 below engineer’s estimate. \u00c2\u00a0Financed through SRS bond. \u00c2\u00a0Part of consent decree. \u00c2\u00a0Did hold a public meeting, one person showed up.<\/p>\n S-09-09-18<\/strong> – six bidders. \u00c2\u00a023 plan holders on the project. \u00c2\u00a0Lot from out of town. \u00c2\u00a0Completion southern portion by March, final February 2011. \u00c2\u00a0Plan holder is one who purchases plans from Board of Public Works for consideration of bidding.<\/p>\n Karen – has thought been given to splitting into smaller contracts to attract more local? \u00c2\u00a0Flat out exceeds abilities of local contractors. \u00c2\u00a0Bid out of Rockhill Minnesota. \u00c2\u00a0Other offices in the country as well.<\/p>\n Other comments –<\/p>\n Karen Goldner <\/strong>– Bob Kennedy – Public Works Director of the Year, by City & County Magazine.<\/p>\n Notes from tonight’s City Council meeting. Related Images:<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[236],"tags":[622,702,860,15,21751,18,130,21755,133,127,128,663,662,108,97,116],"class_list":{"0":"post-7142","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"hentry","6":"category-fort-wayne-city-council","7":"tag-3-sheets-development","8":"tag-bob-kennedy","9":"tag-cedit-fund","10":"tag-fort-wayne-city-council-2","11":"tag-fort-wayne-city-councilman-glynn-hines","12":"tag-fort-wayne-city-councilman-john-shoaff","13":"tag-fort-wayne-city-councilman-mitch-harper","14":"tag-fort-wayne-city-councilman-tom-didier","15":"tag-fort-wayne-city-councilman-tom-smith","16":"tag-fort-wayne-city-councilwoman-karen-goldner","18":"tag-fort-wayne-deputy-mayor-greg-purcell","19":"tag-fort-wayne-plan-commission","20":"tag-greg-leatherman","21":"tag-john-urbahns","22":"tag-tif-tax-increment-financing"},"yoast_head":"\nRelated Images:<\/h3>
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