![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/icons\/t2009_City_Council.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Notes from yesterday’s Fort Wayne City Council meeting.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Paul Morrison was sworn in by City Clerk Sandy Kenned as the Council appointment to the Metropolitan Human Relations Commission. \u00c2\u00a0Photos and video will be posted later.<\/p>\n
S-09-11-05<\/strong><\/p>\n Kids Law is the newest addition to the list of grants. \u00c2\u00a0Approved by all.<\/p>\n S-09-11-14, S-09-11-15 and S-09-11-16<\/strong><\/p>\n Consent decree work. \u00c2\u00a0Program assistant will be \u00c2\u00a0required for four years. \u00c2\u00a0The current amounts are for the first year. \u00c2\u00a0They will return next year with contracts for years 2 through 4. \u00c2\u00a0Training, both classroom and on-the-job, are included.<\/p>\n Other communities \u00c2\u00a0were looked at for how they managed projects such as this. \u00c2\u00a0Sent letter in October 2008 to see if national firms were interested. \u00c2\u00a0Open House was held for interested firms. \u00c2\u00a0One of the goals of the program is to keep money in the community to develop staff and resources. \u00c2\u00a0Four submissions were received and evaluated based on expertise of firms, resumes of their personnel and experience – a number of criteria. \u00c2\u00a0Another major factor was local presence. \u00c2\u00a0Shortlisted to two teams which came to Fort Wayne for interviews. \u00c2\u00a0Both teams were excellent, however the one selected had a slightly better edge.<\/p>\n Tom Didier – How does picking this firm vs. another save us dollars? \u00c2\u00a0Expertise of selected firm includes experience of learning from mistakes made by other communities.<\/p>\n Karen Goldner – This procurement\u00c2\u00a0preceded\u00c2\u00a0the Council’s Buy Local\/Indiana ordinance. \u00c2\u00a0She does appreciate the attention to trying to keep it local.<\/p>\n The reason there are three\u00c2\u00a0separate\u00c2\u00a0is that there would be a mark up if it were sub-contracted out. \u00c2\u00a0This gives more accountability and control.<\/p>\n Liz Brown – It’s not uncommon for the local\u00c2\u00a0component. \u00c2\u00a0Each firm is expected to have three engineers, or technical staff, in Fort Wayne during the contract. \u00c2\u00a0They also pushed for the office to be downtown as well for the close proximity to the City offices. \u00c2\u00a0The firms in these design contracts, cannot bid on the actual construction. \u00c2\u00a0This\u00c2\u00a0eliminates\u00c2\u00a0self-management.<\/p>\n Tim Pape – The selected firms tonight, will have a “leg-up” on the rest of the firms for the next rounds because of experience gained. \u00c2\u00a0They can bid on future construction work as long as they aren’t self-managing. \u00c2\u00a0How long will these contracts go for? \u00c2\u00a012 months. \u00c2\u00a0Should give thought to the future projects having volume discounts. \u00c2\u00a0Should go with longer-term contracts to get the discounts. \u00c2\u00a0$50 million over 15 years – should get discounts. \u00c2\u00a0This contract is only 12 months, however, next contract will be for years 2 through 4. \u00c2\u00a0Marketing value of the project for the firms should be considered. \u00c2\u00a0Talking about four year\u00c2\u00a0commitment\u00c2\u00a0of those in the firm coming here to live. \u00c2\u00a0The range is from $85 to $200 per hour, depending on position and experience. \u00c2\u00a0Is it a flat fee contract? \u00c2\u00a0It’s a not to exceed amount. \u00c2\u00a0Next year, it will be an extension of this contract. \u00c2\u00a0Next year, should be better rates for the 2 to 4 year contract.<\/p>\n Approved, none opposed.<\/p>\n R-09-11-01<\/strong><\/p>\n DID Budget – Rich Davis, DID President and DID Charlie Heine, Charmain.<\/p>\n In 2015, the sunset clause kicks in and they’ll have to go back to property owners for another 10 years.<\/p>\n 91 blocks, 445 acres, 40 miles of streets, alleys and sidewalks<\/p>\n private and non-profit 45% and public spaces 55%<\/p>\n Last year, concentrated on intersections and lots of observations. \u00c2\u00a0Like to put forward a master contract for snow removal so the DID can take on the responsibility. \u00c2\u00a0Smaller-properties could take advantage of it.<\/p>\n Would like to do more with Solar Powered Trash Compactors. \u00c2\u00a0Grant money and sponsorship money should be available. \u00c2\u00a0Put back almost $200,000 into cleaning the green spaces.<\/p>\n Downtown events should also benefit downtown businesses. \u00c2\u00a0They are doing interviews with attendees and wrap-up with businesses.<\/p>\n Liz Brown – asking about property owner responsibility and why they have taken on the additional responses. \u00c2\u00a0Snow removal, sidewalk repair, trees… \u00c2\u00a0Rich – haven’t repaired any ourselves, but acting as broker. \u00c2\u00a0Worked with property owners – haven’t spent money of their own. \u00c2\u00a0Tree work in 2010 will be in cooperation with City. \u00c2\u00a0Tree grates maintained by DID. \u00c2\u00a0Volunteers and staff will be working on it. \u00c2\u00a0We’re looking for areas which aren’t being done well, and trying to add some value. \u00c2\u00a0It is done in partnership. \u00c2\u00a0As a courtesy, we have a responsiblity to keep them clean for pedestrians.<\/p>\n If you’re doing it, how are you encouraging them to do it? \u00c2\u00a0We will not clean up anyone’s sidewalk without being reimbursed. \u00c2\u00a0DID has over 300 commercial property rate payers.<\/p>\n We see value in what we’re doing, even if we couldn’t get total coverage of expenses through sponsorship. \u00c2\u00a0 Liz – significant portion spent on supporting retail businesses, however they are a small part of those that pay.<\/p>\n Liz – legal line item going up 5 times. \u00c2\u00a0Rich – we are looking to reopen 501c organization that has been closed for some time. \u00c2\u00a0It will be used to bring in more money to help. \u00c2\u00a0Foundation?<\/p>\n Office rent zero to $13,000. \u00c2\u00a0George Huber has given it free for some time. \u00c2\u00a0Board is encouraging them to get out and co-locate with another organization and get in a ground-floor location for better visibility. \u00c2\u00a0They have avoided it for some years.<\/p>\n Karen Goldner – She’s on the board – very active board. \u00c2\u00a0Clean and Green is important to put into context. \u00c2\u00a0Important for retailers and small\u00c2\u00a0businesses\u00c2\u00a0to have access to the master contract. \u00c2\u00a0DID does good job of being promoter of downtown, not just events. \u00c2\u00a0Important to have an organization that takes care of downtown.<\/p>\n Tom Smith – Board meeting today at the Community Foundation. \u00c2\u00a0I find it very hard to find out when they’re happening. \u00c2\u00a0I really think you need to examine how you get the word out about the board meetings. \u00c2\u00a0Rather than having them at noon in a place where people aren’t sure where they’re at. \u00c2\u00a0Should have them in the heart of downtown. \u00c2\u00a0Especially with 85% of the funding coming from taxpayers. \u00c2\u00a0Make sure it’s well publicized.<\/p>\n The kiosks around downtown. \u00c2\u00a0Almost impossible to read. \u00c2\u00a0Don’t see people looking at them. \u00c2\u00a0I don’t think they’re meeting their needs or purpose. \u00c2\u00a0Community Development owns them and placed them.<\/p>\n Tim Pape – I think you have some of the highest quality events in all of Fort Wayne. \u00c2\u00a0You should keep doing those events. \u00c2\u00a0Events keep getting better and better and quality as well. \u00c2\u00a0It is a unique experience, the events, and it does bring value to downtown and not just retail.<\/p>\n Liz Brown – The events they put on are great and serve their purpose of attracting people downtown. \u00c2\u00a0$300K from property owners go to salaries, now ask City to subsidize the events at $150K. \u00c2\u00a0It’s one thing for us to assist in something that brings people downtown. \u00c2\u00a0I want to see your budget cover something besides your personnel. \u00c2\u00a0For those who aren’t downtown, they have to broker for themselves.<\/p>\n Liz is proposing they took a $25,000 cut. \u00c2\u00a0They are increasing their rent and legal fees in a year when others have cut their budget. \u00c2\u00a0We’ve just come off a difficult budget process and you’re going to have to dot the same thing.<\/p>\n Commercial property owners feel they’re subsidizing the efforts – some 60% support level in the DID budget. \u00c2\u00a0They see themselves as taking on the subsidizing.<\/p>\n Mitch Harper – One of the structures inside the DID district is the Renaissance Square. \u00c2\u00a0It will be going off the tax rolls. \u00c2\u00a0How does your assessment remain flat when this property will be taken off? \u00c2\u00a0The district is set up so it always brings in a flat number each year. \u00c2\u00a0The apportionment per property owner may fluctuate. \u00c2\u00a0Council set the amount of $300,000.<\/p>\n Mitch is talking about creating a core of non-taxable properties in the downtown – or a hollowing out of the core. \u00c2\u00a0Now talking about an effort to do land banking. \u00c2\u00a0It’s an initiative which is borrowed from Chattanooga and Kalamazoo. \u00c2\u00a0Using institutional funds to actively get involved in real estate market to purchase properties that come on the market. \u00c2\u00a0You begin to\u00c2\u00a0acquire\u00c2\u00a0properties to stabilize it and fill in gaps in needs, then find developers who will take them over. \u00c2\u00a0Do you chase out private dollars in doing something like this?<\/p>\n Tim Pape – Those communities that plan for investment and partner with private investment, is best. \u00c2\u00a0An active, vibrant downtown attracts development. \u00c2\u00a0The evidence is that people \u00c2\u00a0are looking for a responsive community that appreciates development. \u00c2\u00a0Developers are looking for communities that has the land they need under control.<\/p>\n Government is not squeezing out space for private developers. \u00c2\u00a0Fort Wayne Newspapers chose to stay in downtown, Woodson Motor Sports, Halls – it’s not accurate to claim private developers are being squeezed out.<\/p>\n Mitch Harper – to say that downtowns only get developed because of collective planning is not accurate. \u00c2\u00a0There is evidence of downtowns working without the interaction of planning or subsidies.<\/p>\n John Shoaff – Jefferson Pointe assesses their renters for fees for the events and landscapes and such. \u00c2\u00a0I think DID is providing essential services. \u00c2\u00a0We need coordinated efforts and public expenditures. \u00c2\u00a0I commend the DID for being here to do some of this work.<\/p>\n Tom Didier – I see Liz’s point. \u00c2\u00a0Moving isn’t necessary. \u00c2\u00a0$13K for rent, then another $10K for moving expenses (??). \u00c2\u00a0Is it feasible for the DID to be put into \u00c2\u00a0Renaissance Square? \u00c2\u00a0(Webmaster’s note – or what about City-County Building if space would become\u00c2\u00a0available.) \u00c2\u00a0I’m in favor of the cut. \u00c2\u00a0You’re still going to get everything done, just won’t move.<\/p>\n Charlie H. – been living on free rent. \u00c2\u00a0But it’s not\u00c2\u00a0realistic\u00c2\u00a0to expect it to continue indefinitely. \u00c2\u00a0We’re exploring co-habitation with other agencies.<\/p>\n Tom Smith – CEDIT dollars is the source of the City’s $150,000. \u00c2\u00a0 People are having services provided through CEDIT dollars cut. \u00c2\u00a0Don’t know if I’m willing to cut $25K. \u00c2\u00a0Next year, I will support a cut – simply in part because there will be less tax dollars to go ’round. \u00c2\u00a0We give money to other agencies who aren’t being cut when services and other things are being cut. \u00c2\u00a0Expect it.<\/p>\n Liz Brown – are you suggesting the DID is getting involved in land banking? \u00c2\u00a0Rich – No, DID is not empowered to own real power. \u00c2\u00a0Discussion about landbanking is speaking more toward the cooperative effort they’d like to have with the Economic Alliance.<\/p>\n Liz is making an ammendment to cut by $25,000. \u00c2\u00a0Liz and Tim Didier voted for, did not pass. \u00c2\u00a0Final vote, Didier and Brown against, rest for. \u00c2\u00a05-2 vote.<\/p>\n R-09-11-04<\/strong><\/p>\n Liz Brown – there were two proposals.<\/p>\n Passed, none opposed.<\/p>\n R-09-11-13<\/strong><\/p>\n Bruce Johnson, planning Community Development and Pam Holocher. \u00c2\u00a0This has to go to Plan Commission, public hearing will be held in January.<\/p>\n Karen Goldner – still working on the CDAPs being made part of City Code? \u00c2\u00a0yes.<\/p>\n Passed, none opposed.<\/p>\n S-09-11-07<\/strong><\/p>\n Brad Baumgartner. \u00c2\u00a0Mitch is asking if it includes Parks Department – no.<\/p>\n Passed, non opposed.<\/p>\n S-09-11-12<\/strong><\/p>\n Road salt purchase. Lowest of three bids. Increased $17 per ton, about 29% increase due to supply and demand. \u00c2\u00a0Purchase was done through Jim Howard.<\/p>\n John Shoaff – Limitations on supply side? \u00c2\u00a0Why is price going up? \u00c2\u00a0It’s supply and demand. \u00c2\u00a0Didn’t have enough mined, harsh winters.<\/p>\n Passed, none opposed.<\/p>\n S-09-11-06<\/strong><\/p>\n Three vendors, lowest in their prospective bids.<\/p>\n Passed, none opposed.<\/p>\n S-09-11-08<\/strong><\/p>\n John Clark. \u00c2\u00a0No increase over last year, this is an extension of that contract. \u00c2\u00a0Gone up in volume as more water is being used. \u00c2\u00a0We treated 1 billion more gallons this year.<\/p>\n Passed, none opposed.<\/p>\n S-09-11-09<\/strong><\/p>\n Contract extended for one year. \u00c2\u00a0No local last year. \u00c2\u00a0This comes from Cleveland, Ohio.<\/p>\n Passed, none opposed..<\/p>\n S-09-11-10<\/strong><\/p>\n Liz Brown – 5 per cent discount Notes from yesterday’s Fort Wayne City Council meeting. Related Images:<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[236],"tags":[23514,123,15,20,21755,133,127,128,1114,597,1211],"class_list":{"0":"post-8691","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"hentry","6":"category-fort-wayne-city-council","7":"tag-cso-consent-decree","8":"tag-fort-wayne-city-clerk-sandy-kennedy","9":"tag-fort-wayne-city-council-2","10":"tag-fort-wayne-city-councilman-tim-pape","11":"tag-fort-wayne-city-councilman-tom-didier","12":"tag-fort-wayne-city-councilman-tom-smith","13":"tag-fort-wayne-city-councilwoman-karen-goldner","15":"tag-metro-commissioner-paul-morrison","16":"tag-metro-metropolitan-human-relations-commission","17":"tag-rich-davis"},"yoast_head":"\n
\nPassed, none opposed.<\/p>\nRelated Images:<\/h3>
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t![](\"https:\/\/aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/wp-content\/gallery\/cityoffw\/71709.jpg\"\n\t\t\ttitle=\"Mayor "\\"2009\/02\/27:")
![](\"https:\/\/aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/wp-content\/gallery\/cityoffw\/71710.jpg\"\n\t\t\ttitle=\"Mayor "\\"2009\/02\/27:")
![](\"https:\/\/aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/wp-content\/gallery\/cityoffw\/71712.jpg\"\n\t\t\ttitle=\"Fort "\\"2009\/02\/27:")
![](\"https:\/\/aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/wp-content\/gallery\/cityoffw\/71714.jpg\"\n\t\t\ttitle=\"City "\\"2009\/02\/27:")
![](\"https:\/\/aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/wp-content\/gallery\/cityoffw\/71715.jpg\"\n\t\t\ttitle=\"Allen "\\"2009\/02\/27:")
![](\"https:\/\/aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/wp-content\/gallery\/cityoffw\/92359.jpg\"\n\t\t\ttitle=\"City "\\"2009\/06\/02:")
![](\"https:\/\/aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/wp-content\/gallery\/cityoffw\/92360.jpg\"\n\t\t\ttitle=\"City "\\"2009\/06\/02:")
![](\"https:\/\/aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/wp-content\/gallery\/cityoffw\/92362.jpg\"\n\t\t\ttitle=\"City "\\"2009\/06\/02:")
![](\"https:\/\/aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/wp-content\/gallery\/cityoffw\/92363.jpg\"\n\t\t\ttitle=\"City "\\"2009\/06\/02:")
![](\"https:\/\/aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/wp-content\/gallery\/20090525\/90590.jpg\"\n\t\t\ttitle=\"Councilpersons "\\"Councilpersons")
![](\"https:\/\/aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/wp-content\/gallery\/2005-germanfest\/7974.jpg\"\n\t\t\ttitle=\"City "\\"2005:")
![](\"https:\/\/aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/wp-content\/gallery\/cityoffw\/88101.jpg\"\n\t\t\ttitle=\"First "\\"Public")
![](\"https:\/\/aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/wp-content\/gallery\/2009-trf-parade\/99901.jpg\"\n\t\t\ttitle=\"The "\\"The")
![](\"https:\/\/aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/wp-content\/gallery\/blog-headers\/2009_07_14_header.jpg\"\n\t\t\ttitle=\"City "\\"2009\/07\/14")
![](\"https:\/\/aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/wp-content\/gallery\/charis-house\/115604.jpg\"\n\t\t\ttitle=\"Fort "\\"2009\/09\/17:")