Mayor Costin called the meeting Martinsville Common Council to order on Monday, September 25, 2023. Pastor David Zemple of Martinsville Baptist Tabernacle led the prayer. Mayor Costin led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ATTENDANCE
THOSE MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE
- Kenny Costin, Mayor
- Phil Deckard, District 1
- Ben Mahan, District 2
- Josh Ferran, District 3
- Suzie Lipps, District 4
- Phil Deckard II, District 5
- Ann Miller, Councilwoman-at-Large
- Jim Wisco, Councilman-at-Large
- Dale Coffey, City Attorney
- Rebecca Tumey, Clerk – Treasurer
- Ben Merida, Deputy Clerk
A quorum was present.
Council persons, Ben Mahan and Jim Wisco were absent. Also absent was Clerk-Treasurer Rebecca Tumey.
MINUTES
Mayor Costin presented the Minutes of Monday, September 11 2023. A motion to accept and allow was made by Councilwoman Suzie Lipps. Councilman Phil Deckard Sr. seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0.
PUBLIC HEARING
Ordinance 2023-0058 / 2024 City Budget – presented by Jeff Peters, financial advisor to the City.
Peters explained the tax rate would increase property taxes by $22.60 per annum on property valued at $119,000.00. Mayor Costin called for public comment. Resident John Badger requested small businesses to be considered to be a part of trash service. Hearing no further comments, the public hearing was closed.
NEW BUSINESS
Ordinance 2023-0058 / 2024 City Budget – No action, first reading.
Consideration of Request Regarding Log House / Curtis Tomak – Mayor Costin suggested allowing an area to store the logs. Preservation and covering would be the responsibility of those requesting the storage. A motion to approve was made by Councilwoman Suzie Lipps. Council Ann Miller stated the county should take care of the issue and not the city. After discussion, Councilwoman Suzie Lipps amended the motion to be tabled until a future meeting to allow the city to find a suitable location and to add more guidelines between the city and Curtis Tomak. Councilman Phil Deckard II seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0.
Ordinance 2023-0059 / Membership in Central Indiana Regional Development Authority – City Attorney Dale Coffey and Jennifer Meese presented the ordinance. Councilman Phil Deckard II had questions regarding Readi Grants in the future Mainstreet projects. Councilwoman Suzie Lipps questioned the current membership list and what, exactly, the city would be signing up for. Councilwoman Ann Miller asked about the cost, which is free. A motion to suspend the rules and act on the ordinance was made by Councilman Phil Deckard Sr. Seconding the ordinance was Councilwoman Ann Millers. The motion passed 5-0. A motion to accept and allow the ordinance was made by Councilwoman Ann Miller. Councilman Phil Deckard Sr. seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0.
Resolution 2023-0047 / Preliminary Strategic Plan for the Central Regional Development Authority – City Attorney Dale Coffey presented the resolution. A motion to accept and allow was made by Councilwoman Ann Miller. Seconding the motion was Councilman Phil Deckard II. The motion passed 5-0.
CLAIMS
Mayor Costin presented the Claims. A motion to accept and allow was made by Councilman Phil Deckard II. Councilwoman Suzie Lipps seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilman Phil Deckard Sr. asked about the status of the new police station. Director of Planning and Engineering Gary Oakes responded that the drawings should be finalized on October 21st.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Costin announced city offices will be closed on Monday, October 9, 2023, in observance of Columbus Day.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Costin declared the meeting adjourned.
