Goshen city government

CITY OF GOSHEN, INDIANA

"The Maple City"

2006 City Council Archived Minutes

Regular Meeting of the Common Council

January 3, 2006

111 East Jefferson St.

Goshen, IN 46528

The Common Council of the City of Goshen, Indiana, met in the Council Chambers for a regular session on January 3, 2006 at 7:00 P.M. Presiding Officer was Mayor Kauffman with members of the Council present as follows:

PRESENT: COUNCILMEN BLOSS, GRIMES, LANTZ, MINTER, SCOTT, THOMAS, COUNCILWOMAN GAUTSCHE

ABSENT: NONE

PRIVILEGE OF FLOOR

Ned Kauffman
1205 Berkey Ave.
expressed his thanks to the Mayor Kauffman and the Council for making sidewalks a city focus for 2006. He further stated he appreciated the hard work and efforts with sidewalks being a priority.

Mr. Kauffman handed out a letter addressed to the Mayor, Council, Director of Public Works, Engineering and Planning Departments regarding further concerns he has on sidewalks around the City.

CHANGES TO AGENDA
Mayor Kauffman proposed the Agenda be changed to the following order:

·        Item 1

·        Items 5-8

·        Item 10

·        Items 2-4

·        Item 9

·        Items 11

·        To add Item 12, Council election of Plan Commission Representative

Councilman Thomas moved to amend the Agenda as proposed. Second by Councilwoman Gautsche and motion passed unanimously.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Council President Thomas moved to accept the Minutes of the Council meetings of December 6, 2005 as presented and December 20, 2005. Motion seconded by Councilman Lantz and motion carried unanimously.

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
The recognition of the retirement of Robert J. Gehlke was deferred to a later meeting as Mr. Gehlke was unable to be present.

ELECTION OF COUNCIL PRESIDENT
Councilman Lantz moved to elect Councilman Thomas as Council President for 2006. Motion seconded by Councilman Grimes.

By a 7-0 unanimous vote of the Council, Council President Thomas was re-elected Council President for 2006.

ORDINANCE NUMBER 4334

Council President Thomas introduced Ordinance Number 4334 entitled “AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE NUMBER 4189 AND ORDINANCE 4237, TITLED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING MEIJER P.U.D., PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE CITY OF GOSHEN ON THE 3^RD DAY OF JANUARY 2006.”

Council President Thomas asked the Clerk-Treasurer to read the Ordinance by title only for its first reading and moved its passage. Motion seconded by Councilman Minter.

Ken Jones of Wightman Petrie explained to the Council that the amendment request adds a fifth building to the previously approved PUD plan for Goshen Village Shoppes. Mr. Jones stated that the previously required signal should be completely installed in the next few weeks. Mr. Jones further stated that some delays on the signal and intersection improvements have been experienced due to the weather but there is still no occupancy in the third and fourth buildings as previously agreed until the signal is operational.

Council President questioned if any further annexations are expected in the area. Director of Public Works Robert McCoige stated that he knows of a few more commercial properties that may have interest in annexation.

Glenn Null, 319 Dewey Ave, stated he welcomed the light and questioned if a light similar to the one at Greene Road and U.S. 33 could be installed as it has green turn arrows when a train is present and at times it is difficult to pass through the light at the Meijer store intersection.

Mayor Kauffman stated that Mr. Null’s previous request regarding the light was forwarded to the Engineering Department and then to INDOT.

By a 7-0 unanimous vote of the Council the motion passed.

Council President Thomas asked the Clerk-Treasurer to read the Ordinance by title only for second reading and moved its passage. Motion seconded by Councilman Grimes.

By a 7-0 unanimous vote of the Council the motion passed.

Council President Thomas asked the Clerk-Treasurer to read the Ordinance by title only for the third and final reading and moved its passage by roll call vote. Motion seconded by Councilman Scott.

The Council roll call vote was as follows:

AYES: BLOSS: GAUTSCHE: GRIMES: LANTZ: MINTER: SCOTT: THOMAS

NAYS:            NONE

(ORDINANCE 4334 DULY PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 3^RDDAY OF JANUARY 2006.)

ORDINANCE NUMBER 4335

Council President Thomas introduced Ordinance Number 4335 entitled “AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND COUNTRY COURT CENTER PUD, TITLED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING COUNTRY COURT CENTER P.U.D. PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE CITY OF GOSHEN ON THE 3^RD DAY OF JANUARY 2006.”

Council President Thomas asked the Clerk-Treasurer to read the Ordinance by title only for its first reading and moved its passage. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Gautsche.

Attorney Gordon Lord,
130 N. Main St.
, stated he is representing William Stutzman Jr. and explained the request is to add a metal building to the site plan for the storage center and to change the size of the current office building by constructing an addition. Attorney Lord further explained that the requests include relaxing the front and rear year setbacks which will not crowd structures on the lots or place buildings close to the street.

Councilwoman questioned if the addition to the office building will match the style of the existing buildings.

Mr. Lord stated that the addition is proposed to be in decorative house style with a pitch roof.

By a 7-0 unanimous vote of the Council the motion passed.

Council President Thomas asked the Clerk-Treasurer to read the Ordinance by title only for second reading and moved its passage. Motion seconded by Councilman Scott.

By a 7-0 unanimous vote of the Council the motion passed.

Council President Thomas asked the Clerk-Treasurer to read the Ordinance by title only for the third and final reading and moved its passage by roll call vote. Motion seconded by Councilman Scott.

The Council roll call vote was as follows:

AYES: BLOSS: GAUTSCHE: GRIMES: LANTZ: MINTER: SCOTT: THOMAS

NAYS:            NONE

(ORDINANCE 4335 DULY PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 3^RD DAY OF JANUARY 2006.)

ORDINANCE NUMBER 4336 & RESOLUTION 2006-02
The above items were not introduced and removed from the Agenda, as Adlai Schrock, representing Windshire Corporation, could not be present.

RESOLUTION NUMBER 2006-01
The Resolution was not introduced and was removed from the Agenda.

ORDINANCE NUMBER 4324

Council President Thomas introduced Ordinance Number 4324 entitled “AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE NUMBER 3011, KNOWN AS THE ZONING AND USE REGULATIONS ORDINANCE FOR THE CITY OF GOSHEN, INDIANA, BY AUTHORIZING THE FOLLOWING CHANGES TO THE ABOVE-MENTIONED ORDINANCE FOR THE CITY OF GOSHEN, INDIANA.”

Council President Thomas asked the Clerk-Treasurer to read the Ordinance by title only for its first reading and moved its passage. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Gautsche.

City Planner Joseph Hauflaire explained that he made changes to the Ordinance based upon the Plan Commission hearing and Council discussion of the Ordinance at a previous meeting. The changes and modifications will assist in enforcing the Ordinance and allows commercial vehicles originally designed, as a private passenger vehicle, that have not been structurally altered to be parked on residential property.

The Council discussed the following:

The wording in the Ordinance ‘parked or stored’; and

Police Department Officers generally will not be the enforcers of the Ordinance as these issues are usually handled by the Planning & Zoning Department or the Ordinance Administrator.

Glenn Null, 319 Dewey Ave, stated with the wording ‘in excess of one ton capacity’ in paragraph one it defines that a 2200 or 2800 pound axle truck and/or trailer will be in violation. Mr. Null further stated campers and boats will be in violation.

City Planner Joseph Hauflaire explained that another part of the Ordinance allows RV’s and boat trailers behind the back wall of the residence. Mr. Hauflaire further explained that this Ordinance will not be enforced any differently than the current Ordinance.

Glenn Null questioned the definition of ‘structurally altered’ as used in the Ordinance and stated the Ordinance is too vague.

By a 4-3 (NAYS – BLOSS, GRIMES, SCOTT) vote of the Council the motion passed.

Council President Thomas asked the Clerk-Treasurer to read the Ordinance by title only for second reading and moved its passage. Motion seconded by Councilman Minter.

Glenn Null pointed out that the Dial-A-Truck program would be in violation of the Ordinance. Mr. Null stated restrictions as these are not good for a community that has residents that pay taxes from earning wages by hauling with vehicles that are in violation of the Ordinance.

Councilman Minter suggested the Council move forward with the Ordinance and amend it later as needed.

Councilman Grimes questioned if the Plan Commission should view the Ordinance again since it was modified after their recommendation to the Council.

Councilman Bloss, Plan Commission Member, agreed that the Plan Commission should again view the Ordinance as modified.

By a 4-3 (NAYS – BLOSS, GRIMES, SCOTT) vote of the Council the Ordinance passed on second reading.

ORDINANCE NUMBER 4328

Council President Thomas introduced Ordinance Number 4328 entitled “CONSTRUCTION SITE STORM WATER RUN-OFF CONTROL.”

Council President Thomas asked the Clerk-Treasurer to read the Ordinance by title only for the third and final reading and moved its passage by roll call vote. Motion seconded by Councilman Grimes.

City Attorney Larry Barkes explained to the Council that the recommendation of the Legal Department is to amend the Ordinance as presented tonight and postpone. Attorney Barkes further explained that the MS4 Group met today and would like to review the amended version prior to the Council passing the Ordinance.

Council President Thomas moved to amend the Ordinance as presented tonight. Motion seconded by Councilman Lantz and motion passed unanimously.

Council President Thomas moved to postpone the Ordinance to the February 7, 2006 meeting of the Council. Motion seconded by Councilman Scott and motion passed unanimously.

ORDINANCE NUMBER 4329

Council President Thomas introduced Ordinance Number 4329 entitled “UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS FOR POST CONSTRUCTION STORM WATER MANAGEMENT.”

Council President Thomas asked the Clerk-Treasurer to read the Ordinance by title only for the third and final reading and moved its passage by roll call vote. Motion seconded by Councilman Grimes.

City Attorney explained there are no changes in the Ordinance from the first two readings.

The Council roll call vote was as follows:

AYES: BLOSS: GAUTSCHE: GRIMES: LANTZ: MINTER: SCOTT: THOMAS

NAYS:            NONE

(ORDINANCE 4329 DULY PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 3^RD DAY OF JANUARY 2006.)

ORDINANCE NUMBER 4337

Council President Thomas introduced Ordinance Number 4337 entitled “APPROVING THE INVESTMENT OF FUNDS, AUTHORIZING THE INVESTMENT OF FUNDS IN CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT, AND SELECTING DEPOSITORIES FOR THE CITY OF GOSHEN.”

Council President Thomas asked the Clerk-Treasurer to read the Ordinance by title only for its first reading and moved its passage. Motion seconded by Councilman Minter.

By a 7-0 unanimous vote of the Council the motion passed.

Council President Thomas asked the Clerk-Treasurer to read the Ordinance by title only for second reading and moved its passage. Motion seconded by Councilman Bloss.

By a 7-0 unanimous vote of the Council the motion passed.

Mayor Kauffman asked for unanimous Council consent to consider the Ordinance for passage during one meeting. As there were no objections, the Mayor declared that the Ordinance would be heard on third reading.

Council President Thomas asked the Clerk-Treasurer to read the Ordinance by title only for the third and final reading and moved its passage by roll call vote. Motion seconded by Councilman Grimes.

The Council roll call vote was as follows:

AYES: BLOSS: GAUTSCHE: GRIMES: LANTZ: MINTER: SCOTT: THOMAS

NAYS:            NONE

(ORDINANCE 4337 DULY PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 3^RD DAY OF JANUARY 2006.)

PUBLIC HEARING ON RESOLUTION 2006-03

Mayor Kauffman opened the Public Hearing on Resolution 2005-03 entitled “An Additional Appropriation Resolution”. Mayor Kauffman read the proposed appropriations. Mayor Kauffman closed the Public Hearing as no person wished to speak.

RESOLUTION NUMBER 2006-03

Council President Thomas introduced Resolution Number 2006-03 entitled “AN ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION RESOLUTION.”

Council President Thomas asked the Clerk-Treasurer to read the Resolution by title only and moved its passage. Motion seconded by Councilman Bloss.

Mayor Kauffman explained that the Fatal Alcohol Crash Team appropriation is grant money that will be reimbursed by Elkhart County.

Mayor Kauffman further explained that the Other Rentals appropriation is for the Police Department to rent the back of the building behind the Police Department for storage.

The Council roll call vote was as follows:

AYES: BLOSS: GAUTSCHE: GRIMES: LANTZ: MINTER: SCOTT: THOMAS:

NAYS:   NONE

By 7-0 unanimous vote of the Council, Resolution Number 2006-03 was passed.

COUNCIL ELECTION OF PLAN COMMISSION MEMBER
Council President Thomas moved to nominate Councilman Bloss as the Plan Commission Member. Motion seconded by Councilman Scott.

By a 7-0 unanimous vote of the Council, Councilman Bloss was re-elected as the Council’s Plan Commission Member.

COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS FOR 2006

Mayor Kauffman announced the Council appointments will remain the same for 2006 & 2007 for Council Members as follows:

Council Member           Commission/Board                 Department Liaison

Bill Bloss                        Planning                                     Cemetery

Planning

Julia Gautsche              Face of the City                         Fire

Parks

Daniel Grimes                Redevelopment                        Legal

Utilities

Chic Lantz                      Community Relations             Streets

                                          Traffic                                          Building

Don Minter                     Tree Board                                 Fire

Parks

Paul Scott                       Tree Board                                 Police

      Beautification/Restoration     Parks

Everett Thomas            Board of Aviation                     Police

Engineering

JOINT WORK SESSION AND MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL AND GOSHEN COMMUNITY SCHOOL BOARD (JANUARY 17, 2006)

613 E. PURL STREET, GOSHEN, INDIANA

The Common Council of the City of Goshen, Indiana, met in the Administration Center of Goshen High School with the Goshen School Board for a joint work session and meeting on January 17, 2006 at 6:30 P.M. Presiding Officer was Mayor Kauffman and members of the Council present as follows:

PRESENT: COUNCILMEN BLOSS, GRIMES, LANTZ, MINTER, SCOTT, THOMAS

COUNCILWOMAN GAUTSCHE

ABSENT: NONE

PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR

No items were presented under privilege of the floor.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Council President Thomas moved to accept the Minutes of the Council meeting of January 3, 2006 as presented. Motion seconded by Councilman Grimes and motion carried unanimously.

COUNCIL DISCUSSION

The following was discussed before the Joint Work Session at 7:00 p.m.:

Mayor Kauffman stated he has received a couple of inquiries regarding who are the contractors conducting work for the City and if they have liability insurance coverage. Mayor Kauffman further stated that all contractors working for the City have liability coverage, for example retired contractor Leon Mast is in charge of the office renovation project at the annex building and he has the insurance coverage;

Council Retreat:

Ø Begins at noon on Wednesday, January 25, 2006 at the Rieth Interpretive Center;

Ø All City Commission and Committee Members have been invited as well as the public being welcome to the meeting;

Ø Department Heads and others are scheduled to state accomplishments in 2005 and goals for their office in 2006 and how these items relate to the City’s Comprehensive Plan.

· Councilman Bloss began discussion of telephone poles and wires:

Ø Particularly in the area of the new Martin’s Supermarket. Councilman Bloss further stated the Council is concerned about the wires and poles down US 33 to Meijer and have this issue in our own backyard. Director of Public Works, Robert McCoige stated poles in the area needed to be relocated due to construction and traffic changes.

Ø Councilwoman Gautsche discussed the poles and lines along the Mill Race. Robert McCoige stated the area is a main easement and NIPSCO owns the right-of-way.

· Councilman Bloss stated he accepted the invitation of the Fire Department to watch a demonstration of a rescue boat designed for emergency rescues on the water and/or ice. Councilman Bloss further stated he hoped the Fire Department purchases the boat at a cost of $3300.00. Fire Chief, Danny Sink stated those interested should contact Scott McCrindle at Central for more information regarding another scheduled demonstration January 19, 2006.

Councilman Scott moved to adjourn for a 10 minute break before beginning the joint work session. Second by Council President Thomas and meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.

School Board President Randy Robertson was co-presiding officer at the Joint Work Session.

During the Joint Work Session information was exchanged regarding the following topics:

CITY OF GOSHEN TOPICS ON AGENDA:

1. DARE & School Resource Officer Programs;

· School Officials expressed their appreciation for the officers in the schools and further expressed the need for a School Resource Officer for the elementary schools.

· Police Chief, Gary Penland expressed the value of addressing issues especially involving gangs and he encouraged communication between school officials and the Police Department.

· Mayor Kauffman confirmed with School Officials that the City can continue to include the school’s funding assistance for the cost of the programs in the annual budget.

2. Sidewalk Improvement – Installation in Walking Zones to Schools;

· Director of Public Works, Robert McCoige distributed the most current revised copy of the City’s Sidewalk Replacement Program which includes the School Walking Routes. Mr. McCoige encouraged communication between the School and the Engineering Department regarding any issues including recommended sides of the streets for the sidewalks.

· Administrative City Engineer, Mary Cripe explained the proposal designates routes with maps of each area after a study and evaluation was conducted in walking zones.

· Request to School Board Officials to help recommend residents to join the 50/50 or 40/60 City sidewalk program;

· Future City ideas of adding bike path connections to the program.

· Ned Kauffman, 1205 Berkey Ave., encouraged the City and Schools co-operation and continued work with each other.

· Mr. Kauffman began discussion that the Goshen Middle School does not have a sidewalk in front of it. School Superintendent Dr. Bruce Stahly finished the discussion stating the school did not budget the expense of installing a sidewalk in front of the school but he certainly would favor to factor the expense into the budget in 2007.

3. Potential Impact if Fifth Street is changed to two way traffic north and south.

· School Officials do not expect much impact and will adjust.

GOSHEN SCHOOL BOARD TOPICS:

1. iLight2 High Speed Statewide Fiber Optic Network by Mike Sherer

2. Construction/Renovation Schedule Update by School Superintendent Dr. Bruce Stahly

3. Redistricting by Dr. Bruce Stahly

4. Zones, Signage and Warning Signals by Barry Younghans

5. School/City Joint Venture on Facility and Land Usage/Railroad Corridor

by Barry Younghans

6. Future Building Needs/City Growth by Dr. Bruce Stahly

7. Possible Future Requests for Street Closings by Dr. Bruce Stahly

8. Emergency Crisis Management by Barry Younghans

9. Possible Crossing Guards at Plymouth and Main Intersection; Regent Street by Barry Younghans

10. Proposed Date for dedication of Prairie View Elementary is September 10, 2006 by Dr. Bruce Stahly

11. Cooperative Effort on Public’s Perception of Community by Mr. Clendening

The meeting was adjourned by the presiding officers at 9:00 p.m.

LONG TERM PLANNING RETREAT

OF THE COMMON COUNCIL

JANUARY 25, 2006

REITH INTERPRETIVE CENTER, GOSHEN INDIANA

The Common Council of the City of Goshen, Indiana, met in the Reith Interpretive Center for a Long Term Planning Retreat on January 25, 2006 at 12:00 P.M. Elkhart County Administrator Tom Byers was the Moderator. Mayor Kauffman and Council Members were present as follows:

PRESENT: MAYOR KAUFFMAN, COUNCILMEN BLOSS, GRIMES, LANTZ, MINTER, SCOTT, THOMAS

COUNCILWOMAN GAUTSCHE

ABSENT: NONE

Moderator Byers reviewed the schedule with the following goals:

· Identify City Council priorities and goals for 2006 & 2007 that grow out of the Comprehensive Plan:

· Provide opportunities for Mayor Kauffman, Clerk-Treasurer Bontrager and Department Heads to have input into the planning process;

· Encourage agreement among all city government leaders on priorities for the next two years;

· Develop priorities and goals with the assumption that the cit tax revenues will grow only slightly during the next few years;

· Build understanding and trust among all participants.

Council President Thomas reviewed last year’s retreat minutes citing that Transportation, Down Town, and Sidewalks were the three highest priorities. The Council agreed that progress has been made in each of these areas although each are more that a one-year project.

City Department Heads and the Clerk-Treasurer reviewed highlighted activities of 2005 and future goals with emphasis on how these goals support the Comprehensive Plan, improve customer service and improve department efficiencies as follows:

· Gary Penland, Police Chief;

· Dan Sink, Fire Chief;

· Patty Morgan, Human Resource;

· Larry Barkes, City Attorney;

· Tina Bontrager, Clerk-Treasurer;

· Barb LaDow, Street Commissioner;

· Rhonda Yoder, CDBG Administrator and Assistant Planner

· Joseph Hauflaire, City Planner

· Michael Leasor, Building Commissioner;

· Doug Perry, Utilities Superintendent;

· Sandy Null, Utilities Office First Deputy;

· Sherry Howland, Park Superintendent;

· Robert McCoige, Director of Public Works;

· Mary Cripe, City Administrative Engineer: and

· Dustin Sailor, Utility Administrative Engineer.

During the Council Retreat, the Council discussed and exchanged ideas on the following subjects:

· Identify strong assets of Goshen - Such as Goshen College which has a great Environmental Science Program;

· Green Building in Goshen – Reduce the environmental impact of building and achieve savings of energy, water and other natural resources.

· Community Relations Commission – Great success with Diversity Day – Still working on receiving funding for a Director.

· Future of the development of the River Race

· Sidewalks – Building more sidewalk requirements into City Ordinances – Encouraging residents to take advantage of the 50/50 sidewalk program - Hopes to expand funds spent each year to continue to improve and build sidewalks.

· Current and future expansions of Goshen Airport.

· Goshen’s need for more non-vehicular traffic ways.

· Strengthen family structures – Continue public funding to groups such as LaCasa.

· Smart Growth Concept.

· Implementation of Hyett-Palma Study and adopting the Downtown Action Agenda.

· Improving visual aspects of entryways into Goshen.

· Identify and plan Urban Growth Area

· Encourage business diversity.

· Improve Air Quality and long term plan to gradually switch City vehicles to hybrid vehicles.

· Strengthening neighborhoods and Neighborhood Associations.

· Compliments to Department Heads as they are stretched and challenged.

· Future of the South Peripheral Road and land acquisition required.

· Jackson Street Water Tower out of operation and could possibly be a park structure.

· More communication to residents as to plans of the City Council and Mayor.

· Continuation of applying for grant money for additional funding of projects.

Moderator Tom Byers identified the following as priorities for the Council, with further discussion that these areas have seen improvements and continue to have further planned improvements:

· Downtown: Downtown Action Agenda adopted; Hyett-Palma Study improvements; and Face of the City.

· Transportation: Improving vehicular traffic flow; and Increasing non-vehicular traffic ways.

Mr. Byers adjourned the retreat at 6:00 p.m.

REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL

FEBRUARY 7, 2006

111 EAST JEFFERSON STREET

GOSHEN, INDIANA

The Common Council of the City of Goshen, Indiana, met in the Council Chambers for a regular session on February 7, 2006 at 7:00 P.M. Presiding Officer was Mayor Kauffman with members of the Council present as follows:

PRESENT: COUNCILMEN BLOSS, GRIMES, LANTZ, MINTER

COUNCILWOMAN GAUTSCHE

ABSENT: COUNCILMAN SCOTT, THOMAS

PRIVILEGE OF FLOOR

No items were presented under privilege of the floor.

CHANGES TO AGENDA

Councilwoman Gautsche moved to add Ordinance Number 4324 as item 12. Second by Councilman Grimes and motion carried unanimously.

Councilman Grimes moved to change items 8 & 9 to items 1 & 2 in order on the agenda. Second by Councilwoman Gautsche and motion carried unanimously.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Councilman Minter moved to accept the Minutes of the Council meeting of January 17, 2006 and the Minutes of the Council Retreat of January 25, 2006 as presented. Motion seconded by Councilman Lantz and motion carried unanimously.

RESOLUTION NUMBER 2006-04

Councilman Bloss introduced Resolution Number 2006-04 entitled “A RESOLUTION DECLARING THE DESIGNATION OF AN ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA FOR THE PURPOSE OF OBTAINING A REAL PROPERTY TAX PHASE-IN AT 112-114 EAST LINCOLN AVENUE.”

Councilman Bloss asked the Clerk-Treasurer to read the Resolution by title only and moved its passage. Motion seconded by Councilman Grimes.

Councilwoman Gautsche read a statement disclosing that she is married to Larry Gautsche, LaCasa of Goshen, Inc President. Councilwoman Gautsche further stated the applications are filed by LaCasa of Goshen Inc, on behalf of a limited partnership to be formed and therefore there is not a financial conflict of interest if Councilwoman Gautsche decides to vote on Resolution Numbers 2006-04 and 2006-05.

Mayor Kauffman questioned if anyone in the audience had concerns or objections regarding Councilwoman Gautsche voting on Resolution Numbers 2006-04 & 2006-05. No one in the audience voiced any concerns or objections.

Larry Gautsche LaCasa President, stated the Tax Phase-Ins, regarding Resolution 2006-04 & 2006-05, are being requested to purchase the buildings known as the Lincoln Hotel and Shoots Building which are currently operated as boarding houses that are unsafe to the residents. Mr. Gautsche explained the goal is to convert the buildings to apartments that provide safe low to moderate income housing while restoring the exterior of the buildings.

Mr. Gautsche stated the plans for the buildings are included as recommendations in the Hyett Palma Study for the downtown. If all plans are approved and grants applied for are received the partnership should take possession of the buildings by October of 2007. Mr. Gautsche explained the requests are for 10 year property tax phase-ins.

Councilman Bloss stated he had original questions and Mr. Gautsche answered his concerns earlier.

Councilman Minter stated his support of the phase-in requests for the projects and commended the efforts of the parties involved.

Councilman Lantz stated his support of the revitalization of the old buildings and further stated his appreciation.