02.03.2024
In last month’s council meeting, members passed the contested 17-23 Fire House resolution. The resolution, which first appeared in their last meeting before the November 7th election, was also amended by council attorney Dan Gibson after a 4-4 vote failed to pass or veto it. With the amended resolution, the passing of it can be easily reversed. Council Vice President Nora Powell is hopeful that the changes can allow more input in the process. Democratic members between October and today have brought up several concerns, including details not being provided to the general public, whether or not the project should entail a BOT agreement, lack of guarantee of local labor (a concern brought up by Roger Overbey last October), and its estimated $8.5 million dollar budget. Powell concedes the point that the budget would ensure longevity for the firehouse, as well as make it a source of pride for the area, but doesn’t believe it would do anything to improve homeowner insurance for nearby residents. She also recalls that BOT agreements never came up when she previously served in council between 2012 and 2019.
Democrats don’t believe anything related to 17-23 will come up, unless the full agenda changes at the last minute. The hope is that the process is being started to talk to developers and secure financing, and hopefully answer questions to the public. Although this February’s meeting doesn’t have a major agenda, the dynamic of the council is expected to be different. Brandon Garrett, who wasn’t at the last meeting, is expected to be present, and members are hoping it will follow order better than in January. Powell told the Post-Democrat at last month’s meeting: “I would like to see a little more control, a little more relying on Robert’s Rules of Orders of true parliamentary procedure to then control the meeting.”
Appointments:
Council delayed appointments in their last meeting, due to not receiving an updated list on time. There are two people being appointed to the Muncie Redevelopment Commission, one appointment for the Police Merit Commission, as well as the Riverfront Project Review Committee and Industrial Loan Fund. Both Powell and Gullion mentioned that they believe more individuals should be appointed rather than fewer people serving more boards/commissions.
Fire Department appropriations:
The only ordinance in next weeks meeting will be $250,000 appropriations for the Fire Department. It’s related to an unknown settlement that came forward early this year, but details are currently miniscule. Nora Powell hopes enough information can be disclosed at the meeting.
Beyond what’s on the agenda, Gullion and Powell both said they wouldn’t be surprised if the Muncie Inn issue were brought up during public comment. Many community members have expressed both issue with, and confusion from, how the City of Muncie handled the situation. Help is still needed for helping tenants find housing, and many are also talking about what the future holds for the property.
Council Agenda for February 5th, 2024