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Published: May 14, 2008 11:18 am
Mayor says technology will help city compete
By R. DAVID MCLAUGHLIN
Correspondent
LIGONIER, Ind. — At Monday evening’s Ligonier Common Council session, the new 2008-2009 plan for County Economic Development Income Tax funds was presented to the council.
Mayor Patricia Fisel emphasized that the plan will concentrate on technology improvements needed by the city to be competitive in attracting new businesses.
Among the technology programs that will be supported are a recodification of city ordinances (a process that will streamline researching ordinances and applying them), a geographic information system mapping program, the archiving of city information to make it more available, cameras for city police cars, and other information system support.
These projects will total approximately $60,000 in 2008.
The total allotments for 2008 (see inset box) total $415,071, compared with a total available of $457,935, leaving a balance in the fund of $42,864.
The 2009 allotments (see inset box) total $177,500, with expected CEDIT funds of $215,683 (including the balance from 2008), for a balance at the end of 2009 of $38,183.
CEDIT funds come from the city’s share of county income taxes, and must be used according to a plan approved by the county.
Mayor Fisel reminded the council that the allotments can be amended as needed during the year.
Animal control
The council approved a pilot program under which a city employee will serve as city animal control person as part of his regular duties.
The program was approved for six months in order to find out how well the demands of animal control activities will fit into the daily department schedule. The employee will have to respond to calls for animal pickup when the need arises, either during or after normal work hours.
When an animal is reclaimed from the city holding kennel, the owner will be charged $50 as a pickup fee, and $10 per day for boarding expenses.
The CEDIT plan funds $10,000 for an animal control officer.
Stop signs requested
The council agreed to table a final decision on stop signs on Sunnyside Avenue at intersections that have been expanded with the improvement of Sunnyside. The decision will also determine what parking will be permitted on the street.
Library 100th anniversary
The council approved a request from the Ligonier library staff for permission to hold a 100th birthday celebration, including fireworks on the library lawn, June 20.
The fireworks are to be a low-level display presented by the organization responsible for the Marshmallow Festival programs.
Other details of the celebration are being finalized.
Local business owner Gary Clemons announced at the last council session that a Strawberry Shortcake Festival is being planned for June 21-22.
That festival will take place on a section of Cavin Street, and will feature a variety of strawberry treats for residents and visitors. An arts display and entertainment are expected to be part of the festival.
Other business
Police Chief Brian Shearer told the board that approximately 75 ordinance violations have been noted by the police department and zoning administrator, and that letters addressing the violations are currently being sent.
Mayor Fisel asked the council to consider an upgrade of the city mileage rate paid for the use of personal vehicles on city business.
The city currently pays 28 cents per mile, while the state pays 45 cents per mile.
The council OK’d closing the driveway behind Owens Supermarket, a city-owned area.
May 30-31 were approved as the dates for citywide garage sales.
CEDIT Projects
2008
• Tornado siren upgrades and controls — $20,000
• Scoreboard, locker facilities for parks — $27,000
• Street improvements — $25,000
• Ravine Park, Sunnyside upgrades — $234,811
• Unsafe building demolition — $10,000
• Animal control — $7,200
• Police vehicles — $31,000
2009
• Downtown and park improvements — $20,000
• Maintenance, replacement of computers — $15,000
• Streets — $75,000
• Unsafe building demolition — $15,000
• Animal control — $7,200
• City vehicles — $32,500
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