City of Bedford

City Council Meeting

^{February 9th, 2010}

7:00 PM

Minutes

Call to Order:

 The Common Council of the City of Bedford, Indiana met for their regular city council meeting on Tuesday, February 9th, 2010 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers of City Hall. The Honorable Mayor Shawna M. Girgis presided and called the meeting to order. She thanked everyone for attending the meeting in spite of the in climate weather.

Council Members in attendance:

1. Byron Buker-President of Bedford City Council
2. Patrick Robbins
3. Mark Scherschel
4. Michele Murphy
5. Kelly Cobb 

*Mayor Girgis mentioned that Council Member Jack May called and was unable to attend the meeting and that Councilman Cyle Beekman has resigned and no replacement has been made.

Reading of the January Minutes:

Byron Buker made a motion to approve the minutes as submitted and Mark Scherschel seconded. All votes were in favor of the motion. Passed

New Business

1.      Conflict Of Interest Statements filed for Council approval:

·        Roger Allen-Storm water Coordinator

·        Cory Thomas-Police Officer

·        Kevin Jones – Detective Commander

·        Mike Johnson-Police Officer

·        Greg Hagan-Police Officer

·        Ronnie Prince-Fire Fighter

·        J. Scott Gillespie-Fire Chief

·        Pat Robbins motioned for acceptance of the Conflict of Interest Statements as submitted and Michele Murphy seconded the motion. All members voted in favor of the motion. Passed 

2.      Presentation Of The Recovery Act For Communication Grant – Police Chief Dennis Parsley, Captain Steve Gilbert:

On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed into law the landmark American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the “Recovery Act”).  As one of its many elements, the Recovery Act provides the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) with funding for grants to state and local and tribal law enforcement (including support for hiring), to combat violence against women, to fight internet crimes against children, to improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, to assist victims of crime, and to support youth mentoring. 

$15,860.00 has been awarded to the Bedford Police Department and the Lawrence County Police Department. The Bedford Police Department share is $7,930.00 and the department plans to utilize 2009 local JAG Recovery Act funds to purchase 10 mobile radios to assist with voice interoperability between the agencies in Lawrence County.  This will allow for better communication for law enforcement in response to local emergencies.

Item:                                              Computation:                                      Cost:

Kenwood Nexedge 800                 10 radios x $793.00 each                    $7,930.00

*The Chief mentioned that this money will equip half of the fleet for the Bedford PD.

·        The Mayor thanked the Chief on behalf of both Mayors of Bedford and Mitchell for submitting the application and being awarded the funds.

3.      Discussion Of The Railroad- Port Authority-Attorney Chris Goffinet and Gene McCracken (Lawrence County Economic Growth Council)

Gene McCracken, of the Lawrence County Economic Growth Council, spoke to the council about the importance of the railroad system for our city and our county. He mentioned that when we lose the railroad that it’s gone for ever. He explained that Lawrence County needs the railway system for business like Lehigh, Bedford recycling and General Motors. He feels that time is of the essence to save the rail system for our community. He stated that the support of the city council by way of a Port Authority is required in order to move forward.  It is a long process that must be done in a short amount of time.

4.      Ordinance __3__2010 – An Ordinance Establishes A Port Authority:

WHEREAS, the City of Bedford, Indiana, acting by and through its city council has determined that it is in the best interests of the city of Bedford, the city of Mitchell, and Lawrence County, Indiana, to establish a Port Authority for the benefit of the citizens of the communities and Lawrence County, Indiana.

·        1^st Passage-Byron Buker motioned to approve Ordinance 3-2010 and Patrick Robbins seconded the motion. All members voted in favor.

·        2^nd Passage-Mark Scherschel motioned for the 2^nd passage and Michele Murphy seconded. Again all members voted in favor.

·        Byron Buker motioned to suspend the rules and vote for final passage. Patrick Robbins seconded and all were in favor.

·        3^rd Passage- Patrick Robbins made the motion for the 3^rd and final passage and Kelly Cobb seconded the motion. It was unanimous. Passed

5.       Discussion:

·        There were no other items for discussion.

6.      Adjourn

·        Mark Scherschel made the motion to adjourn and Byron Buker seconded. All members were in favor and the meeting adjourned.

Respectfully submitted;

Julie Blackwell Chase

Clerk Treasurer for the City of Bedford