UPDATE (7/13 5:00 PM) — According to city officials the test results on the most recent water quality test on the dive pool have passed. The dive pool is now back open.
BATESVILLE, Ind. – Several topics were discussed at the meeting Monday night including a small increase in salary for elected officials. The Common Council discussed a salary increase for elected officials. The ordinance would increase the salary of elected officials by 1.5%. The salary increase was approved 3-2. The council approved a salary increase of city hourly and salaried employees 5-0. See details about the Salary increases here.
The board of works approved 2 street closures for upcoming events. Margaret Mary Health requested to close Pheasant Run and Six Pine Ranch Road from SR 229 to the Berean Church for approximately 2 hours beginning at 9:00 AM for the Hope Walk 5k on September 10. Also St. Louis Catholic Church requested to closed South Walnut Street between Helene and Mulberry between 6:00 AM and 9:00 PM on September 18 for their annual fall fundraising festival. Both street closures were approved 3-0.
The board of works also approved Resolution #2-2016 which establishes golf cart fees. The fee had been set in the past at $75.00 per year, but local residents were concerned that it was too high. Resolution #2-2016 originally read to make the golf cart registration fee $15.00 per year beginning January 1, 2017. After discussion of the board the Resolution was amended and ultimately approved to read to make the fee $25.00 per year beginning August 1, 2016, 2-1.
In New Business, the council approved an incentive package for the new owners of the Sherman House. The incentive package provides a maximum reimbursement amount of $200,000 to rehabilitate and improve the existing structure.
Proposed Traffic Ordinance Changes were brought before the council. The council did not vote on the changes, but asked for the public to review them and give the council their input at the next meeting on August 8, 2016.
See the proposed changes here.
In the Mayor’s Report, the Mayor brought up problems with the pool. The memorial pool has 3 pools (dive pool, main pool, and splash pad). Two water quality tests on the dive pool have failed in this season, which prompted the dive pool to close on Friday, July 8. The city is working with the State and Ripley County Health Departments on how to fix the issue and how to prevent it in the future. The city is hoping all the pools can be opened soon.
The council recognized Chris Bradford and all of the hard work he has put in for the parks department. Chris will be moving to the Lafayette area in August.
The next council meeting will be on August 8, 2016.
WRBI hosts a monthly mayor chat with Mayor Bettice the day after the council meeting. You can hear the Mayor Chat in its entirety below.
