Common Council - Regular Meeting

to call the May 4th, 2026 common council meeting to order. We will begin with the pledge of allegiance. Councilman Buchanan to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Roll call. Clerk treasurer parthon. Councilman Buchanan here. Councilwoman Kesnney present. Councilman West here. Councilman Frankie here. I usually call him coach. Councilman Huffman here. Councilwoman Ficus

present. Councilman Galloway here. All present. Did you say you call him coach? He's Cole's coach for um baseball. Oh, great. And his son had 11 Ks in six innings. He's got a great coach. Press of numbers. That's from a different Well, he still had 11K somewhere. Approval of the April 20th, 2026 meeting minutes. Do I have a motion? I'd like to make a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Second. Motion and a second. Discussion. All in favor? I

opposed. Motion passes. Petitions and comments of citizens. Mr. Cub George Callas is here this evening. George, how are you? And please come forward. All right. That's what I like to hear. Yes, sir. George Callas, Tornado Drive.

Just I don't know a comment question. So many rumors going around. Is there any place we could look on paper or you guys tell us on paper what the actual truth is with the Microsoft that's existing? At one time it was we're doing nothing. They're giving us $2 million. The next next rumor I hear now we have to do everything and they're going to give us $20 million. Next next that's what I'm saying. I don't know what to believe. Next you need to stop following those rumor mills. Well, I got to listen. Those are new to our ear. Then I hear we're going to get $150 million a year. I don't know where. I like that figure. That's a great figure. But I'm not against I'm not against them at all.

That all goes to the mayor though. Not the mayor. Okay. So some please. I don't need that. Please right now. That sound bite. Someplace. Can we go somewhere and look and is there someplace that I'm not not aware of looking and see what the actual deal was or what the deal is going to be? just to be there's really Mr. wrote us no deal in the sense that like there's not an incentive agreement with Microsoft they're they're doing all the infrastructure and everything now there yes that will there will likely be an agreement for that to be in place here shortly uh but there's not a they're not getting an abatement or an incentive from from the the city that one I understood their full tax anyway

the what I think a lot of people in the public is they want an exact answer on what their taxes what they're going to pay and they can't because there's no building and no nothing yet. Right. Correct. There you go. I understand that part. Yeah. But the 20 the 20 million I also heard because you're a nice guy. Microsoft is giving it to you because you're a nice guy and you're turning around and giving it to the county and to the school because you're a nice guy, right? You guys, there's an agreement between There was an agreement passed by the redevelopment commissions, the city and the county that they're going to share in city county redevelopment. It's all the same thing.

Yeah. But again, that's based off of future tax revenues that haven't come in yet. Okay. But so right now there's nothing to look at and you can't even say nothing that is definite except they're doing infrastructure and yeah, but the city's not outlaying. We're not offering an incentive or paying Yeah. They're going to reimburse us for any expenses related to to this. So basically once it's assessed then it'll be easy to figure out, but three years when they get done, four years when they get done, right? Correct. Five years when they get done. and then the new one. Then we'll work on the new one. And because this is not a Q&A, but go ahead, George.

Okay, that that's that's all I want to know. And and I'll leave it at that on that one. But on the other one, I heard another rumor about Beachwood. That's a dead deal. And and that makes me happy because you guys got too much on your hands right now. Finish finish what you're doing before you start another new project. That's my opinion. I mean, you already got rum, the Coke plant that ain't doing nothing. You got the 18th Street that ain't doing nothing. Now you wanted to grab that. Okay. Am I done? Is that my three minutes? Okay. Goodbye. Three minutes, George. Thank you. Oh, you're telling me to shut up instead of him? Yes. Okay.

And send Miss uh Councilwoman Kesnney your next update, please. George as a part of petitions and comments of the citizens you know things that the city is does not own is not responsible for but needs to be involved. One special project that I think is close to all of our hearts because many veterans are buried there uh is Patton Cemetery. And we've had the discussion over the last few years how we as a community have been fortunate that uh a young man by the name of Scott Harris for many years has taken on the responsibility of making sure Patton Cemetery to the best of his ability is taken care of. And most recently as uh last week uh more trees fell uh in Patton Cemetery and um unfortunately Patton Cemetery due to many years in the past of funding disappearing and so forth. Uh Mr. Harris hasn't been able to take care of those trees that have fallen. And what do you do when you need help? Especially when uh veterans are there um and need to have the respect uh of being buried in a place that their family can be proud of. And I'll tell you what, who do you call? You call the American Legion, you call the VFW, and you call the Veterans City Committee to say, "Can you help financially pitch in uh so that we can get the trees removed off um stones, off areas where uh members are buried and that happened once again this

past week." And so I know Scott Harris is here. Scott, if you don't mind coming forward. Uh, and as well Lisa Robinson. Geez, what did I say? Lisa, where did I get that from? Lisa Rosenbomb. Kevin Johnson from the VF VFW. Lisa is from um the American Legion. And then Roger Galloway, our very own for the um Veterans Committee, all came through. And please come forward, Kevin. Roger. And if you don't mind, go up there, please. I'm gonna ask you to move over there. Um, and I'm gonna ask Scott Harris to just come forward and say what does it mean when you have these individuals and those organizations and what they did for Patton Cemetery because we saw what the storms did to your cemetery and to our cemetery if you don't mind sharing.

Mayor, I'd like to thank you first because you always stepped forward. It's not always been that way. And you've been there from the very beginning that you got into office. I thank you a lot. And the city council, Roger, you've been there. Thank you so much. Others, thank you so much. The cemetery is a beautiful place in our town. And it's got a lot of history. It's a wonderful, wonderful cemetery with no money. And it's a lot to take care of. And I appreciate and everybody appreciates all that you do coming forward and getting things like that done. Thank you very much. Thanks again, Mayor.

Lisa, Kevin, Roger, please come forward. And if you don't mind speaking on behalf of your members and Scott, don't leave because we're going to take a photo after. Picture taken. Um, so before the meeting even started, Lisa and I from the American Legion have already been brainstorming on ways to help Scott and his efforts. and we're uh we're we're doers, bar managers, gamblers, veterans. We're going to find a way to make something happen.

Yeah, as Kevin said, um we're already brainstorming, coming up with ideas. Scott just told me that their biggest need right now, um they're going to be needing to get a new mower. So Kevin and I are already brainstorming ways to make that happen and raise the, you know, 10K or so that they're going to need. So that's what we do. It's for the veterans. It's for our community. That's what we're here for.

Roger, of course, it's a privilege being a veteran. And with the counseling you, Mayor, you've done real good for the veterans. And uh these two know how to make money. So, and that's what it takes. And I'll tell you this, without Annette Leler who helped from our side, but most importantly, none of this happens without Courtney Parthonon because unfortunately the storm in the version of the mayor's office comes walking in and said, "We have to do this. I need that. How do we make it happen?" And I'll tell you what, Courtney Parton drops everything in her office.

He's being he's being kind. I just We just have to follow the the rules. So, the mayor gets all the credit. You all get all the credit. I just make them follow the rules. That's that's what he's kindly saying right now.

But she's always trying to find a way financially to make it all work because again, you've got grass needs, you've got um uh damage needs, you've got individuals out there that shouldn't be out there. Uh we have police needs, but it starts here. And without Courtney, none of this all happens. And we've got more work to do. And the good news is this isn't on Scott's shoulders anymore. We have a couple council members. We're as you guys brainstorm about financials ends. We we have a meeting later this week where we're going to start talking who is responsible. How do we make a board one for the upgrades that need to be and number two for the what does this look like? Does it look like a nonprofit moving forward? We have business people that are going to begin meeting to say what does Patton Cemetery look like in the future? And I want to thank Tim Frankie, Lauren Huffman that are kind of lead that charges. I'm going to step back and let's see what we need short term. the city will not own it and I do not I don't think it's appropriate the city owns it but they're going to find ways how to upgrade it and how to run this moving forward that will allow Scott to do what he needs to do and just sell markers sell uh location

families in general yes not have to worry so much about you know getting money and funds and things and putting gas in the mower so thank you so come forward we're going to take a photo and Courtney's going to get up here with you as well. Yes. And come on team, everybody.

Mayor Kevin's got one more thing he wants to bring up. So, I think you, Mayor, and a couple other people have asked, what does the veterans committee actually do? I think we just found an additional project. Thank you.

I'm a great picture. Can we give our veterans standing committee reports? Council President Frankie

Redevelopment Commission met uh a April 29th. Um city county partnership was approved which we touched on regarding Microsoft. I'd like to congratulate Bert Cook on landing the county. Perhaps their biggest deal ever. Certainly the only deal I'm aware of in the last five years since I've been in office. Um, Boyd Boulevard stormwater project, uh, $5.35 million contract with HRP construction was approved. That's expected to begin immediately if it hasn't already. Um, Newport Landing, we will hear about that uh tonight, but several items were approved relating to the project. um site improvement work was awarded for about 138,000 to address environmental constraints and a public parking agreement was approved. 250 parking spaces planned. Um and then a general services contract for up to $10,000 was approved with Jacob and Hefner Associates for ongoing support in the redevelopment areas. Um, for TIFF one, uh, solicitation was authorized of required appraisals for potential property transactions. And that's about it.

Councilman Huffman, I don't know why that's so I don't have anything to report this evening. Councilwoman Fus. Um, due to the primaries being held tomorrow, the next traffic commission meeting has been moved to Tuesday, May 12th, 5:00 pm at the police station, and park board will have their next meeting on Wednesday, May 20th, 4 p.m. at the park office. Councilman Galloway, mayor's veterans committee will meet one week from today, 5:00 we have them now at the VFW. And uh a week from tomorrow, the 12th is police merit commission at the police station at 8:00 in the morning. Councilwoman West,

the fire merit commission met on April 1st and the midyear performance ratings were complete and were given to the firefighters. Interviews for new firefighters will be held on May 13th and 14th, and emails will be sent to applicants to schedule those interviews. Their next two CPR classes will be held on Wednesday, May 6 at 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 pm and Saturday, June 6, 8 a.m. and 12 pm at fire station number one on 18th Street. And you can call them at 219 362 3456 to schedule. And I will have to say there they had their pancake breakfast this past Saturday and it was a great turnout. Mayor, you were there. Um they did an amazing job. Well, two, a lot of you guys were there, so I can't name everybody, but thank you for coming out to support our firefighters. Um, they do such a great job protecting us all. Um, and then their next fire merit meeting will be held this Wednesday, the 6th, at 6:30 at Fire Station number one on 18th Street. And the next bid board meeting will be on Monday, May 11th, in the in city chambers here at 5:00 pm. And the next UEA meeting will be Wednesday, May 20th in city chambers at 4 pm. Councilman Buchanan.

Uh, plan commission has a scheduled meeting Tuesday, May 12th, 6 PM here in city hall. That's all I have. Councilwoman Kajiny.

Uh, airport authority. Uh, just a friendly reminder, aviation camp registration is open. Uh, the camp this year will be June 8th to the 12th. It is available for 6th through 12th graders. Uh, and don't worry, Roger, my closing remarks. The next meeting will be uh, Wednesday, May 13th at 5:15 at the airport. We are fortunate in our planning department to have somebody uh that really cares about uh activity for our community. And one of those activities is biking and David Heinald. Uh please come forward. We have a proclamation for you to and your team. All of you please come forward uh to read and if you don't mind because you've earned the right if you would be willing to read that

can I read this and can I share a few things about share road please do I don't know anybody more knowledgeable than you David when it comes to this and we appreciate your commitment

okay so whereas the month of May is national bike month sorry David heold city planner ADA coordinator Whereas the month of May is National Bike Month, the city of Leaport, Indiana will celebrate biking and the freedom, the joy, and the well-being it views within us, as well as the power that more people riding bikes has in making life better for everyone. And whereas throughout the month of May, the residents of the city of Leaport and its visitors will experience the joys of bicycling through group rides, races, commuting events, educational programs, charity events, andor by simply getting out and going somewhere by bicycle. And whereas bicycling has been shown to improve citizens health, well-being, and quality of life, growing the economy of the city of Leaport, attracting tourism dollars, and local business spending, and reducing pollution, congestion, and parking costs on our streets and roads. And whereas the Maple City Bicycling Club, schools, parks, and recreation departments, police departments, hospitals, businesses, and civic groups will be joining the League of American Bicyclists in promoting bicycling during the month of May 2026. And whereas these groups are also promoting the use of bicycle of the bicycle as a as both a means of transportation and recreation yearround to attract more visitors to enjoy local parks and trail systems as well as restaurants, hotels, retail establishments, and cultural and scenic attractions. And whereas these groups are also promoting greater public awareness of bicycle operation and safety equipment during the month during bike month and year round in an effort to reduce collisions, injuries and fatalities and improved and health improve health and safety for everyone

on the road and now now therefore you Thomas P. Dermody, mayor of the city of Leaport, state of Indiana, and further declare May 2026 as bike month in Leaport and encourage our community to take part in bike to work week May 11th through May 17th and the 42nd annual Orchard Country Bicycle Tour that takes place on May 17th at the Leaport County Fairgrounds. And then, oh, I don't have to read the last part, I guess. And who else do you have with you, David? This is uh Teresa and Byron, some of the long-standing members of the club.

Um we also have Please come forward. Teresa, who also don't you have another job? What else do you do? Lots of little jobs. Um a master gardener uh for Leaport County. Yes.

And a yoga instructor in at the libraries. Um anyway, we also have event on May 20th which is another national event which is the ride of silence and it's a approximately 10 mile ride with um bike riders to honor and remember the people that have been either killed or hit by vehicles while they were on their um bicycles. And so again, it's another way to please remember, share the road. Um the event will start at the fairgrounds. I'm hoping to invite the police department to be there to start it and also the fire department because, you know, they're cool people.

Chay has already nodded his head. Yes. So well, good to see him there. You see, I cornered him. But um yeah, so we just really want to make this more uh aware for people and also bike to work and bike to school. Maybe encourage kids to ride their bikes. You know, they don't have to be driven everywhere. Anyway, with the cost of gas, the parents should be happy. 6 p.m. May 20th at the fairgrounds. And then May 17th is the OC, which is a all day and it starts at the It's an all day ride. You can choose coming to

it. And one last thing, another hat that I wear for the last about almost 10 years is I'm a league certified instructor through the League of American Bicyclists. And I've had the pleasure of teaching both kids and adults. Um, and recently joining the Kuanas Club and helping to promote bike safety as a part of their pop-up picnics. It's a huge event. a lot of great opportunities for kids to get food. Um, so May 16th, this is Saturday, 11 to 1, bring the the kids by to help to learn about how to ride safely and maneuver a different course and figure eight and riding a straight line and getting on and off the bike. Um, and just the different mechanics about everything, too. So, that's going to be happening at Kumler Park. Free food, free helmets as long as they last. Um, and free little blinky lights as well. Um, and just lastly, um, one thing about sharing the road and bike safety that has kind of on my been on my mind as we shift gears into spring and summer, I want to remind everyone to exercise patience when traveling around Leaport and beyond. Indiana state law requires that people driving automobiles provide a minimum distance of three feet when overtaking a person riding a bicycle on the roadways. A person riding a bicycle is permitted and encouraged to ride with the flow of automobile traffic for safety reasons. People riding bicycles fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of motor vehicles. Please remember bicycles to to signal all turns, stopping and observe all traffic laws. I encourage all residents and visitors to remember to wear a helmet. Um it's not required, but it's a great tool to help keep people safe. And also remember to use a front and rear light if riding in the dark. Happy bike month and safe travels.

And if you don't mind, we'll take a photo if you three hairs to promote. But also, thank you for your kindness Saturday. Not when they say they go slow. I appreciate the effort of slowing down and allowing me to be last. So picture. Yes, please. All of you. in the back. This is where we're supposed to be.

Thank you, Tim. And any of you that are not required to stay here, by the way, you're welcome to go. So, always tell that to our public comment friends. 2026 tax abatement compliance, Mr. Craig Phillips. And I thought I heard you say you were going to be there for the biking event on the 16th. Did he say he did? Okay. Craig Phillips, he wants his helmet and blinky light.

All right. Um, on that note, uh, every year, every year prior to May 15th, uh, the city receives requests, uh, for tax abatement compliance from, um, a number of the companies that have, uh, received tax abatements in various forms from the city. And uh usually at the first May meeting of the year, we go through those requests and certify those um complian those forms for compliance before sending those off to the county. So this year we have six of those. Um and I'll go through those briefly. Um the first is Helmet um casting and services. They submitted a request related to a personal property abatement. Um I don't need to go through all the actual numbers for you. You have those in front of you. But essentially you can see that um estimated employment in this case of 312 employees has resulted in actual employment um since that time of 375 employees and estimated salaries of just shy of 24 million has resulted in an actual salary uh investment in our community uh of just over 45 million. So you can see there that they've made some significant strides since the last time I reported this to you. They were making significant progress. They're doing much better um and exceeding the requirements and and expectations of the uh SB1 form that they submitted. So they are in substantial compliance with their SP1 form. So we're happy to see that. The next one is the Leaport 401 MP RK6 LLC or otherwise known as remedy. Um it's the office building in Newport Landing. Um the numbers here are a little bit hard to report because it's not just the entity that owns the building. It's also obviously operated and managed by I'm sorry, also uh used by Northwest Health.

Um so the numbers that are shown here is the employment with regard to that entity only. Obviously, we're all familiar that site employs a larger number of of employees through Northwest Health, but for the purposes of the official abatement, um they are in reason they've made a reasonable effort to comply with the SB1 as presented. Um and and obviously that's been an asset to our community. Third one is Patrick Industries. Um Patrick Industries made a substantial investment in the northeast corn northeast section of our community. Um they continue to grow uh through Gravier, Inc. um located in Thomas Rose Industrial Park. They're making progress um estimated employment at 35, the actual employment at this point at 20. As you know, they're only recently opening the second phase of that um facility. So, um they they're making significant strides and have made reasonable effort to comply with their SB1 um as presented. Pine Lake Development LLC, which is the drift restaurant uh in a similar form, is a relatively new um expansion within our community um and is making a reasonable effort to comply with the SB1 as presented and obviously they've also been an asset to our community. I think we would all agree Hannes International is a unique one um that we inherited for lack of a better term from the county when we annexed the 39 North area into the city. Um they are uh they are seeing an uptick in the in the activity that was reported on as intended on their SB1 and they are they too are making a reasonable effort to comply with their SB1 um as presented. This is new to us. This we um welcomed into the city last year and um we'll continue to work with them to encourage them to continue to make that investment a benefit to the community.

And then finally, Arco Properties LLC, which is also known as Bella Largo, uh, retirement facility in the 39 North area, just opened its doors, uh, or is in the process of opening its doors to the the public and residents. Um, has, uh, already made significant strides towards making the goals that they've listed in their SP1 form, as you can see, with estimated employment of 50 and at this point um, at at 18, but growing. So, I am happy to answer any questions that you have about the six requests for tax abatement compliance forms for them to receive the um uh what is the word I'm looking for? Not the credit. I can't think of it. Um yeah,

abatement. The abatement. Yeah. From from the uh through the county and we'll support uh and we'll submit these forms accordingly. So, you have one question. Yes. When is this Lauren Huffman? Thank you. When is this revisited? Is it once a year? Annually. Yep. They submit those to us in April every year and then they come to you for So the expectation in May for Hannes will be an uptick by the the next time this is revisited. I would assume so, but I maybe I don't know Bert if you can speak more to the Hannes. I I'm not very familiar since we and since we annexed this in I'm not very familiar with that operation. I don't know if you want to add anything Bert to this. I don't know if I can really explain

Mr. Cook. Good evening. Uh Bert Cook, executive director of the Leaport Economic Advancement Partnership. I don't have anything specific on the project, but I'll I'll just stress that the term of the incentive, the company has that entire term to make those investments and create those jobs. So, we're asking them to project out what they're going to do 10 years from now. I would struggle to tell you exactly what I am going to be 10 years from now. Um but in in many cases, um especially with personal property tax abatement, you'll see equipment that's added early. um and then equipment added late and it's employment that ultimately results from the addition of that equipment and so it doesn't necessarily occur typically it doesn't occur in a linear fashion it occurs in sort of blocks throughout the term of the incentive so I don't know the specifics be behind Hannes but I would suggest that could very well be what's at play and that you will see that increase as they continue their plan grow planned growth over time

thanks and I'd also like to add Yesterday I came across an individual that was opposed to the 39 North annexation who has said things are going extremely well and part of that is Arnco Properties. If you have not had an opportunity to tour that facility, we all deal with parents that are getting older, people we know. And what an amazing option uh for seniors that want to have a place to stay is excellent. And uh things are moving 39 north. So yeah, and there are motion forms for each of these. But if the council chooses, they could do one motion for all. What

it would be council's decision. Would you even if they're substantial or separate those? I would separate the one that is um substantial compliance and then put all the others in reasonable effort just to be clear. So do I have a motion? I would like to make a motion to accept the substantial compliance with SB1 for Hmet casting services. Do I have a second? Second. All in favor? I

opposed. Motion passes. I make a motion to accept the reasonable effort to comply with SP1 for Leaport 401 MP RK6 LLC remedy uh Patrick Industries, Pine Lake Development, Haynes International, and Arnco Properties. Second motion and a second. Discussion all in favor. Opposed? Motion passes. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Phillips. But you led the charge on the 39 North. So I think that has to be very rewarding to you to see what you've uh helped develop and lead develop there.

And yeah, and obviously I'm sure that our economic development arm of the city feels the same way. So thank you, sir. Thank you. Introduction of a resolution adopting a def definitive policy and this is something that can pass this evening. Council President Frankie, your honor, I move to introduce a resolution read in its entirety for the first day and only time. Second. Motion in a second. Discussion. All in favor? I. Opposed? Council President Frankie.

A resolution adopting a definitive policy and written fiscal plan. Whereas Indiana code subsection 36-4-3.3-1D requires that a municipality develop a written fiscal plan and establish a definitive policy by resolution that meets the requirements set forth in Indiana code subsection 34-4-13-3 for an area proposed to be annexed. And whereas the city of Leaport, Indiana has prepared a fiscal plan for an area to be annexed as a result of a voluntary petition submitted by the owners of the territory. And whereas the written fiscal plan complies with the requirements of Indiana law regarding the provision of capital and non- capital services to the annexation territory and should be adopted by the city. Now therefore, be it resolved by the common council, the city port Indiana as follows. The written fiscal p plan attached here to and incorporated as exhibit A is hereby adopted for the annexation territory and the proposed annexation as set forth in ordinance for annexation for the east annexation. End of resolution

Craig Phillips.

Okay. So you should all have received a copy of the fiscal plan um as presented. Um, I want to go through just some details with regard to the document. So, if you'll turn with me to starting on page three, this is kind of just some background that goes into the plan. Um, we indicate that the proposed annexation is located to the east, south, and north of the existing corporate boundaries southeast of the city. And there's a map attached that shows this uh that depicts this in appendix 2. The annexation area is approximately 1281 acres and the perimeter of the boundary of the annexation area is over the 12.5% uh contiguous uh border required as per state statute to the existing boundaries of the city. The current land use is primarily vacant agricultural land and natural areas. There's also a small area of residential property and some city- owned property within the area as well. proposed future land use is as a data center campus. Um the zoning existing zoning is a combination of agricultural and M1 light industrial and the proposed zoning is intended to remain um a combination of agricultural and light industrial although not the same areas as you'll find in the um as you know as uh per the annexation petition that was received. The current population of the area to be annexed is estimated at seven um in the small residential area that exists within the area. Real property assessed valuation is 2,583,372 as of the assessed value of January 1st, 2025. Taxes payable 2026. Page four. Um some statements we need to make with regard to the fiscal plan. So with regard to non- capital services in the area to be annexed, the city will

provide all non- capital services to the area within one year after the effective date of the annexation, which is 30 days after publication if the ordinance passes by the council in a manner equivalent in standard and scope to those non- capital services provided within areas of the city regardless of topography, patterns of land use, and population density. Police protection will be provided by the Leaport Police Department and made available within one year of the effective date of annexation. It's anticipated that an increase in fuel and vehicle maintenance costs will be necessary will be necessary in the amount of approximately $1,000 plus inflation per year as a result of the annexation. The property tax levy um that is associated with the annexation is expected to cover the additional cost for this. Fire protection will be provided by the Leaport Fire Department and based on the nature of the proposed development, there may be additional costs incurred by the city. However, is not is not anticipated that the additional cost will exceed the property tax levy incre levy increase associated with the annexation. Emergency medical services are provided by Leaport County EMS and there was no there is no additional cost for the provision of services upon annexation because that will be continue to be provided by Leaport County EMS. Street maintenance um will be provided by the Leaport Street Department and made available within the annexation area within one year of the effective date of the annexation. There's anticipated 2.106 additional lane miles of of streets that will be brought into the city as a result of the annexation. And it's anticipated that the cost for additional supplies, repairs, and maintenance of that area uh will be approximately $4,200 plus inflation per year as a result of the annexation. The property tax levy increase associated with this is expected to cover cover the cost for these services. Um storm water and drainage um is under

the jurisdiction of the city but any associated storm water and drainage costs related to the data center campus will be borne by the developers um through statements made by the developers. um trash collection and recycling. Uh the city within one year of the effective date of the annexation, the city will provide garbage and recyclable collection service, I'm sorry, garbage services um to the residential properties within the annexation. Uh recycling is still to be provided by um the Leaport County solid waste district. Non- capital services um I'm sorry, continuing non- capital services. uh there are no additional part uh costs to the city with it when it comes to uh parks and recreation due to the very small number of residents that this would bring in. We feel that that would be adequate based on current um provisions and um it's not anticipated that there will be any additional street lighting added as a result of this annexation that would be provided by the developer throughout their campus at their cost. Other governmental administrative services can be provided um as as it stands currently and within the um expected tax revenues without any increase in cost to those additional services as listed. Turning to page seven, capital improvements. Again, we need to make the statement that the city will provide the following capital services to the annexation no later than three years after the effective date of the annexation in the same manner as those capital services are provided to areas within the city regardless of topography, patterns of land use, and population density in a manner consistent with federal, state, and local laws, procedures, and planning criteria. Um, with regard to water service, it is anticipated that any necessary improvements and extensions will be fully funded by the developer. Wastewater service. Again, it is anticipated that any necessary improvements and extensions will be

fully funded by the developer within their campus. Storm water drainage. Storm water and drainage. Finally, again, it is anticipated that any necessary improvements will be fully funded by the developer. uh this anticipate this this annexation does not anticipate the addition the addition of any additional streets or the construction of any additional streets. So no additional cost uh borne by the city as a result of that and the same goes for sidewalks. Those would all be internal to the campus provided at the cost of the developer. Section um section four um on page nine lists the the anticipated levy and tax revenues by the various underlying taxing units. Um, I'm sorry, the various taxing units. Um, you you'll see those listed here. Leaport Civil City anticipates a revenue of a roughly $9,200 as it currently stands um annually. Um, and then the additional tax revenues you see there listed. There is uh with regard to section five, there is no current assumed indebtedness. Um, Pleasant Township no currently has no debt currently outstanding within the annexation area. Then in appendix one um you'll see the breakdown of the assessed value and tax rate impact as a result of this annexation. It's anticipated that there would be a slight decrease in the tax rate as a result of the investment made as part of this annexation. So that's a benefit to the community and the residents and taxpayers of our community. Um, this analysis only assumes the base assessed value as the incremental assessed value from future development is anticipated to be captured within a tiff area uh with those primary tax with property tax dollars received by the city's redevelopment commission. Um, the proposed future development is anticipated to be a data center campus that will consist of multiple industrial buildings. It is anticipated that two

that roughly two 600,000 square foot industrial buildings will be built over the four years following the effective date of annexation. So all the numbers that you see in this analysis are based on the based on the um assumption that we'll have about two of those buildings of the 11 that have been shown on the plans that have been presented um publicly um would be built by that time. And then finally on page 12, you see a breakdown of the costs due to the annexation. As I noted, it would be we anticipated that the street department would see an annual increase of roughly $4,200 in the first year. Um and then the police department about an additional $1,000 for a total of $5,200 cost to the city. And as you can see from the when you consider the um revenue due to levy increase and CC uh commu what cumulative capital development is that correct? Yeah cumulative capital development funds um you can see the total revenues um versus the cost there. So initially in the first year there's a little bit of a a little bit of a hit but that is more than made up for in the future years that are carried out um on the chart that you see on page 12. And finally, there is a map uh as appendix 2 um on the last page of the fiscal plan packet. I'm happy to answer any questions that you have regarding the fiscal plan at this point.

Questions for Mr. Phillips? If approved, where will this be available to the public? Uh this will be made available to the public now. Actually, I'm glad you asked that question. So, this will be available in the clerk treasur's office for review um between now and May 18th um when it's anticipated that this resolution will be voted upon um along with the pri prior to the uh consideration of the annexation ordinance itself. Motion to approve. Uh actually, you're I don't think you're taking action on this tonight. Yeah, it's a resolution. It's a resolution. It is a resolution. So,

but aren't you holding it off until May 18th so the public has a chance to view the document? This is just definitive policy. It can be approved tonight and then it's available for the public. Okay. Yep. Okay. Motion to approve. Second. Further comments? All in favor? I opposed. Motion passes. And again, it is available in the clerk treasur's office, but the best way to do that is it to email the clerk treasur's office.

Any any way you'd like. I get texts, emails, phone calls. Carthun at city of Leaportin.gov is my email. Um, and I'm happy to be responsive and get that out. Our office number is 219 3629512. Who's up?

Thank you. Thank you. Introduction of a parking and access agreement. Councilwoman Ficus. Your honor, I'd like to make a motion to introduce a parking and access agreement by title only. Second. Motion and a second. Discussion. All in favor? I opposed. Councilwoman Ficus.

Parking and access agreement. This parking and access agreement is made on this day 2026 by and between the city of Leaport Redevelopment Commission, the city of Leaport and HR KDE LLC, an Indiana limited liability company. The redevelopment commission, the city and developer may be referred to here and individually as a party and collectively as the parties.

Mr. Cook, exciting times on the north side.

Absolutely. Uh Bert Cook, executive director of the Leaport Economic Advancement Partnership. So, the agreement that you have in front of you has already been considered and approved by the redevelopment commission. Uh, pending your consideration of it tonight. It would then be forwarded to the board of public works for their consideration as well. So, we're talking about the land between um what will soon be the pin fusion project, which is Ben Conowitz and Ryan Hart and their team's uh construction of the family fund center in Newport landing kind of behind the Kroger complex. Um, but between that development and the Dunes Event Center, the Dunes Volleyball Center, right now there's a gravel lot there that will soon be a uh public parking uh area for uh a number of attractions in the area. Dunes Volleyball, uh, Pinfusion, the Clear Lake Trail, the Chessie Trail, and then uh we've also got some improvements to Hull Locker that are going to be happening uh soon as well. So, that will serve as uh there'll be about 250 parking spaces that will serve as overflow parking for all of those different things that attract people to that area of our community. And uh in connection with that, you see in your packet um an area of this parking lot that is highlighted that is part of the public parking lot that is being built on the Pinfusion site. And so, the agreement that you're looking at clearly articulates the fact that uh that is public parking. I think the developers of the property are um well aware of that and fully supportive, but we're memorializing that with um with this agreement that obviously clearly stipulates that that's public parking and to be used by anyone who is interested in using any of those facilities uh in that area. So, appreciate your consideration. I'm happy to answer questions if you have them.

Comments, questions? I know this is a project the entire community is excited for. In fact, we were speaking earlier today about how families cannot wait to have an opportunity to go do something and uh exciting time. And is this something that can pass this evening? Yes. Do I have a motion to approve? So moved. Second. Further comments? Uh I suggested it be called the Huffman Parking Hub, not Frankie's Freedom Circle.

Oh my goodness. Well, it'll be uh very busy there and you know, we're already seeing a lot of people walking along the uh Clear Lake and uh now to give options and Mr. Otis, the family fund center. If you had to pick one game that you want to make sure there that is there, what would it be? You look like a ski ball guy. See, I think he's I'm hearing golf simulators. Oh, okay. Any other recommendations, comments? Miss West? Nope. All in favor? I opposed. Motion passes. Thank you. Thank you.

Couple of comments before we adjourn. Obviously, everyone get out and vote. You have a right. Uh and a purpose because who you vote for, if you don't vote, you don't have a say. Um, Miss Courtourtney Barthun uh mentioned that Mia Pollock from the civic auditorium is here. Mia, could you come forward as we talk about young leaders and the future? Mia, if you could come forward. Maybe she's not hearing me. Uh, you know, all the great events that have been happening at the civic, uh, we need young people, fresh ideas, and Mia's been one of those individual individuals. So, Mia eyeballs right now.

I know. Yeah, if you don't mind stating your name and address for the record and maybe share your thoughts on what you do at the civic. Uh Mia Pollock, 1902 Indiana A. Um I'm the events coordinator at the Civic. Uh I've worked there for a handful of years, but I've been thankful to be brought into this position, but I just really enjoy working for the community and helping with the events. Um like I got the opportunity to help with like the Sunflower Fair last year. Um, and it's just it's great seeing what uh you can do for the community and what the community likes. It's it's great to see what the community does for the civic as well.

Well, thank you and we look forward to continuing to grow. And no one mentioned that uh your grandfather was at the headbanging ball there a couple Saturdays ago. We saw him jumping up and down. So, uh, great to see you, Mia. Thank you.

So, don't forget to vote. Also, infrastructure. Thank you to all our residents. We have a lot happening uh around our community. Uh our community asked for infrastructure improvements. Uh we appreciate the state's efforts. Uh all of our water, wastewater, streets, uh efforts there. Um, in fact, received a text from a resident that said we may have a leak in front of Archie's and we do. Our water department was out there. They've slowed the leak and they're have a part that'll be coming in and they'll repair that. But everything is in good shape there. um as well and I think Miss Partun sat in uh with a couple of our departments as we talk about uh renegotiations of um fire police but it also brought conversation amongst our departments that we can't be everything to everybody. we have to focus on what's important and uh whether it's police, fire, and you know, we talk about our fire department kind of shared with us that hey, they're being stretched thin. Uh they're doing everything from the Edith House to teaching people how to install baby seats, baby uh

seat seats, car seats. And we started asking the question, you know, why aren't the um organizations that are selling the car seats teaching people and parents how to put in those car seats at the time of the purchase? Um our firemen have made it clear they're being stretched thin and uh we need to prioritize. I think our street department is also an example that streets did trees furniture moving banners

banners and the school system has stepped up to help with the banners so that the street department can focus on what's most important streets and uh all of this continues to develop and will continue to challenge our departments to focus on uh the area of improvement that residents uh will appreciate and want the most of. So that disc discussion is happening. Um also trees and you've seen the storms, the trees that are happening. Remember when we said two years ago, three years ago when we lost when the federal government pulled the grant back that we were going to be able to remove 500 or more trees that were labeled as David, what were they labeled as officially there? Danger. Bless you. Dangerous trees.

Um high risk

highrisisk trees. and it's a thousand dollars or more per tree to remove the ones that are uh in need. And when the federal government through no fault of our own, no fault of anything we did but just federal BS um we're now struggling and we see the results of that and it becomes safety issues. So we are continuing to try to find dollars. Uh we do have 500 trees that we want to pull down ASAP and um we're going to continue to work towards that. But last night was another example at Park Street. You know, one fell across park and um our goal is to get all this addressed. And the last thing, data centers, whatever we're talking about, I put my cell out there. um other people put their information out. Kindness is key and we're available. We're accessible. Um grown men, you know, that are putting things out there that don't want to have eyeball to eyeball conversations to uh actually have debate conflict. We've somehow got to get back to uh where we can sit down across from one another and debate, question, argue respectfully. Um let's not act like middle schoolers and uh we're accessible and available 247 and uh we're excited to continue to have that type of uh conversation. So with that, anything else from the board?

Yes, I would actually like to say something. Miss Huffman, thank you. Can you hear me? No.

No. Okay, my apologies. It's on. Um, so one of the city departments that I'm the liaison for is code enforcement. And as the weather's kind of breaking, it's kind of getting nice out. Um, something I've really been noticing is the amount of residents that are parking on sidewalks. And I don't mean hanging over your driveway. I mean utilizing your front yard on top of the sidewalk. Um that is not allowed. Number one, per federal law. Number two, for local ordinance. You cannot block a sidewalk. It must be at least 48 inches wide to allow folks in wheelchairs, with walkers, with vision, any sort of impairments. So I beg of you, please do not park on the sidewalks. leave them clear and open so that our folks can get around. Um, you know, the our our citizens, they can't just hop in a car and and go and they must walk. They must utilize their wheelchairs. Please make sure we are keeping our sidewalks free and clear so they can pass.

Excellent. And just remember, residents are the ones that are calling code enforcement. They're the ones, it's not us driving around. residents are calling our code teams to say, "Hey, how can you allow this? Can you get out and address it?" So, thank you for that. Great point. Any other comments? Do I have a motion? Second. All in favor? All right. Opposed.