December 28, 2004:  Special Budget Meeting. 

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Minutes December 14,2004  Town of Rocky Ripple 

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Minutes November 9,2004    Town of Rocky Ripple 

Carla Gaff-Clark opened the meeting at 7:35 P.M.  In attendance were council members Carla Gaff-Clark, Danny Orr and Greg Goodrich.  Clerk Treasurer Margaret Ann Jansen was present.  Carla welcomed visitors. The pledge of allegiance was recited.  The Treasurers report was called for and read. Greg made a motion to accept the report as read. Danny seconded the motion.  The minutes of October 12,2004 were not read. Greg made a motion to accept the minutes without correction. Danny seconded the motion. Carla made the vote unanimous.  Resident Concerns: Clerk read an email from Beverly Atkinson about John Atkinson's health. He is expected to return home soon.  Robert Tomey fixed a flat tire for Marshall Kiefer and discovered the pads on the Police Car brakes were crumbling. Robert offered to replace the pads for the cost of the pads. He estimates the cost at 60.00.  He plans to take them to the Citgo station to have the rotators turned. Robert said the work needs to be done soon but it is not critical. Greg thanked Robert for his help.  Old Business; Street Paving. Standing water continues to be a problem in the area of 5326 Annette. Greg said the yard should to be graded. He will call The Indianapolis Water Company to see if the work they did can be corrected.  Cop Grant: Marshall Kiefer asked if the grant could be modified to include more items. Carla said it could not and he should use funds in his police budget to get what else he needs.  Town Marshall contract was discussed. Town Attorney David Certo completed the contract for 2005 and 2006.When reviewing it Greg found Marshall Kiefer's name was misspelled through out the contract. Greg accepted responsibility for this. Greg did not notice the previous contract had the same misspelling.  Approval of the contract was placed on hold until December,  New Business: Carla sent a letter of intent to the Army Corps of Engineers. It stated we might be our own host for a levee project. Clerk asked Carla for a copy of this correspondence for her files. Carla said she would provide one.  Rocky Ripple Web Page is provided free for municipalities.  Residents Carolyn Fay and Providence Benidict have plans to install iron stairs over the levee behind their home at 706 West 54th. Greg said the Town owns this section of the levee. He spoke to the residents and said he was not comfortable with this installation.  Marilynn Hunter suggested the homeowner pay for an engineer study with a copy of a report sent to the Town Board.  Danny made a motion to disseminate a letter to all Riverfront owners stating that any work done on the levee be presented to the Town Board. Greg seconded the motion. Carla made the vote unanimous.  Town Marshall Report: His in car camera was installed is working fine. The defibrillator is in his trunk. He reported five arrests this past month. Four were Butler Students for possession of marijuana and one for a resident for possession of marijuana.  The tire, brake situation was discussed earlier. Greg asked clerk to find the receipt for the tire replaced in March of 2003 to see if there was a road hazard warranty. Mike said he estimates the cost of a new tire will be 100.00 to 150.00. VRN is on order. Estimated arrival will be five to six weeks.  No information has been received about placing a guardrail on the Water Company Canal path. Gregory Towle's (the young drowning victim) autopsy showed he had marijuana in his system and a blood alcohol reading of .16.  Committee Updates: Veteran's Association dedicated their memorial on Saturday November 6th. It was well attended by an estimated crowd of 75 people. Greg  Congratulated the group on the work they did. Chris Wright said landscaping would be coordinated with the Parks and Green space and additional bricks will be installed when they arrive.  Paul Redmond said additional fill dirt is needed. Resident Sue Mogle offered dirt from her yard. Coffee and doughnuts were served at the Town Hall after the dedication.  Parks Committee: Scott Westphal replaced two child swings in Hohlt Park.  The pavilion won The Indianapolis Mayor's award for the pavilion. The award included a gift of 1000.00 to the Hohlt Park endowment fund  The Keep Indianapolis Grant was submitted. The Committee offered Lee Edgren their thanks for her assistance in writing this grant.  A request for Fish kill funds to complete the deck-dock project was presented this week. Additional funds were requested to provide a safe path to the river behind the Town Hall.  Adam Garvey said the Department of National Resources permit should be renewed by January 1st.  Rocky Ripple Community Association: The Chili Supper/ Hay Ride was a success. Town Hall clean up and decorating of the Christmas tree is planned for November 20th from 3 to 5. A Holiday Bazaar is planned for December 4.A Holiday dinner pitch in is planned for December 18th. Paul and Mandy Redmond will provide a turkey and the Community Association a ham.  Riverfront Advisory Committee: Eric Bucy asked if he is on the committee. He has been giving conflicting reports. Carla said the Board had appointed him to the committee.  Chairperson Becky Gullixson will be asked for a mission statement and how many active members they have.  The liaison to the committees is as follows: Greg-Parks, Danny Riverfront Advisory, and Carla R.R.E.M.  Newsletter: Marilynn Hunter said the Board promised an official newsletter. Becky Stoops said the Community Association could deliver them with their monthly newsletter

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Minutes October 12,2004  Town of Rocky Ripple -   Council member Carla Gaff Clark called the Board meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. In attendance were council members Carla Gaff Clark, Greg Goodrich and Danny Orr. Margaret Ann Jansen clerk treasurer was present  The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Visitors were welcomed.  Treasurers Report was called for and read, Danny Orr made a motion to accept the report as read. Greg seconded the motion. The minutes of September 10,2004 were not read. Clerk offered a correction relating to a location of weeds that need mowing. No other corrections were called for. Danny Orr made a motion to accept the minutes with that correction. Greg seconded the motion.  Old Business: Street paving-standing water concerns were discussed. Paving funds have been spent this year.  Cop Grant: Carla said a grant in the amount of about 6000.00 has been awarded. The town will match funds in the amount of 576.00. The clerk and Board signed the grant form.  Zoning Issue-park complaints of noise during the Adam Garvey wedding was addressed by Greg. He said he attended the event and did not find it unusually loud.   Deck/Dock is on hold. The parks department has asked for fish kill funds to complete the project.  Custodian Alvin Perry stripped the floors in the town hall and waxed them. He asked anyone mopping the floors to use cold water. The 4-H group will be asked to use drop cloths when doing projects that might mar the floor.  New Business: Greg made a motion to dismiss Brent Westerfeld as the Town Attorney. Danny seconded the motion. Carla made the vote unanimous.  Danny made a motion to hire David Certo as Town Attorney. Greg seconded the motion. Carla made the vote unanimous. Carla said she found no negative information on Mr. Certo. Her concern is he is young with no criminal experience.  Levee letter stating that the town wants back in the levee project was discussed. Carla will follow up on the letter.  Town Marshall Report: Mike issued two citations for speeding. Mike discussed the altercation between residents and Danny Carr, He asked residents to not try to stop anyone but call 911 in order for police to handle dangerous persons.   The officers looking for him said residents interfered when they were conducting an investigation of the incident. They stated the safety of residents was their concern.  Mr. Carr was picked up in Indianapolis later that day. He did not have any weapons on him at that time. Mike does not have the toxicology report from the coroner on the drowning victim. Condolences were offered to Mike on the loss of his friend and colleague James Davis.  Greg made a motion to offer Michael Kiefer   a two- year contract. The first year (2005) will be at the current pay rate and the second year (2006) the pay rate will be 33200.00 Danny seconded the motion. Carla made it unanimous.  Greg made a motion to dismiss the police advisory committee. Danny seconded the motion.  Greg made a motion to establish a Grant Committee. Danny seconded the motion.  Several names were mentioned as possible candidates for this committee. These persons will be contacted to see if they are willing to serve.  Danny made a motion to redefine the Parks and Greens pace committee to include the river levee as part of their mission. Carla said the Board couldn't require volunteers to work on any project.  Danny made a motion to table this motion. Carla seconded the motion.  Greg made a motion asking any one on the Parks and Greenspace Committee to not contact Shackleford Stone Company about problems with their work on the pavilion.  The Board has been in contact with them about loose slabs of stone. Danny seconded the motion.  Committee Updates: Parks and Greenspace spokesperson said they have the paperwork ready to apply for a grant from Keep Indianapolis Beautiful to build a Celtic sitting wall and flower bed at the Town Hall and to build a small paved patio. Board members approved the plan. The grant needs to be presented by Friday of this week.  Greg asked for more time to review grants in the future.  Residents have adopted the weeding of several flowerbeds.  Carol Morotti apologized for lack of communication between the committee and the Board. The Parks committee report will be part of these minutes.  Greg said the Board wanted to congratulate Robert Tomey and Paul Redmond for preparing the snowplow for winter. Mike Bose was thanked for his volunteer work on the electrical  set up for the Art Festival.  Rocky Ripple Community Association festival committee will meet to discuss the Art festival for next year and how to use information from this year's event to improve the next one.  Riverfront Advisory Committee had no report.  Veterans Committee plans to dedicate the memorial on November 6th.  Citizens Concerns: John Atkinson is ill. Board will send a get-well message. Resident said she loved the butterfly poster used in the information boxes at the bridges.  With no further business to conduct Danny made a motion to adjourn. Greg seconded the motion.   Respectfully Submitted: 

Margaret Ann Jansen Clerk Treasurer.

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Minutes September 14,2004 Town of Rocky Ripple
Council chair Carla Gaff-Clark called the meeting to order at 7:36 P.M. Visitors were welcomed.
In attendance were council members Carla Gaff-Clark, Greg Goodrich and Danny Orr.
Margaret Ann Jansen Clerk Treasurer was present.
Council members led the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of the budget meeting.
Minutes of August 10,2004 we’re not read. Greg made a motion to accept the report as presented. Danny seconded the motion.
Treasurers Report of September 14,2004 was read. Greg made a motion to accept the report as read. Danny seconded the motion. Clerk reported the receipt of Riverboat wagering funds in the amount of 4489.69. These funds are not restricted by the budget.
Danny made a motion that 3000.00 of these funds be allocated for Marshall wages and 1489.69 to insurance funds in the General Fund. Clerk said this would keep the town from applying for additional appropriations to cover these expenses. Carla seconded the motion. Greg made the vote unanimous. 
Danny asked to have resident concerns moved to the beginning of the meeting. Carla told the Board that two visitors wanted to address the Board. Danny delayed his request until these visitors spoke.
Carla introduced Mike Gardner from Butler University. He outlined plans for a 500-bed apartment building and renovation near Hinkle Field house. The location of the building is not firm. Suggestions are for one of two places on their campus. Hilton Brown theatre and the area of the tennis courts are being considered. Mr. Gardner answered guest questions.
He said all refuse would be deposited in a legal landfill. Butler seeks to limit student population to 4000. There are no plans to use Butler's field in Rocky Ripple.
Donald Braid spoke as a representative of Butler's Public Affairs office. The Dick Lugar run will be held on September 18,2004. Mr. Braid gave Marshall Kiefer Indianapolis Police Department's security's phone number so he could coordinate the run with the festival planned for our town the same day.
Carla called for Citizens Concerns. Jennie and Chris Beasley asked for encroachment approval for 4998 Riverview. Carla has been working  with Town Attorney Brent Westerfeld to consider this request.
Visitor Clarke Kahlo asked the Board to request that Butler seek to preserve the trees by the tennis court. Mike Mooney said a canoe was stolen from a resident that lives across the river and he suggests residents keep their canoes padlocked.
Rental property at 5203 Lester has not been mowed. Many lots have abandoned vehicles. Southwest corner of 52nd and Clarendon is overgrown and obscuring the stop signs.
5103 Riverview has overgrowth. Mike Kiefer said he needs town ordnances to be codified for him to ticket property owners.
Old Business: Paving was completed at a cost of 21865.00. Thirteen spots were paved.
Cop Grant is almost complete.
Deck/Dock might be considered for the Fish fund money from Guide Corporation. Casey May and Adam Garvey are working to finish the project.
New Business: Greg made a resolution to request that the Department of public works and City of Indianapolis Water Company place a guardrail or other protective barriers on a two-block area from Ripple Road to 53rd Street on Canal Boulevard. Carla seconded the resolution. Greg made the resolution unanimous.
Greg made a motion to send the Boards condolences to the family of Gregory Towle who drowned in the Indianapolis Water Company Canal on August 21,2004 with the Boards sympathy in the loss of their son. Carla seconded the motion. Danny made it unanimous.
Carla read a letter from Army Corp of Engineers regarding the levee. A copy of this letter will be given to the clerk. The letter outlined steps the Town might take to apply for flood protection.
Town Marshall gave two tickets this month. One was for speeding and one for disregarding a stop sign. The Marshall was called to a domestic dispute. Marshall Kiefer had back up from Butler. On August 13,2004 a theft was reported from the home of James Asher.
Committee Update. The cost of the children swings will be 59.00. The parks committee will order two of them.
Park and Green spaces will email their report to the clerk. It will be part of these minutes. They have produced a new mission statement. They are asking residents to adopt the plant beds in Hohlt Park.
The Board thanked John Stohler for taking aluminum cans to a recycling center.
The Rocky Ripple Community Association report was given by Becky Stoops The fifth annual festival will be held September 18,2004.Greg will order an additional port-o-let.
Rocky Ripple Riverfront Committee had no report.
Danny Orr made a motion to hire Alvin Perry as the town Custodian. Greg seconded the motion. Carla made the motion unanimous.
With no further business to conduct Greg made a motion to adjourn at 9:45 P.M. Danny seconded the motion.
Respectfully Submitted:

Margaret Ann Jansen

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August 10,2004 Meeting ~~ Town of Rocky Ripple  ~~  Meeting was called to order by chairperson Carla Gaff-Clark at 7:36 P.M. In Attendance were council members Carla Gaff-Clark and Greg Goodrich. Clerk Treasurer, Margaret Ann Jansen was also present.  Residents and visitors were welcomed. Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Greg introduced Danny Orr as the candidate The Republican Caucus chose to replace Dale Johnson as council member. The clerk swore Danny Orr in as a council member for The Town of Rocky Ripple.  Danny then joined the other members and the meeting continued.  Treasurers Report was called for and read. Greg made a motion to accept the report as read. Carla seconded the motion. Greg made a motion to accept the minutes of July 10,2004 with corrections. Carla seconded the motion.  Clerk reported that the $15,775 that had been reduced in the General Fund by the State Board of Accounts have been approved.  Old Business: Street Paving bids were discussed with Greg offering bid amounts from three companies. The highest bid was $17K, the lowest $8,840. The lowest bid was rejected due to not meeting specifications. Greg made a motion to accept Harding Paving Companies bid for $10,835 for current work with stipulation to get a bid from Harding Paving for additional work to spend up to the amount budgeted for paving in 2004. Danny seconded the motion.  Greg spoke to town attorney Brent Westerfeld about the codification process. The attorney said he could not get a response from the City of Indianapolis. Resident Marilynn Hunter suggested the Board could bypass Mr.Westerfeld and follow up on this project.  Marshall Grant: Carla has applied for a grant from The Indiana Criminal Justice System in the amount 0f $7000. This is from a wish list of items requested by Marshall Michael Kiefer. This includes Computers for the car and office and two Defibrilators. It does not include Tazer's. The Town needs to match the Grant in the amount of $713.  Zoning: Greg made a motion to permit encroachment on two and a half feet of town property at 4998 Riverview Drive. The town's attorney did the permit. Mr.D'Alasandro promised that if flood or fire destroys the property the land returns to the town. Carla seconded the motion.  Deck/Dock: Danny made a motion to cancel the Deck/Dock project. Greg seconded the motion. Carla called for discussion. Parks committee asked for an additional month to find more funding and to see if the project can be done on a smaller scale. Greg withdrew his second. The motion died for lack of a second.  Greg said he would call our insurance company to see if they will cover the Deck/Dock and to ask the cost of such coverage.  Danny Orr made a motion that the green tower be removed from Peace Park. Greg seconded the motion.  Carla voted aye, making the motion unanimous.   New Business: Port-a let in Hohlt Park cost is $87 a month. Resident Wanda Roland found a service for $75 a month. The town snowplow was "ziebarted" and will be ready for winter.  Mary Davis has resigned as Custodian of the town hall. Greg asked for persons that want this position to contact any council member. The pay is $15 per hour.  Marshall's Report: Marshall Kiefer is submitting claims in order for the Town to receive Funds from tickets he has written. He wrote two speeding tickets. Resident James Asher has left town. He has an outstanding warrant for domestic abuse. Marshall Kiefer said if anyone sees him they should call 911.  Committee Reports: Parks Committee: Scott Westphal gave the report. The committee is working on a mission statement to better serve the community. A copy of this report will be part of these minutes. The next meeting will be Wednesday Sept. 1, 7pm at the town hall.  Riverfront Committee: Becky Gullixson gave the report. Kathy Hurt is working on a grant for levee repair.  Next meeting September 28th at the town hall.  Greg made a motion to appoint Danny as liaison to The Riverfront Advisory Committee. Carla seconded the motion.  Rocky Ripple Community Association: Becky Stoops gave the report. She said the Art Festival is September 18th.  Becky asked that the Park be mowed on Wednesday or Thursday of that week. Greg assured her it would be done.  There will be six bands playing that day. Becky asked the Board to pay the $100 to rent a tent for the bands.  Greg made a motion to pay $100 for tent rental for September 18th Art Festival. Carla seconded the motion.  Greg said the Community Association could use Hohlt Park without charge for the Festival. Becky said they are required to have two port-a potties for the festival. Greg will order the $75 one and cancel the Waste Management one for October leaving two for the festival. Tee shirts advertising the festival will be sold for $15. Becky asked people to buy them in advance of the event and to wear them as an advertisement. Children sizes are available. Next meeting is August 17 at 7:30 P.M. in the town hall.  Greg noted the need to replace the infant bucket seats on the swings in Hohlt Park. He asked the Parks committee to see if they could find them at a reasonable price.  Levee/Wall Project: Greg asked Carla for an up date on the study the Department of Public Works asked for. Carla said they promised to get back to her by mid-August. Greg asked for names of contacts. Clerk said she has names of people who spoke at July's meeting.  Resident Concerns: Down spouts that are dug into the levee were noted. Greg said he would check on this. Marilynn Hunter offered to take him by boat.  Deck/Dock area has open holes that were dug for the foundation. It was suggested that the area be checked.  With no further business to conduct Danny made a motion to adjourn at 9:15 P.M. 

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Minutes Town Board Meeting July 13,2004 Town of Rocky Ripple. 

Council member Greg Goodrich called meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. In attendance were council members Carla Gaff-Clark and Greg Goodrich. Pledge was called for and recited.  Greg made a motion to accept June 1,2004 minutes as presented. Carla seconded the motion.  Treasurer's report was called for and read. Greg made a motion to approve the report. Carla seconded the motion. Clerk said she will attend a meeting on July 14,2004 with the State Auditor to resolve the additional appropriation of 15,775.and to review the 2005 budget. Budget proposal meeting for 2005 will be held at 7:30 P.M. on August 10,2004 and the Budget Adoption for 2005 meeting will be at 7:30 P.M. on September 14,2004. Both Budget meetings will be held at the Town Hall at 930 West 54th St. just prior to the regular monthly meetings.  Greg said that council member Dale Johnson has resigned due to poor health. Clerk was given copy of his signed resignation. Greg nominated Carla as Chairperson. Carla accepted and then led the rest of the meeting.  Carla called on and introduced Carlton Ray Administrator of Environmental Engineering who was at the meeting to speak about Rocky Ripple being included in the Indianapolis North Flood Project # LD-11-084. In addition to Mr. Ray, Jim Gerrard and John Oakley from Dept. of public works, Rachel O'Neil of Dept. Of Metropolitan Development an R. Matt Senseney from City of Indianapolis and Representative David Orenlichter were introduced. Mr. Ray repeated their position that it is too late to be included in the current project stating the reasons outlined in the letter sent to the Board in May. The Canal wall will be started in the near future. When questioned by the Board about the danger of the canal wall raising the water level in the river it was stated that any raise in water level would be minimal. When asked if there was anything that could be done to offer the Town protection in the event of a flood and would the City of Indianapolis step up and accept responsibility for maintenance of the dirt levee it was said that persons who lived on the river and owned their section of the levee were responsible for maintaining their portion and the Town was responsible for the area that it owns. Mr. Ray spoke to Carla stating she could ask the City for permission to be the Town's sponsor in reactivating the process for levee protection.  The spokesman reminded the Board that we could have been included in the D.P.W. project in 1996 but were turned down by the Board that was in office then. Marshall's Report: Greg said that Michael Kiefer has finished his probationary period and he is on full status as the town's Marshall.  Mike said he gave three tickets for speeding and one for an animal leash violation. He answered a resident's guest ion about vicious animal by saying the animal should be restrained and animal control called. He was asked what to do if someone needed assistance in getting up off the floor. Mike said if he could be reached he would help, but said 911 should be called for quick help. Old Business: Pavilion project is about finished. Paving contracts to be awarded soon. The 4 H group will handle collection of aluminum cans.  Board reminded residents that only aluminum cans are to be left at the small garage. Greg made a motion to cancel the original funds that were voted on for the deck/dock project. Carla declined to second the motion. The motion died to lack of a second. Greg said that the previous motion to place the project on hold is still effective and the matter would have to hold until a new council member is appointed. Discussion about the work that has been done on the deck/dock led to a question about paying the professional volunteers for work already done. Casey May said she did not expect to be paid. Riverfront Advisory report will be part of these minutes. The committee asked the Boards permission to add Eric Bucy to their committee. Greg made a motion to add Eric Busy to the Riverfront Advisory Committee. Carla seconded the motion. Greg said there is $300 left in the retainer fee paid to Attorney Irwin Prince. Greg said Attorney Brent Westerfeld is trying to finish the codification process. Parks Committee asked to use the town tractor to clear Fountain Park. Greg will mow the area. Citizen's Concerns: Marilynn Hunter said she was sorry about Dale. She asked what the process is to replace his position on the Board. Clerk responded that interested Republican candidates should apply at the election board to complete an application. A caucus of Republican leaders will fill the position. Election Board phone number is 327-5100. Growth on power lines next to Anna Coleman' property continues to be a problem. Greg attempted to speak to her but cannot get her to come to the door. Brush growth along 5100 Crown is obstructing traffic. With no further business to conduct Carla made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:00P.M. Greg seconded the motion.  

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Minutes June 1,2004  Town of Rocky Ripple 

Councilman Dale Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:32 P.M.  In attendance were councilmen Greg Goodrich and Dale Johnson. Clerk Treasurer Margaret Ann Jansen was present.  Pledge of Allegiance was recited.  Minutes were not read. Greg made a motion to accept the minutes as presented. Dale seconded the motion. Treasurers Report was called for and read. Greg made a motion to accept the report as read. Dale seconded the motion.  Marshall Report: Marshall Kiefer gave three speeding tickets. Two were given to residents and one to an outsider.  Tools were reported stolen from Don Royer's garage. Mike said valuable items should be marked with names and serial numbers. He said when residents are away from their garage even for a short time they should close the door and storage areas should be locked. Robert Tomey has offered a one hundred dollar reward for the arrest and conviction of persons who took Don's property.  Vandalism in Hohlt Park is ongoing. Anyone seeing persons committing vandalism should call 911. Greg brought a rock he removed from the pavilion roof. He said the rock came from the pavilion trim and that they are not hard to remove.  Danny Orr asked Marshall Kiefer if 911 should only be used in the case of an emergency. The Marshall said destroying town property comes under that guideline and would be considered a crime in progress.  Citizen's Concerns: Marilynn Hunter asked why minutes were not being read during the meeting. Dale said it was to shorten time spent and that minutes are posted at The Town Hall. Anyone requesting a copy of the minutes will be provided one.  Eric Bucy asked where Carla was. Dale said she had a prior commitment and would be here later.  No other Citizens Concerns were voiced.  Old Business:  Dale asked again for paperwork for the proposed Deck and for finishing the pavilion. Adam Garvey gave him what he had. The Codification of town laws is not complete. Town Attorney Brent Westerfeld he cannot get answers from a clerk. He told Greg he would contact the presiding Judge. The Town receives 3.00 from each court case now but could receive any amount the Board sets, above and beyond ticket costs, if codification of the Town's laws is completed.   Hawthorne trees have not been moved so they will be cut down. Greg and Dale have filled some Potholes. Paving will start soon. They will probably start with 53rd Street.  Trash Collection: Greg spoke with representative of the town trash collector. Trash bins are not to be emptied when the driver is moving. Greg said he thought the trash truck driver was doing a better job since he spoke to the company.  Greg made a motion pertaining to Park hours. Fountain Park, Hohlt Park & Peace Park will be open from dawn until dark.  Wahpihani Park will be open 24 hours a day. From 10:00 P.M. until 8:00 A.M. There will be no radios, musical instruments, fireworks, singing or boisterous behavior that would disturb residents in the immediate area of the Park. Dale seconded the motion.  Dale asked about aluminum cans that are piled up. It was reported that Gordon Boyles has had an accident. He had agreed to take care of can recycling. Greg said he would add this to his current volunteer work and that in addition to mowing Hohlt Park he will take cans into the recycle company.  Parks and Green Space Report: the City has approved The Deck project, but they want original engineering documents and not faxes. They want another site plan. Carol Morotti will gather the information. Adam Garvey is seeking new bids for construction of the deck.  Peace Park: The committee hopes to develop a plan for adventure equipment. Paul Redmond mentioned the veterans have extra money and there is a possibility they would give dollars for playground equipment in Peace Park. Danny Orr said the veterans had not voted to donate funds to another project than their memorial.  Hohlt Park: Greg asked if anyone wanted to see the new mower that was purchased to mow Hohlt Park. The purchase of the mower has the potential to save the town money. The committee is set to finish the pavilion on June 12 & 13th. John Bleakley will order lumber for delivery the week of June 8th. A flyer will be circulated seeking volunteers. Greg asked if the Parks Committee had contacted the company who had done what he considers shoddy work on the stone on the pavilion. Adam said he would do this. Fountain Park: June 19th at 4:00 P.M. will be clean up day. Kandy Kendall has tenured her resignation.  Riverfront Advisory Committee: The committee met with two members of the Hoosier Environmental Council. They were shown several spots of concern. They offered general ideas, such as the use of fabrics to stabilize soil and gave the committee literature on plants and watershed restoration. They suggested looking into grants from the State.  Carla joined the meeting at 8:10 P.M. She signed the request for additional appropriations passed in the 7:30 P.M. meeting.  Carla offered the Board the use of a community service individual. The person has 24 hours to offer the town. She suggested he/she could mow the Parks. Greg said he would not be comfortable with outsiders using town equipment. Clerk mentioned that the town might be liable if he or she would get hurt. It was suggested they might help with the pavilion work on June 12th and 13th.  Carla mentioned the request of Eugene Dalessandro's need for a survey to get a right of rapprochement. Butler's Mike Gardner will be contacted by Carla to address mowing areas that butt up to town property.  Clerk Treasurer offered to prepare lunch for ten to twelve people who will be working on the pavilion on June 13. Carla made a motion to allow the purchase of lunch products with town funds. Dale seconded the motion.  The Board was asked to contact Indianapolis Power & Light Co. about vegetation on power lines at 5102 Sunnymeade  Greg said he would follow up on this matter. With no further business to conduct Carla made a motion to adjourn at 8:35 P.M. 

Minutes May 8,2004  Town of Rocky Ripple

Councilman Dale Johnson called the Meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. In attendance were councilmen Dale Johnson and Greg Goodrich. Clerk Treasurer Margaret Ann Jansen was present. Pledge of Allegiance was led by Dale Johnson.  Minutes of April 11,2004 were not read. Greg made a motion for approval as presented.  Dale seconded the motion.  Treasures report was called for and read. Greg made a motion for approval as presented.   Dale seconded the motion.  Marshall Michael Kiefer Reported he gave 4 tickets.3 were for speeding and 1 for a suspended license.  Animal control will be in town. Mike said he plans to enforce the leash law  He will cite owners and the possible fine is $50 to $100 dollars.  Citizens Concerns: Mike Mooney complained about noisy college student neighbors. Dale said the City of Indianapolis should be notified. He was informed that with this type of nuisance residents should contact the Police Dept.  There is a limit of unrelated surnames renting one house. If these are Butler students you can call Butler to complain.  Dan Axler asked for a key to the town hall to have access to park equipment. Greg said Adam Garvey has a key.  Greg said Hawthorne trees should be moved by May 17. After that date they will be cut down.  Danny Orr asked about grass cutting in Hohlt Park. The Board has purchased a mower and a weed eater and has hired resident Carey Magers to mow at the rate of 15.00 an hour. Greg hopes to cut the cost of mowing up to 80.00 per mowing.  Becky Stoops asked that Hohlt Park be cut at least twice before the Art Festival.  Becky Gullixson said the Riverfront Advisory is in transition. Becky gave the Board resume of past actions proposed by the past Riverfront Advisory Committee. She said while there were suggestions but not much action on proposals. Becky spoke about the three engineering firms but asked where funds would come from. Becky gave the Board a copy of her report. The report will be part of these minutes.  Mike Mooney asked the Board’s permission to cut down and dispose a Sycamore tree behind Providence Benidict and Carolyn Fay’s house on the river. Greg agreed to walk with Mike and other interested persons to look at the tree.  Marilynn Hunter said it is her opinion that The City of Indianapolis has a responsibility to maintain the levee She said the City of Indianapolis said they had a right but not an obligation to maintain the levee.  Dan Axler said the City of Indianapolis has provided the Town with tree removal in the past and has set a precedent. Perhaps the Board could ask them for help. Becky Stoops suggested getting a civilian group together from the Town to cut trees less than four inches in diameter and to clear brush and honeysuckle.  Marilynn Hunter said it would be wise to wait until fall when foliage is off the trees. Marilynn said it was said that if a tree was dropped at water’s edge it could be pulled back to the bank and secured with rebar to provide a natural barrier.  Dan said The Department of Public Works cleared the area behind the Town Hall and he and Kandy did the rest.  Old Business. Phone line behind Clarendon Road properties. Phone Company will take complaints from phone customers but not from the Town Board.  Deck/Dock: Dale said the Board has asked at the past meetings for any information that Parks and Greenspace Committee has. Greg asked if any contracts have been signed for work on a deck/dock and where is a copy of The Community Association application and grant. Becky Stoops said Carole Morotti has the paper work. Greg made a motion to place on hold everything to do with the deck/dock until complete information is given to the Board. Dale seconded the motion.  Greg asked for paper work relating to a grant for the stonework that was done on the pavilion at Hohlt Park. He said none of this information is in the Town’s paper work.  Greg said children are vandalizing the pavilion and that loose stone is broken and strewed about with a large piece of stone on top of the roof. Kandy Kendall said Adam Garvey is working with the contractor to do repairs. The Marshall will address vandalism in the park. Marilynn Hunter asked if a friendly cop approach would be possible. Mike said he has used that technique but children would be taken home and if no parent is available they will be taken to the Juvenile Center.  It was suggested that a notice in The Ripple Effect might be helpful.  Dogs: Steve Hurt said dogs continue to be a problem.  This is a Board of Health and a Zoning problem.  Town Attorney Brent Westerfeld: Based on his actions Greg said he is on the verge of parting ways. He said he spoke with Attorney Westerfeld on Thursday and codification is not complete. Carla said she would call him. Greg said we do not pay him a retainer fee. His salary is 400.00 per quarter to total 1600.00 a year.  Carla said “Gino” asked her for right of rapprochement to vacate street and rededicating land given to Town by Butler University. Dan Axler said county surveyor would survey this land for free.  Liability Insurance has increased from 2400 a year to 3800.00. Connolly, Ford. Bower and Leppert, the town insurance agents, told the Board this is the best price they could get. Dale and Greg have other agents looking for lower liability insurance fees.  Budget cuts of 15775.00 in General Fund other services and charges have been advertised for additional appropriations. June 1,2004 regular Board meeting will address this with a motion.  Pot Holes: Greg and Dale plan to patch holes with no guarantee that the patching will hold. They asked residents to phone them with any potholes they have not patched.  Indianapolis Water Company. Ducks are eroding Canal bank at 53rd Street. Water company mows this area so should be aware of a problem.  Dale read a message written by Rocky Ripple Community Association President Karen Stone relating to their election process.  Dale said they were not happy with Dan Axler’s letter written to The Ripple Effect criticizing their leadership. Dale offered a letter signed by the Indianapolis City Counsel stating that Board did not understand the motivation of Rocky Ripple Town Board to deny the Army Corps plan to place a wall long the river. The letter stated the Board was the main roadblock. Dale said as a private citizen Dan had a right to criticize the Board but feels Dan is doing all he can to undermine the Board in their pledge to join the wall project. Dale said he found it odd that Dan had information about the letter from the City before they did, Dan said he is not terribly active in doing this and is not trying to sabotage the Board.  With no further business to conduct Carla made a motion to adjourn at 9:20 P.M. Dale seconded the motion. 

MINUTES OF TOWN BOARD MEETING 4-13-2004  Meeting was called to order at 7:30 P.M. Councilmen Greg Goodrich and Dale Johnson and Clerk Treasurer Margaret Ann Jansen were in attendance. Pledge of allegiance was recited.  Dale asked that anyone who wanted to speak, to please identify themselves for the clerk and to show respect to the speaker by not talking while they are speaking.  Dale asked that any newsletters that are circulated by townspersons,  to please leave Marshal Mike Kiefer out of their message. He noted that Marshal Kiefer was hired by the previous Board and approved by the present one.   Minutes of March 9,2004 were read. Greg made a motion to approve them as read. Dale seconded the motion. Treasurers Report was read. Greg made a motion to accept them as read. Dale seconded the motion.  Greg made a motion to transfer $15,775 from L.R.S. fund to the General Fund. Dale seconded the motion. Greg made a motion to file for additional appropriation in the amount of $15,775 for other services and charges in the General Fund. Dale seconded the motion.  Dale responded to a request by Dan Axler about a vote on a resolution in January’s meeting.  Dale said it was a written vote signed by all Board members and witnessed by the clerk.  Regarding what has been described as an illegal vote in hiring an attorney, Dale said a vote could be made in an emergency according to law and an emergency is not defined in the law regarding this. Charlie Pride of State Board of Accounts stated to the clerk that a vote could be taken in the next meeting to cover the Boards action.  Greg made a motion to dismiss Tony Furdock from the Riverfront Advisory Committee. Dale seconded the motion.  Greg made a motion to dismiss Jim Stohler from the Riverfront Advisory Committee. Dale seconded the motion.  Greg asked if residents tax bills received show the discount that the Board asked the assessor to approve for all of Rocky Ripple. Dale thanked John Atkinson for his input that started this process. Credits can be applied for for last years tax bills. Paul Redmond said residents could ask the Assessor for form #133.  Dale said any referendum request is handled by the County Election Board.  Community Garden Fees: Sue Gilfoy said she asked the gardener's to give their plot fees to the town clerk. Sue asked for help in turning the water on in the park. John Bleakley said he would do it. Sue asked for help in picking up a load of horse manure. Greg said he would coordinate time with Sue to pick it up.  Dale addressed Booth Fees to be collected by Rocky Ripple Community Association for The Art Festival stating that those fees should come to the Town Clerk. Much discussion followed with suggestions that a nominal fee be paid to the town for use of the Park. Dale said this would need more input and would be addressed at the next meeting.  Citizens Concerns: Kandy Kendall: Complained that the clerk did not have a letter about the liability insurance regarding cancellation due to park equipment.  Clerk apologized saying it was a verbal communication and she asked the town's insurance agent for written confirmation of the conversation. Kandy said she liked the work done by the veterans group on the memorial in Peace Park and that the Park committee would work with the veterans in sharing space in Peace Park.  Danny Orr told Kandy the Veterans Association has no plans for paved parking in Peace Park.  Becky Gullixson: requested that persons speaking during the meetings not be interrupted. She has been transcribing the tapes for the Board and it is difficult for her to hear the speaker. Becky asked which board member was the liaison between the Board and the Parks Committee. Dale said that he was.  Tony Furdock: His vehicle had nails in two tires the day after the last meeting. Tony said his tire bulged and could have caused an accident. Dale told Tony that he would pay $100 to a person who could identify the perpetrator who damaged Tony's tire.  Sue Gilfoy: Said the vandalism is frightening and could keep someone from speaking with a dissenting opinion in public.  Becky Stoops said children hear things at home that could lead to vandalism. Adam Garvey asked for help in getting phone lines replaced. He has had bad connections and is not receiving help from the phone company.  Don Royer: Said it was hard for him to keep his head above water but will work to clean up in his back yard.  Marshal's Report: Wrote 4 speeding tickets and had 1 report of vandalism on a vehicle. Animal control will make a sweep of the town in the next week. Animals must be on a leash. Marilynn Hunter asked the Marshall if speeding tickets were for residents or non-residents. Mike said the majority were non-residents.  Steve Hurt and Sam Carpenter asked for an official newsletter from the Board. Dale agreed it was a good idea and hopes to produce one.  Greg made a motion that residents being married in town, be allowed to use the parks free of charge.   Dale 2nded the motion.  Greg also motioned that the use of the town hall for said residents wedding reception, also be free of charge. A deposit fee of $50 will be returned if the hall is left in the same condition as they found it. Dale seconded the motion.  Parks and Green space Committee: Hohlt Park seeding to be done on April18. Deck/Dock permits are not complete.  Peace Park: Kandy said town children love the homemade equipment.  Dale said he knocked over a piece of the damaged equipment  left from wind damage, to ensure park users safety. Grants for playground equipment are sought.  Kandy said plans are being made to complete the pavilion with The Keep Indianapolis Beautiful Grant of $4,000.  She will furnish plans to the Board. Greg asked Adam Garvey if the stonework was complete and noted that children were pulling stones loose and breaking them. Adam said he would call the company. Plans call for the stone to be wrapped.  Again the Board requested copies of the plans for the pavilion from past board members and P&GSC members.  The Board plans to remove 5 Hawthorne trees from Hohlt Park. Discussion about how to save them followed. They will be dug up and given away.  Residents Paul Redmond, John Bleakley and Marilynn Hunter asked to have one. Kathy Cancilla offered silver maple trees to replace the hawthorns. Paul Redmond offered to help move them. Jim Stohler said silver maples are known to have a short life span and probably should not be transplanted in the park.  Anne Jansen: Noted the ripple defect producers were cowards who did not have the courage to sign their accusations.  Paul Redmond asked to have the Deaf sign removed on Lester. St. The child it referred to has moved from town.  Paul said personal ads like the garage sale ad should not be allowed in the town information boxes.  Becky Gullixson  asked if it wasn’t the residents tax monies that purchased these signs and was informed that yes, it was.  Dan Axler reported a large hole in the pavement on Canal.  Dan Axler asked the Board about a letter from the City of Indianapolis to Irwin Prince, Special Counsel to The Board denying Rocky Ripple's addition to the Indianapolis North Flood project. Dale read the letter. Dan said he has special access with the City that made him aware of the letter. Greg reminded Dan that Client Attorney privileges would apply if and when a suit was filed.  Dale said he and Greg expected such a response and that they might have to go to the Federal Courts for action on the inclusion to the project. A copy of this letter will be part of these minutes. Discussion about maintaining the levee followed.  Marilynn Hunter said an engineering study should be done before any work removing trees should take place. Dale remarked that Engineers with the City have informed him that trees can be cut at their base.  When questioned about funds to pay for a study she said several persons had offered to give their fish kill money to help pay for it.  Marilynn said she still had her thousand dollars.  David Julian: said four plans were submitted for levee repair. He thinks the wall is the least effective.  With no further business to conduct Greg made a motion to end the meeting at 10:25 P.M. Dale seconded the motion. 

Town of Rocky Ripple Board Meeting Minutes of  March 9, 2004

In attendance were council members Carla Gaff-Clark, Greg Goodrich and Dale Johnson. Clerk Treasurer Margaret Ann Jansen was present. The pledge of allegiance was recited, led by Board Chairman Dale Johnson.  Minutes of the February 2004 board meeting were called for and read. Carla called for corrections. Greg made a motion to accept the minutes with corrections. Dale seconded the motion. Greg asked Carla if she wanted to make the vote unanimous. She responded, "I guess so."  Treasurers Report called for and read. Monies are as follows: Savings $73,820.44, Checking  $5,927.43. Total balance as of Feb. 29, 2004: $79,747.87. Clerk discussed moving monies from savings to six month c.d.'s Clerk will follow up with the bank on current rates. Carla made a motion to accept the report as read. Dale seconded the motion. Greg made the vote unanimous. 

Marshal's Report. He wrote 3 tickets this past month. Most residents are observing stop signs now. Abandoned Vehicles: 24 properties have been notified of infractions. 14 have complied. Out of the ten that are left, some have asked for more time until the weather breaks. Marshal Kiefer requested permission to allow property owners one more month before he cites them. The Marshal stated that firearms and alcoholic beverages are illegal in town parks. Carla asked Mike about computer repair expenditure of $219. Mike said that was for one year of Internet service. Carla spoke about a police grant and said that in addition to defibrillators she is trying to get his computer in the car up and running and everything that goes with that. She said she would not be able to go for that grant until June of 2004. Mike has given Carla his wish list that will cap at $10K. 

Citizens Concerns: Board members requested that residents with concerns please state their name for the record before speaking and requests the audience to show respect for whomever has the floor by not interrupting  Tony Furdock : noted joking references made about the board and a reference made to him at his home about town intellectuals. Dale and Tony agreed that it was in a spirit of fun.  “In addition to having taken an oath of office that says that the Board is going to do stuff according to law, wouldn't you guys agree that an elected official should set a good example for the people of the town?”  Greg answered, sounds like that would be appropriate, sure.  “Greg, why do you let your dog crap in other people's yards and you don't clean it up?”  Greg responded,  “well, it's an old habit. I take him to wooded lots and do the best I can to get him to go there.” Tony asked Greg if he realized it's a city ordinance to clean up after your dog?  Greg asked if you mean pick up after him? Tony answered yes. Greg said,  “I've got a scooper that I can carry I guess.”  Tony demonstrated to Greg, using a plastic bag, and explained how to use it without getting his hands dirty. Greg offered his apologies and vows to carry his poop scooper with him when walking his dog.  Tony asked who is approved to have keys to the Town Hall. He would like one to have access to records for Riverfront Advisory Committee and RAC meetings. Dale said he should contact the clerk who will provide one. 

Tony Furdock: Discussion of Illegal Hiring of Irwin Prince.  The issue of hiring the attorney outside of an "open to the public meeting". Tony stated to the board that in fact you did do something illegal, according to the public counselor of the State of Indiana. Any resident could sue the Board for that action and be entitled to reimbursement for attorney's fees. He has the papers all drawn up ready for the suit and has until tomorrow to file. The counselor said the money comes from the town so in effect he would be suing himself. He asked what would happen if he sues. He said the attorney would have to be un-hired, his fee returned to the Town, his contract voided and his hiring would need to be done in an open meeting.  He said that he was not sure what he was going to do with this yet, it depended on what he hears about the Board 's intentions in the course of the evening's business. He asked if the Board planned on discussing this in another segment of this meeting. Dale's answer "if you care to".  Tony asked these series of questions. Why did you hire this person and what is he going to do for us? Dale said Prince has been hired to advance the Rocky Ripple Levee Project. Mr Prince will arrange meetings between the Rocky Ripple Town Board and representatives of the City, Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Natural Resources and whomever else is necessary. Do you know the city attorney he will be dealing with? Dale said no, I do not remember his name. Tony asked, why do we need a lawyer to do this?  Dale said he thinks a lawyer is more capable of handling this situation than we are and referred to the resolution that the Town Board would use all means necessary to be a part of the Warfleigh wall project was right there and was to be dealt with that night.  Tony asked which he meant; hiring a lawyer or the resolution of getting the wall built. Dale said we passed that resolution at last month's meeting. Carla interrupted to say it was January's meeting. Dale said excuse me, it was January's meeting that we passed the resolution to take whatever steps were necessary to advance getting Rocky Ripple included in the flood program.  Tony went on to say,  “by the way, the oath of office again says “according to law,” and you did pledge civil disobedience, if the wall was going to go up along the canal.”  Dale said that in addition to being A Rocky Ripple Town Board member, I am a private citizen and many public officials have been arrested and jailed for civil disobedience.  If I do something the people of Rocky Ripple can't live with, they can vote me out just like they voted me in.  Clerk Margaret Jansen interrupted to say that she’d spoken to Charlie Pride of the State Board of Accounts and Mr. Pride said that in February's regular meeting, the Board still had an opportunity to pass a resolution to hire Mr. Prince.  Tony said that the hiring of the attorney was done in violation of the open door policy and that it had nothing to do with the state of accounts.  Dale said he thought hiring the attorney was the right thing to do and that it had been covered by the resolution in January saying they would use all means necessary to join the wall project and that he and Greg had apologized for their actions.  Harriet Gamble: Asked what Mr. Prince has done so far and how much of the $900 have they spent so far. Dale answered that he tried to contact Prince today and he wasn't in his office.  Harriet asked Dale,  “if it was so urgent a thing you had to do because you had one week and you don't know if he's ever called anybody?” Dale said he did know, that Prince has sent a letter he generated that has gone to half a dozen entities and he has been in phone contact with people who are working on this project through the City.”  Dale said that retaining a lawyer for $900 is quite inexpensive and he has no idea how difficult this is going to be. He thinks Mr. Prince has probably spent two hours on this and so has no idea of the final cost. Carla said the voucher she saw said $900, so if it needs to be more than that it needs to happen in a Board meeting and the three of us need to decide if we want to appropriate more money on that issue.  Angela Herrmann: “Where did the $900 figure come from?” Dale said the attorney asked for $1500. Greg said he thought it was $1000, but we negotiated it down to $900.  Kandy Kendall interrupted: She asked if Prince charged for the two hours when he sat here in the Town Board meeting last month? Dale said,  “he didn't sit here at a Town Board meeting last month.”  Angela: Why two attorneys. If you are not happy with the job our current attorney is doing how long do we intend to pay for two attorneys? Dale said we do not intend to pay for two attorneys for any length of time at all.  When will Board minutes will be displayed at the town hall? Dale gave her a copy of the minutes of February. Clerk said she would make an effort to display them at the town hall.
Dan Axler: Asked why two lawyers are needed. Dale said that when interviewing Mike for the Marshal position, it was noted that Attorney Westerfield had been dragging his feet since 1999 on the codification process and he didn't feel Attorney Westerfeld was very motivated to get anything done. Axler said,  “in that case one might wonder why we are retaining his counsel at all.” Axler said they should can Mr. Prince and act on their own. He said they would be more effective than paying $150 an hour to a lawyer that's proven he can't get what the folks in town wanted. Dale said Mr. Prince now has something he didn't have when handling the previous case, which is the support of the Town Board.  Axler stated that there was no vote taken on a particular issue at last month's meeting and requested a copy of last meeting minutes.  Kandy Kendall: The minutes reflect that you are going to seed Fountain Park. Are you going to need help with that? Dale said I'm sorry, weren't we discussing Hohlt Park? Kandy said the minutes reflect Fountain Park. Dale said he must have missed that when the minutes were read. Dale said to keep the minutes correct he would throw some grass seed in Fountain Park. Kandy continued saying that the minutes said the Hohlt Park pavilion would be finished April 17th. Dale said that information was incorrect. The 17th is when the grass seed and raking project will be done.  Angela: I know the minutes are posted in The Ripple Effect but what happened to the idea the minutes would go out with the community association news? Carla said that was a good idea.  Sue Bowling: What do you intend to do in regard to the levee? If you represent the whole town you need to do it right. We need a referendum or some kind of vote.  Greg said we had an election Nov. 4,2004. We stood on this issue and the town elected us by a majority.  Bev Atkinson: I want to state this to Sue: When we went to the hearing on the wall along the canal the administrative judge that handled the hearing asked Dan Axler, who was at the meeting, if he would agree to sitting in on another meeting to discuss putting the wall along the levee. Dan said he would sit in on the meeting but would not change his mind or his vote because he was elected on the grounds he would not have the wall. So if that was his stand this is this Boards stand.  Jim Stohler: When meetings are held with city officials,  engineers, the town board and other, we were wondering if town landowners and riverfront owners could attend those meeting too. Dale said I am not sure we have the ability to say yes or no on other officials meetings.  Don Royer: He said he couldn't understand complaints about spending $900 for an attorney when $50,000 was spent on a pile of rocks. John Bleakley: I don't think we need a referendum on this issue.  Dan Axler: said he was concerned Sue was not being heard on the referendum issue. 

Property Tax Assessment: John Atkinson called attention to an error on part of the tax assessor's office in that the town does not have the proper designation and that some  town property owners are entitled to a 30 per cent reduction on the value of their land. Dale and Greg met with the assessor who plans to research records and correct the designation. 

Danny Orr: A tree fell in Peace Park damaging the already unsafe fort and it destroyed part of the structure. Danny asked permission to remove fort, citing that it is not truly a sanctioned piece of equipment but was placed there by a person who does not live in town. Carla asked if Danny Orr has money to replace the equipment. Clerk Margaret Jansen told the board that the insurance company that covers our liability insurance is not renewing our policy due to the park and the levee. Clerk said she would give a copy of the letter to the Board. Dale asked the Park committee to review the letter and work to comply.  Dale offered appreciation to all residents who helped with the removal of the fallen tree and clean up of the debris. He thanked Kandy Kendall for removing the downed swings.  Danny Orr: said he was privy to an email discussing attending tonight's meeting and their organized feeding frenzy on the new town board. Dale said it is always going to be his policy to listen to anything anybody has to say.  Harriet Gamble: We are all here because we are interested citizens, not because we are here to hijack someone. Dan Axler: said he was concerned Sue was not being heard on the referendum issue. Dan asked if anyone knew where a red plastic light was that used to be in the town hall. Dale said he might look in the storage closet. 

Riverfront Advisory Committee: The committee met with the board and discussed updating their mission statement. Dale asked Tony how many persons were on his committee. Tony said he did not have a list with him. Greg said he understood that two people resigned and that two other's no longer live here.  Greg then asked Jim Stohler, a former RAC member, if he lived here. Stohler said he did, sometimes. Greg asked if his legal address is here and does he receive mail here. Stohler said he gets mail here. Greg asked him if he wanted to continue on the committee and he said yes. Greg said he wanted to make a motion that Barb Lollar be taken off the committee. Barb said she wanted to continue. Carla said she thought Barb was an important part of the committee and Greg said he could live with that and he withdrew the motion.  Greg said he wanted to appoint new members to the committee. Dale asked if there is anything that requires or restricts the number of members in the original charter for RAC. Carla said when RAC was set up it had a specific amount of people, then it was given a mission, then they are to report to the board with their findings. Greg made a motion that the board can fluctuate the number of RAC members at their will. Dale seconded the motion.  Dale asked Tony if he would like to chair the committee. Tony said he would. Greg made a motion to nominate John Atkinson, Danny Orr, Rebecca Gullixson and Don Royer as new members of the RAC. After much discussion with Tony Furdock and members of the committee Dale seconded the motion. Carla made the vote unanimous. 

Previous Boards Illegal Activities. It is illegal for a private citizen or anyone other than the town clerk-treasurer to receive or hold funds for rented property.  People who pay to rent plots in the Community Garden can pay Treasurer Margaret Ann Jansen. The funds will be held as a separate line item and all expenses will be paid from that fund. Greg made a motion that the clerk treasurer of the town be in charge of funds having to do with the community garden. Carla seconded the motion. Dale made the vote unanimous. Dale asked if anybody had a key to the power pole in Hohlt Park. John Bleakley said I do. He will bring Dale one. Dale said there is plumbing in the Community Garden and there is a padlock on the garden. Angie Herrmann said Sue Gilfoy has that information. Bids are being requested for Park mowing and plumbing work in Hohlt Park.  Josh Faulconer has returned from service in Iraq. A party will be held in his honor on March 13,2004 at the town hall from 2 to 5 P.M. Greg made a motion to award Josh with a Rocky Ripple Freedom Award along with a Styrofoam key to the city and name him Honorary Mayor for the day. All costs to be covered by Dale Johnson and Greg Goodrich. Dale seconded the motion and Carla made it unanimous.

Town Hall Usage Policy: Board members discussed the research that they had done on current costs for hall rentals in the area for an 1800 sq ft hall being $250 plus cleaning/damage deposits.  Greg made a motion to require that the donation amount be $50 a day for use of the hall and a $50 deposit. The deposit will be returned if the hall is left in the condition it was received. Kandy Kendall: Asked who is going to evaluate the condition before and after usage. Dale said it would be Mary Davis, the town custodian. Dale seconded the motion. Carla made the vote unanimous.  Harriet Gamble: Said she is concerned that a portion, including herself, of the populace is being ignored with regard to important issues in this town. Kandy Kendall: would like an updated email access to new Board members. Greg said his is gwggwg@spitfire.net.

Parks and Greenspace Committee: Date of June 13 th is the date for work on the pavilion. A bobcat will be brought in on April 3 to work on the Hohlt Park swale. Butler students will be here on April 18th to do the seeding. Adam Garvey will figure the amount of grass seed and straw needed and the Town will be asked to defray the cost in the amount of 170.00. Deck/Dock: The contractor is working to get the last permit to do the work, hopefully it will be started as soon as spring rains are over. Skateboards: Cost to provide this seems prohibitive. Hawthorne Trees: These trees do not drop their thorns but a solution is sought to keep a child safe from poking an eye. Solutions suggested are to limb up, removing them or place plantings around them. Volleyball Court: Drainage will be discussed with the volleyball people at a town board meeting. No decision was reached. Carla made a motion to pay up to 170.00 for seed and straw. Greg seconded the motion. Dale made the vote unanimous. Don Royer: Veterans Bingo made 1000.00 on March 6th. He thanked all who participated. Tony said Riverfront Advisory Committee meeting will be on the last Tuesday of each month with the exception of March. Carla suggested the Riverfront Advisory Committee email a draft of their mission statement.

 With no further business to conduct Carla made a motion to adjourn at 9:15 P.M. Dale seconded the motion. Respectfully Submitted

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Minutes February 10, 2004            ~~        Town of Rocky Ripple. 

The meeting was called to order by council member Dale Johnson at 7:30 P.M.  In attendance were council members Carla Gaff-Clark, Dale Johnson and Greg Goodrich.  Clerk Treasurer Margaret Ann Jansen was present.  The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, led by Board Chairman Dale Johnson.  Minutes of January 13 were called for. Town Clerk inadvertently forgot to bring a copy.  Treasurers Report was called for and read. Savings Amount 75,016.73 and Checking Amount 6,185.85. Total of all accounts on 2-1-2004 was 81,202.58.  Greg made a motion to accept the report as read. Carla questioned Check # 7763 in the amount of 900.00 Written to Irwin Prince. Carla stated that the Board never voted to secure any person like this.  Greg noted that there was an unanimous vote on the resolution he offered in the January meeting that the Town would use whatever means necessary to be added to The Army Corps of Engineers levee wall project.  Carla argued that the Board can use whatever means necessary but money authorized must be done in a public meeting. Carla said this could have been handled in an emergency meeting but that would require 48 hours notice.  Clerk stated that Mr. Prince was paid out of donated funds that do not have to be approved by the State Board of Accounts as a budgeted item.  Carla said that this is true but decisions like this cannot be made without going through proper protocol. Greg stated that this was a two-person decision. Carla claimed that proper protocol was not followed. Greg said if the matter of the wall was handled properly in 1996 this would not be an issue. Two residents offered the Board copies of the 1996 vote of which they felt was fraudulent.  Greg said he has left several messages with Carla and has not received the courtesy of a return call.  Carla said she only returned calls where the caller stated what the caller wanted. She does not return calls to persons leaving a name and number asking her to call.  Carla said the Board did not specifically vote on this matter and she would like to know where the contract is between Rocky Ripple and Mr. Prince.  Dale responded that Attorney Prince sent a letter stating his duties and that Mr. Prince has researched the project and is very qualified to handle this for Rocky Ripple.  Dale said they want to be respectful of everybody but time is of the essence.

Dale said it is on the agenda tonight and if they find there is a problem with their decision he would personally pay the 900.00 Greg then said if that came to pass he would pay half.  Greg concludes that they now under stand they did not follow proper protocol but stated that with her ten years plus of experience she is more procedure happy than he and Dale but they would learn as they go along.  Greg made a motion that the Rocky Ripple Town Board retains Irwin Prince as a special council on the levee project. Dale seconded the motion. Carla abstained. The motion carried.  Citizen Concerns: Danny Orr states that the ad hoc volleyball committee would like to have the Boards permission to make an official sand volleyball court. They will remove a substantial amount of dirt and would like permission to move the dirt to Peace Park to be  used for the construction of the Veterans Memorial. Dale would like to see a copy of their plans before making a motion.  Greg said that this is under the auspices of the Park Committee. Dale asked that plans be brought to the next meeting, or get together with Adam Garvey for The Parks Committee approval before commencing on the project. Resident Carol Morotti asked to see a copy of the plans.  Someone asked what equipment they will be using. Danny Orr said manual labor and possibly a Bobcat. Sue Bowling wants to know more information about the retainer of 900.00 for Mr. Prince, has this just begun, how much more will Mr. Prince require and what are the expectations?  Dale responded that Mr. Prince will begin to contact the appropriate governmental entities, beginning with The City of Indianapolis up to Senator Lugar and he will be setting up meetings between Rocky Ripple Town Board, Government entities and citizens concerned about Rocky Ripple’s inclusion in this project.  Mr. Prince’s fee is 150.00 an hour. Carla stated that any meetings in which Mr. Prince is involved on behalf of Rocky Ripple then he needs to inform and invite the Rocky Ripple Town Board members.  Dale stated that Rocky Ripple Town Attorney, Brent Westerfeld is aware that Mr. Prince has been retained for this specific issue and is in agreement with this process.  Mr. Prince is well versed on this levee project having been involved in litigations involving an un-named resident with the City regarding the Canal Wall Project.  Resident Dick Lowe wanted to know what Mr. Prince’s qualifications are regarding the levee project. Greg answered Forty years in Indianapolis as a member of a high profile law firm.  Josh Faulconer is due home from duty in Iraq within two weeks. Permission was sought  For some residents to place yellow ribbons on signs in town. Approval was given with promise that no signs will be obstructed.  Resident asked what is being done about abandoned and unlicensed cars. Marshall Kiefer said he could not go on private property but is tagging cars on public property.  Resident asked if the Board has given thought of the impact the wall would have on the town’s future. Will commercial building follow? Carla said almost all lots are zoned RI and that one block is zoned for commercial use.  Resident asked how many trees have been planted in town. Answer-Parks committee has planted trees in Hohlt and Peace Parks.  Puddles on public road need to be addressed. Carla said paving in spring should help.  More sand and salt were needed on Karstadt during recent snow and ice days. Resident said the town was in better shape than in other areas.  Keys to town hall are requested by committee chairman and for the 4-H group.  Marshall Report: Two speeding tickets and two disregarding of stop signs tickets and several warnings were written this month.  Junk cars and unlicensed cars will be reported to Health and Hospital Corp.  Police car laptop hook up to be completed in March.  Codification has been in the town attorney’s hands since 1999. Carla made a motion giving Greg permission to ask attorney Brent Westerfeld to make codification a number one priority. Dale seconded the motion. Greg voted aye making the vote unanimous.Defibrillators; Marshall is qualified to administer aid using a defibrillator. Carla will write a police grant for one or more.  Marshall Kiefer reported that the only stop sign he would recommend removing is at 53rd and Clarendon.Loose dogs continue to be a problem. Coyotes-Law enforcement sources said there have been such reports but they do not endanger people.

Bicyclers- no children will be issued but parents will be notified if he thinks a child is endangered.

Greg made a motion to authorize the Town Board to retain Attorney Irwin Prince as special counsel and to be paid a retainer fee of 900.00. The fee to be paid from donated funds. Dale seconded the motion.

Carla gave the Board a copy of a letter that was  written September 30.2003 from U.S.Army Corps of Engineers regarding the Town joining the Warfleigh Project.  Riverfront Advisory committee: Dale said he had a call to report someone reported to represent this committee called the City of Indianapolis to speak against the wall.  Dale said that since they had done this it is his opinion it is well advised to suspend the activity of the Riverfront Advisory Committee so that the Boards mission not be undermined. Resident Cathy Hurt said she objected to the word “they “ when Dale spoke about the Riverfront Committee.

Resident Dick Lowe suggested that the town work together to cut trees down along the levee, to clean out honeysuckle and to plant groundcover under the sanction of the Riverfront Committee. A resident said the Board should confront the person named as saying he or she represented the Riverfront Committee and to ask them to bring their concerns to the next Town Board meeting.  Carla was asked to set up a meeting with The Riverfront Committee for a Saturday or Sunday. Greg said he and Dale worked week-day evenings so Committee meetings on the week-end days are necessary.  Parks Committee Report: Committee has plans to complete the Hohlt Park pavilion on April 17th.Keep Indianapolis Beautiful volunteers along with resident volunteers will rake dirt, seed and spread straw in the swale in Hohlt Park.   Parking in Hohlt Park will be curtailed. Marshal was asked to help identify who is dumping material in Fountain Park. Committee would like to keep this Park clean as a wild life habitat.  Dale asked for volunteers to rake and plant grass seed in Fountain Park. Bids are being sought to run a water line to the pavilion in Hohlt Park and to cement small barbeque stands in the park.  Resident Danny Orr questioned ordinance barring concealed weapons on public property  Carried by persons with a license to carry concealed weapons.  Review of four areas of town ordinances tabled until next meeting. With no further business to conduct Carla made a motion to adjourn at 9:50 P.M.

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Minutes January 13, 2004             ~~                

Town of Rocky Ripple.  The meeting was called to order by council member Carla Gaff Clark at 7:30 P.M.  In attendance were council members Carla Gaff-Clark, Greg Goodrich and Dale Johnson.  Margaret Ann Jansen Clerk Treasurer was present.  Council members led the recitation of the pledge of allegiance.  Clerk Treasurer gave the oath of office to council member Carla Gaff-Clark.  Minutes of December 9,2003 were read. Greg made a motion to accept the report as read stating that he had not attended that meeting. Dale seconded the motion.  Treasurers Report of January 13,2004 were read. Dale made a motion to accept the report as read. Greg seconded the motion.  Clerk read the wages to be paid in 2004.  Town Attorney 1600.00 Year  Clerk Treasurer 1400.00 Year  Council members 800.00 Year  Custodian-15.00 Per Hour.  The Marshal/Road Commissioner-Under Contract.  Dale made a motion to nominate Greg Goodrich as the person on the council who received the most votes in the November election, as President and Public Safety Director Greg seconded the motion.  Greg then named Dale to chair the meetings.  Citizen Concerns:  Unlicensed and Junk Cars.  General request not related to a specific address.  Volleyball Net in Hohlt Park-Request it be taken down. Answer. Danny Orr said it will be taken down.  Newsletter. Does the Board plan to write one and will the town minutes be part of it? Answer: Plan will be to coordinate the town newsletter with the Rocky Ripple Community Association’s newsletter. The Board minutes will be part of the newsletter. Could news be circulated by E-mail? Answer. Not at this time.  Speeders and Persons not Stopping at Stop Signs. Fines now 150.00  Town speed limits will be strictly enforced. Town Council promised Marshal Kiefer no one is exempt Bicyclist must follow all traffic laws. Town Council said this includes children. The Codification of Town Ordinances will  be discussed with Board and Town Attorney. Once completed the Town will receive two thirds of the cost of a ticket.  Are there two many Stop signs? Board asked Marshal Kiefer for his recommendation on this issue.  Trash in yards. Resident gave Marshal Kiefer an address @ 5103 Riverview to check on.   Resident mentioned speeders going into a semi blind curve starting at town hall on 54^th St. and into Riverview Drive. Marshal Kiefer will watch for speeders in this area.  Leash Laws will be enforced. Loose Dogs and dogs on a leash who are allowed to defecate in other residents yards as well as empty lots was mentioned. Dog owners are asked to pick up “poo”.  Dale said his pride in winning a council seat was somewhat tarnished by discussing dog “poo”.  How often is Marshal Kiefer in town? Answer, He will keep a schedule of alternating days and nights. John Atkinson called for applause for our new Board President. Applause followed. Old Business: Snow Plow and Police Car had dead Batteries on January 1,2004.  Salt spreader chain was seized up. Greg and Dale took the truck to be serviced and it is ready for snow. The Snow Plow has 1450 miles on it.  Pavilion in Hohlt Park: Kandy Kendall said Keep Indianapolis Beautiful has given the Town a grant of 4014.00 to complete the pavilion and 86.00 for dirt to level out the swale in Hohlt Park.  John Bleakly will be contacted on completing the project perhaps with an old fashioned “Barn Raising” with volunteer help.  Greg thanked Kandy Kendall for her work in weeding the Parks. Kandy was also thanked for her efforts in getting Keep Indianapolis Beautiful grants.  A water line to the pavilion is planned for spring.  New Business: Greg asked if Parks and Green space Committee would look at sprucing up the front of the Town Hall.  Greg spoke of his disdain for Hawthorne Trees and the need to have them removed and replaced with maple or elm trees. Dead trees and wood need to be shredded in town lots and Parks. Greg said he did not know how many lots the Town owns. Clerk will provide the Board with a list.  Community Garden: Nancy Barton and Sue Gilfoy share duties as co-Presidents. Fee for a 10x10 plot is 10.00 a year. Greg asked what the money was used for. Sue said for maintenance of equipment. Discussion of water bill of 18.00 a month and if gardeners should pay for it. Clerk stated that the garden is a community asset and that the gardeners share their produce with town residents and in her opinion the Town should continue to pay for water in the garden.  The Board plans to extend the water into the pavilion in the spring so the water bill will be combined at that time.  Dale made a motion to reinstate Parks and Green space Committee. Carla seconded the motion. Deck/Dock Project: Board said it is a valid project that is already funded with Grant Funds. Carla made a motion to reinstall all committees. After some discussion she withdrew the motion.  Riverfront Committee: Discussion about changing their mission to a Neighborhood Watch. Carla told the new council members that R.R.E.M. Committee already has The information they are seeking.  Dale made a resolution addressing the Levee Project:  THE ROCKY RIPPLE TOWN BOARD HEREBY RESOLVES TO MAKE EVERY EFFORT AND USE ALL AVAILABLE MEANS TO BE INCLUDED IN THE 1996 LEVEE PROJECTALONG WHITE RIVER.  WE ARE TOTALLY OPPOSED TO HAVING THE WALL PROCEED ALONG THE CANAL.  PASSED THIS 13^TH DAY OF JANUARY 2004.  SECONDED BY GREG GOODRICH. THE RESOLUTION WAS SIGNED BY COUNCIL MEMBERS CARLA GAFF-CLARK,  DALE JOHNSON, AND GREG GOODRICH AND BY CLERK TREASURER MARGARET ANN JANSEN.  Carla made a motion to state that all committees appointed by the previous board will be reinstated with existing chairs and committee members. With the understanding the Board will meet with them and possibly redirect their mission.  Greg seconded the motion and Dale voted aye to make the motion unanimous. The motion carried.  Greg made a motion that all meetings that are convened will start with the pledge of allegiance. Dale seconded the motion and Carla voted aye to make the motion unanimous.  Greg made a motion that the minutes of the meeting will stand except for corrections of inaccuracies of dates or figures. Dale seconded the motion. Greg made a motion that the color of the Marshall uniform be navy blue instead of brown as was written in his contract. Carla seconded the motion.  Greg made a motion that all returning service persons be given a party and the Town Hall be free of charge for the events. He further said that he would like each active service member to receive a care package from the town using no public funds. Dale seconded the motion.  Greg then donated 30.00 and asked for more donations. Clerk donated 5.00.Danny Orr received these funds.  Josh Faulconer will be home from Iraq in mid February.  Danny Orr volunteered to help start a committee to help maintain the Town Hall.  Danny thanked everyone for the incredible participation at the Bingo held for the Veterans Memorial. He said they collected 1304.00.  Dale asked if anyone could clarify the rumor about  which one of he and Greg were the “Dumb and Dumber” council members so they could have some tees shirts made. Dale asked if anyone had any concerns or anything they wanted to talk about. No one responded.  With no further business to conduct Carla made a motion to adjourn at 9:15 P.M

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