DCRC voted for no pass-through in the Bio Vision/Airpark TIF and Morrison Road TIF, which was expected to retain approximately $375,000.00 in additional tax increment. DCRC also provided approximately $267,000.00 toward the Mower Max equipment purchased for the Highway Department. Ms. Greene reported that property acquisition for the Cowan and Gaston sidewalk projects was nearing completion and that the second entrance near State Road 332 and I-69 was also nearing completion. An economic development agreement with LJS Solutions was expected to create approximately 11 jobs by the end of 2026 and 22 jobs by the end of 2027. Council also discussed the Make My Move program. DCRC expanded participation to qualifying Muncie mailing addresses outside the city limits. Ms. Greene reported that approximately six participants funded through DCRC had purchased homes.
Old Business
No Old Business was presented.
New Business
Mr. Whitehead discussed the possibility of using Rainy Day Fund money for unforeseen County expenses resulting from the recent storms and flooding. Council discussed a Rainy-Day Fund balance of approximately $640,000 and the process that may be required to access those funds. Council discussed the need to track storm-related expenditures and determine whether state or federal reimbursement would be available. Council requested legal guidance regarding accessing and potentially reimbursing the Rainy-Day Fund.
Elected Officials & Department Heads
Commissioner Brand commented on the earlier discussion regarding employees moving from 32.5 hours to 40 hours per week. He stated that if a department wished to request a change in building hours, the request could be made to the Commissioners. He also noted that employees currently work before and after normal building hours.
Kylene Swackhammer provided an update on the Unified Development Ordinance revision. American Structure Point was conducting code audits, reviewing current zoning ordinances, examining state and federal requirements, and preparing land-use adjustment tables. Ms. Swackhammer was compiling a list of stakeholders including builders, contractors, developers, engineers, architects, planners, surveyors, realtors, brokers, economic development representatives, nonprofits, neighborhood organizations, housing organizations, land banks, and agricultural representatives. Tentative stakeholder meetings were planned for September 22 and September 23, with an advisory committee meeting tentatively scheduled for September 23. American Structure Point was also expected to visit key locations in Delaware County and the City of Muncie on September 24. Public input will be requested throughout the process through public meetings, informational materials, and an online form. Council encouraged residents interested in development and zoning issues to participate.
Public Comment
No members of the public signed up to speak, and no public comments were presented.
Comments from Council
Councilmember Flanagan commended the Sheriff's Office, EMS, Highway Department, and all other agencies and individuals involved in the response to the recent flooding.
Other Councilmembers echoed those comments and recognized the prompt response of the Highway Department to flood-related roadway issues.