Council member Ethan Reynolds requested a change to New Carlisle’s Rules of Council.  Reynolds said, “I was wondering if there was any way to switch the time for audience commenting.  Put out ordinances a week before each meeting, to give everyone time to go over them.  And allow comments from the public between each hearing.” 
The Rules of Council procedure for commenting has not been changed for seven years.  The public speaks first and then council goes on with their business. 
It is possible for the Mayor to ask for comments from the public after each presentation, if he chooses to do so.  Mayor McGothin said, “I will definitely allow that.”  Council member Bill McIntire said, “I believe when people come to say something to council, they want to get it off their chests.  So therefore, are in a hurry to say their piece. I’m not sure changing it would benefit the people.”  Richard Zsambok said, “With the exception of emergency legislation, most residents have a 2-3 week period to know about new policies.  Allowing them time to speak up if they desire.”
Eleven people are renewing their memberships on six different boards.  The Civil Service Commission, Human Rights Board, Planning Board, Tax Board of Review, VFFDF, and Zoning Appeals, these are all very important boards that are required to be maintained in the running of this city.
City Manager Kim Jones said, “I wanted to take a moment to thank all these members.  We really do appreciate these people who volunteer their services.  It’s true, some of these boards don’t even meet once in a year’s time, but, we are still required to have them.” 
Mayor McGothin said, “These are all volunteer positions aren’t they?  And we are having difficulty finding volunteers?  It would really benefit the city if more people would be willing to volunteer on some of these committees.”
The Street Levy is coming up for vote again on March 6th.  It will be Issue #1 and more information will be available at the Smith Park Shelter House during a Community meeting on Tuesday January 24th at 6:30 pm.  Questions will be answered and the computer will be set up so folks can see precisely what additional costs may be involved for them.  Mayor McGothin stressed, “I think it’s very important.  It is the number one thing that people would like to see fixed in town.”
Please join us Feb. 6th at 6:30 pm for the Town Hall Meeting.