The meeting began with a Public Hearing for Ordinance 2025-01 Shortridge Alley Vacation. The owner of the adjoining property stated that there is excessive traffic in the alley and that she finds trash left behind. She asked that the alley be vacated. The Public Hearing was adjourned.
The regular meeting began with the approval of the December 10, 2024, Public Hearing Ordinances 2024-12, 2024-25, and 2024-26. The council also approved the December 10th meeting minutes.
The council approved Ordinance 2025-02 to amend Ordinance 2024-20. The ordinance is the Salary Ordinance. This was presented by Nate Stoermer, Fire Chief. The council suspended the rules and approved this ordinance on its second reading.
Mike McNealy, Police Chief came to the meeting to present information on the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program. He introduced Sheriff Bill Meyerrose and Jail Commander Mike Eggleston. The discussion among the departments began in the spring of 2024. Sheriff Bill Meyerrose spoke about the $5 million Lilly Endowment grant awarded through the Decatur County Community Foundation. Sheriff Meyerrose explained that the funding would support a collaborative effort among all county and city first responders to ensure proper responses to mental health crises. The grant will sustain the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program for 5-6 years. He commended Mike Eggleston for his exceptional work in leading the program, noting that 35%-45% of calls are related to mental health issues. Sheriff Meyerrose emphasized the importance of the program in directing individuals to appropriate resources, such as inpatient or outpatient services, referrals, or the Detention Center, and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. The ultimate goal of the program is to bring resources to those who are in crisis. The council members agreed that they look forward to seeing the results that are shown during the grant period and would look to include this within the city budget once the grant funding begins to run out.
The council approved the 2025 Encumbrances, removing the uncleared checks from 2022, and Transfer Resolution 2025-02 which transfers $75,000 from the Aviation Rotary Fuel Account to Operations at the City of Greensburg Airport. Amy Borns, Clerk Treasurer stated that the Airport Boards intent is to utilize these funds to pay down their current loan later this year.
Amy Borns, Clerk Treasurer said that the city has donated 30 Greensburg Fire Department 100-year books to retired firefighters and a few individuals who have contributed to the book. The city has sold 115 copies of the book and currently have 55 remaining that are for sale.
The council approved on first reading, suspended the rules, and approved Ordinance 2025-01 Shortridge Alley Vacation on its second reading.
Zach Wirrig, Public Projects Director provided an update on the Washington Street Project. He states that the weather has held them back and slowed progress this past week. However, they are going to pick back up.
Mayor Josh Marsh thanked the Street Department and all first responders for their hard work and dedication to citizens during the recent winter weather.
