The Knox City Council this week tentatively approved the first readings of two ordinances, but expressed their intent to revise those ordinances before passing them on their second or third readings. The council first discussed the revised fees ordinance for the Planning Commission that replaced the entirety of the fees laid out previously.
The Knox City Council this week approved the purchase of five lots in Parkview Heights, each of which was up for tax sale in the county but, because it was up for tax sale previously and did not sell, the city was able to purchase the properties for $35 each from the county. The city has acquired more than a dozen properties in the neighborhood, and Mayor Rick Chambers said the city is looking into options as far as what they can do to improve Parkview Heights and make it a safer place to live.
The Knox City Council this week approved a resolution purchasing five lots in Parkview Heights. City attorney David Matsey said the county has already approved a resolution and this resolution for the city is strongly based on the county’s version.
The properties the city will acquire in Parkview are located at 322 Spruce Street , 424 and 426 Maple Street, and a parcel on Clark Street. The Spruce Street house is actually located on two lots. The parcels will be purchased for a cost of $35 per property, and the city council has expressed interest in using those properties – and other properties in Parkview Heights that the city has acquired over the years – to benefit the city.
The council approved a motion purchasing the lots.
The Knox City Council this week approved a motion declaring the County Road 300 East reconstruction endeavor as a economic development project to allow the city to pay for an unexpected expense out of the County Economic Development Income Tax Fund. Charles Weaver, executive director of the Starke County Economic Development Commission, approached the council and explained that part of the reconstruction of County Road 300 East from Culver Road to west of the city, a number of fire hydrants will have to be relocated.
The Knox City Council will meet in a regular session tomorrow at 7 p.m. in Knox City Hall to discuss a number of items, including the proposed flood plan ordinance, revision of the fees ordinance for the planning commission, and a zoning ordinance amendment, as well as discussion with Neighborhood Development Associates regarding a feasibility study for Parkview Heights.
The Knox City Council this week approved a new flood plan ordinance on its first reading as required by FEMA in order for residents to be able to acquire flood insurance. Mayor Rick Chambers explained that the city has been required to update their current plan and the state provided a sample ordinance that could be adapted to suit the city’s needs.
Knox Mayor Rick Chambers stated that the new pumps are operational but there are a few issues that are being addressed.
The Knox City Council this week approved a motion to join the Kankakee-Iroquois Regional Planning Commission in applying for a Brownfield grant. KIRPC requested the city join them in applying at no cost to the city, and with no effect on the city’s grant pool.
The Knox City Council this week proclaimed each Tuesday in February “New Hope for Families Days,” urging all citizens of the community to participate in all efforts to make Knox and Starke County a model of a healthy community.
The Knox Economic Development Commission last night held a public hearing to discuss a proposed refunding of outstanding bonds of the city of Knox and the financing of economic development facilities for Toll Brothers. No members of the audience spoke out against the idea, and Starke County Economic Development Foundation Executive Director Charles Weaver was present to explain the benefits of their proposal.
A volunteer fireman for the city of Knox who was injured on the job is still out of luck regarding his workers’ compensation. Wayne Noah was injured while investigating a fire when a change in pressure forced him off of the house floor and onto the ground, twisting an ankle and preventing him from working his full-time job. The fireman is employed at a factory and was unable to work due to his injury.
The Knox City Council will meet for their regularly scheduled meeting this evening at the Knox City Hall to discuss a number of agenda items, including further discussion of the insurance compensation for an injured volunteer fireman.
The fireman, Wayne Noah, was injured while investigating a fire when a change in pressure forced him off of the house floor and onto the ground, twisting an ankle and preventing him from working his full-time job. The fireman is employed at a factory and has since been unable to work due to his injury. The problem is, the city’s insurance will only pay $300 a week to reimburse him for employment benefits, but Chambers said the employee makes significantly more than that at his full-time job, where he has been unable to work for several weeks.
The council will also elect their president for 2014 and appoint department heads, as well as discuss a fire contract for Center and Jackson townships.
The Knox City Council this week discussed a number of options to bring more money into the park department. Ray Stephenson with the park board told the council that they are considering charging a fee for children to use the fields for practices or games, and said a $5 charge per child would go a long way in funding some of the park’s maintenance.
The Knox City Council on Monday night hustled to get last-minute fund transfers out of the way before the holidays, ensuring that no city funds are in the negative. Clerk-Treasurer Jeff Houston advised the council that transfers were necessary in the general, motor vehicle highway, park and recreation, and the river boat revenue fund for the payment of vouchers.
The Knox City Council last night approved a number of fund transfers and encumbrances as they prepared for the end of the year. Clerk-Treasurer Jeff Houston told the council that this tidying-up of the books is necessary to ensure that all funds are in the black before the beginning of the new year.
The Knox City Council this week passed a motion increasing the city’s income protection insurance benefit from $300 per week to $1000 per week. The discussion originated from a fireman who was injured while investigating a fire, preventing him from working his full-time job.
