(BEDFORD) – The Bedford City Council meeting on Monday evening went longer than usual in order to addressing issues since there was no meeting in April.
The COVID-19 precautionary guidelines caused changes to the way some meetings were conducted and, if business was not essential, meetings were canceled.
During Monday night’s meeting:
Bedford Mayor Sam Craig was appointed to the White River Military Coordination Alliance. The Alliance is a community organization that was formed in 2018 to promote positive development and growth in the communities that surround Naval Support Activity Crane.
City employees Denise Henderson, Issac T. Crane, Ronnie Prince, Derek Blackwell, and David Flinn submitted conflict of interest statements in regards to who is currently conducting business with the City of Bedford.
Transportation Director Dennis Parsley requested permission to seek a grant from the CARES Act. If approved, the grant will fully fund the TASC bus system next year. The request was approved.
Council members approved placing speed limit and stop signs on Fellowship Drive, Glen Meadows Parkway, and Windrose Drive.
Bedford Police Chief Terry Moore received a grant from Indiana Criminal Justice Institute for this year’s Operation Pull Over. The grant will be 50/50 split between the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department and Bedford Police Department. The claims for overtime will be submitted to the Lawrence County Auditors Office in October to be paid before the end of the budget year.
The Bedford City Council approved a second passage of an ordinance in regards to providing health care coverage for retiring city employees. The new ordinance will require retirees to pay 100 percent of the premiums and give them only a certain amount of time to determine if they want on the city’s plan. Once the enrollment period has passed they will not be allowed to join the plan in the future.
A second ordinance on providing health care coverage for current employees was tabled until more information and discussion can take place between city council members, city officials, and employees.
Both resolutions for a loan to be taken out for the Utility Department was approved. The SRF loan will be part of an upcoming $11 million project at the Waste Water Treatment Plant and a new pump station at 22nd and F Streets. Residents are encouraged to write Misty Adams at Bedford Utilities on the proposed project.
Gene McCracken, Director of Stonegate Arts & Education Center, gave the Bedford City Council members an update on the Stonegate Arts & Education Center. There were several questions asked about the operation of the education hub and the city’s role in providing the financial backing to the facility. More information will be provided on this in a featured story.
