A public hearing is slated for March 18 in City Hall on the proposal to levy a fee on new home construction to help fund Shelbyville's parks.
Mayor Tom DeBaun told the Shelbyville Common Council that public notice regarding the parks impact fee has to be published before a hearing can take place.
Under the proposal drafted by a consultant, a fee of $1,005 could be levied on each new home built in Shelbyville to offset the impact new residents would have on the city's parks. The fee would be applied to all new homes, including those built by current city residents.
In other matters, the City Council on Monday evening approved spending $106,050 for a “Splashtacular” water slide installation for the city pool.
Tricia Tackett, assistant director at the Shelbyville Parks & Recreation Department, described the reasons for the project.
“We do have a pool that's 20 years old, but we're trying to put features in there to help keep it going and help somewhat compete with surrounding counties and what they have. I know we don't have a new pool at this time, but what we do have, I really feel this is a positive direction for us to go in,” Tackett said.
The council also got an update on the proposed dog park at Blue River Memorial Park.
The estimated cost is nearly $54,000. Leadership Shelby County, a program run by the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, has raised $10,600 to help pay for the dog park.
A $7,000 grant now in the application process may also offset some of the cost.
The City Council also said farewell to a former member.
Late last year, David Carmony resigned his seat representing the city's 2nd Ward on the council because he moved out of the county. DeBaun presented Carmony with a plaque to mark his service.
Carmony thanked the mayor and council members, and he addressed a group of high school students attending the council meeting.
“So I would encourage you sometime in your life to think about running for public office. It's a great experience; it was fun for me to get out in the neighborhoods 7 years ago, knock on doors, identify yourself, and get to make a stand on what you believe and what you don't believe.”
DeBaun also noted another milestone at Monday's City Council meeting. Police Chief Mark Weidner celebrated 30 years of service on the force.
