Government

A proposal to build a 14-unit apartment complex in West Lafayette is stalled, for now.

The Area Plan Commission voted six-to-three in favor of the project, but eight votes are required to move forward. 

Some members were absent at Wednesday's meeting.

Gary Schroeder abstained from voting because he is the property owner looking to construct the three story complex across from Mackey Arena in the New Chauncey Neighborhood.

He says the project will help alleviate traffic at Purdue because students who move into the apartment will be able to walk to campus.

Wendy Flory lives in the neighborhood. 

She says a project such as this will have a number of negative ripple effects throughout the community.

The new chief justice of the Indiana Supreme Court is a Purdue alumnus.

The Judicial Nominating Commission voted for Brent Dickson to take on the job. He has been serving as interim chief justice since Randall Shepard retired in March.

Dickson is a former Lafayette attorney, who received his law degree from Indiana University's Robert H. McKinney School of Law in 1968. He earned his bachelor's degree from Purdue in 1964.

He’s served as a supreme court justice for more than a quarter century. Former Governor David Orr appointed Dickson to the state supreme court in January, 1986.

As part of its ongoing effort to prevent another incident like last year’s stage collapse, the Indiana State Fair Commission has hired a chief operating officer to develop a comprehensive public safety plan.

David Shaw is the first chief operating officer in the Fair’s history.  Shaw, who has managed several entertainment facilities, says his initial focus will be on implementing the recommendations from two independent investigations into last year’s stage collapse.

“My day-to-day task, my goals, my aspirations are to make sure that the Fair is totally up-to-date and the plans are fully developed for success.”

Signs are going up today along Northwestern Avenue to alert motorists that the intersection at Yeager Road will be partially closed starting Monday.

West Lafayette Public Works Director Dave Buck says this will allow crews to construct a roundabout more efficiently.

He says one lane southbound on Northwestern will remain open.

Signs will be posted in the other directions to lead motorists to detours.

Buck says the closure is expected to last until early August.

The city is responsible for 20% of the $2-million cost.

Federal money is paying for the rest.

A more than $11-million project in West Lafayette is moving forward, but not without some opposition.

The city council agreed to issue $7-million in bonds for Faith Church to build a community center along Northwestern Avenue.

The measure passed with a six to one vote.  Councilor Peter Bunder opposed. He says the move crosses the line of separation between church and government.

However, mayor John Dennis this is a way for the city to support the project and overall community development.

West Lafayette is issuing the bond, but has no financial obligation.  The move is done to help Faith receive a better interest rate because it goes through a government entity.

Tippecanoe County Commissioners are considering whether or not there is enough money in the budget to give county employees raises in 2013.

They must have a recommendation to the county Auditor by July 1st.

This year, most county employees received a 2% increase.

Scenarios being considered for 2013 range from no pay hike to a 3.5% increase.

Commissioners believe there will be enough money in the budget for some type of raise, but say they need to take a closer look at potential revenue and expenses before making a recommendation.

The County Council will take a final vote on 2013 salaries during budget hearings later this summer.

West Lafayette’s city council is considering a move to help launch a proposed mixed-use project.

Members will vote Monday, May 7, on issuing $7 million in bonds for Faith Church.

The non-profit wants to build a 94,000 square foot community center along Northwestern Avenue.

If the city sells the bonds, Faith will receive a lower interest rate because it’s through a government agency. But, it comes at no financial risk to West Lafayette, according to Mayor John Dennis.

Officials say church is responsible for the payments and if it is unable to make them, it won’t affect the city’s bond rating.

They add that similar moves have been done for other non-profit projects including an expansion and renovation of Westminster Village’s senior center.

The Lafayette City Council is expected to take an initial vote on a measure to update its bike ordinance Monday, May 7.

The changes would include charging fines for bicycles that block handicap areas and for those that are left on city property for seven days or more.

If approved, city officials would be able to impound the vehicles and it would cost owners $30 to get them back.

Supporters say it is a way to keep the city, specifically downtown, looking clean. They also say keeping bikes out of the way of handicap spots and signs helps enhance safety.

Lafayette council members will take a first vote on the proposed changes during the meeting which begins at 7 p.m.

If approved, a final decision would likely come in June.

Indiana collected $159 million more in revenue in April than expected. 

Total revenue collections last month represent an increase of more than 25% versus the same month a year ago.

Governor Daniels says a major reason for that dramatic increase is greater efficiency within the Department of Revenue.  The department processed significantly more tax returns last month than it ever had before, which led in part to the higher-than-expected revenue.

Daniels says, as a result, May’s figures might be a little lower than forecast, but he’s pleased.

“Every indication we have is that, factoring for that timing issue, revenue remains at least at and probably a little ahead of the forecast.  Meanwhile, spending is considerably below budgeted levels.”