Indianapolis Etc. Etc. Etc.

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The opinions expressed in these articles and features are those of their author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of McANA or the opinion of its Directors or Officers.

***Councillors Lance Langsford and Karen Horseman, were co-sponsors of the billboard moratorium ordinance that was supported by McANA. The Metropolitan Development Committee, chaired by Langsford, heard the proposal at its April 21st meeting. The proposal could not be amended by the committee because it had originated with the Metropolitan Development Commission. But, by a vote of 4 to 3, the committee passed a recommendation that the full Council amend the proposal to only 90 days. This amendment would essentially gut the moratorium because it would take most of that time just to enact any changes in the sign ordinance, much less adequately develop the suggested changes to begin with. At the May 12th Council meeting, the motion to amend the proposal from 6 months to 90 days was defeated by a 21 to 8 vote. The final motion to adopt the 6 month moratorium was approved by a vote of 21 to 8 — with Councillors Bradford, Coonrod, Dowden, Frick, Massee, Schneider, Short, and Smith voting no.***Councillor Beulah Coughenour’s proposal that would create smoke-free bars, restaurants, and other work places was tabled by the Rules Committee of the Council at its May 13th meeting. McANA supports this resolution. Ms. Coughenour’s proposal was introduced in February and a widely aired public hearing was held in April. The day before the public hearing, Councillor Sean Frick, with co-sponsors Knox, Soards, Coonrod and Tilford, introduced a competing resolution to ‘encourage high quality indoor air’ through a voluntary program. (this proposal was not part of the public hearing) Mr. Frick’s proposal was also tabled at the May meeting. The June 3rd meeting of the Rules Committee was cancelled and the next meeting is not until July 22nd. Contact your Councillor if you want Coughenour’s proposal revived.