[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6248509,"mediaKeyId","3209972-d8efda109c730d74f8284ae34cd9518d","parentId",3209972,"title","Resident presents petition asking council to consider allowing backyard chickens; council to consider zoning text amendment","audioSeconds",377,"startMs",3535000,"endMs",3912000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3209972-d8efda109c730d74f8284ae34cd9518d&start=3535&end=3912","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3209972-d8efda109c730d74f8284ae34cd9518d/thumbnail_3535000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6248509/Indiana/Resident-presents-petition-asking-council-to-consider-allowing-backyard-chickens-council-to-consider-zoning-text-amendment","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6248509-ed2ea9c9cde99f8826151b8f9133ae12/orig.mp4?Expires=1771101161&Signature=cAIeQb4om9Jb~PAuxJkjMr4bZV8oppSxk7gGHYZj9DvNqIvG-NdOhhRSNch5-CCdi8uJ8-UyXSZk77p~Q0Y0~6lg6HE77fb2dI0qDyHw7xBfXzCT~uPv5x3oL3rboIl68iFDGpexPFJnWjSyHls1~GNRaofcCqo5UWZiOxjWIMYKzU-6ApyVTh7zaZToVNZE0d0tFBNtjTMKOWPFFS6JeeOFtI1XojDA6xsBSYqrJnBnX7~BfZ58HaKXY6A6FJAGz3mUHq2f9kvDjOjD8HPzTGMJXIEteYNsCmzPlkWUVc5HwpPdJvp-R2REn0V8hIrjMi-kHkPcSYK2namlLKyxiQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town Council of Mooresville IN","date","2025-05-07T11:58:56Z","article","Rebecca Hamilton, a Mooresville resident, presented a petition and a draft ordinance proposal during public comments on May 6 asking the council to consider amending the town zoning code to permit backyard chickens.

Hamilton said she gathered 247 signatures in about 12 days and circulated a proposed draft amendment that would permit small backyard flocks, require enclosed coops and runs, and include setbacks, predator protection and other standards similar to ordinances in other Indiana cities. Hamilton cited benefits such as local food production, educational value and low‑impact husbandry for many households.

Council members and staff explained that allowing backyard chickens would require a text amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). One staff member said the process involves review, notice and public hearings and that the council could take the request under advisement and begin the zoning‑text amendment process if it wished. Hamilton said some comparable cities allow six to 12 hens and that roosters are typically restricted; the council did not take immediate action beyond taking the proposal under consideration.

Why it matters: A zoning text change would modify permissible uses and potentially affect properties across the town; it would require public outreach and regulatory language to address setbacks, sanitation and compatibility with homeowners’ associations.

Next steps: Council staff said they would take the request under advisement and that the formal process for a UDO text amendment would be required before any ordinance change.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Town Council 5.6.2025","oneSentenceSummary","A resident delivered a petition with 247 signatures supporting a change to town zoning to allow small backyard flocks. The council took the request under advisement and noted such a change would require a text amendment to the town's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and the formal public‑process steps.","taxTitle","Mooresville Town, Morgan County, Indiana","taxId",70776,"location","Indiana","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6248514,"Council debates proposal to add part‑time firefighter classification without immediate EMT requirement",1232,2039000,3271000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3209972-d8efda109c730d74f8284ae34cd9518d&start=2039&end=3271","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3209972-d8efda109c730d74f8284ae34cd9518d/thumbnail_2039000.jpg","/articles/6248514/Indiana/Council-debates-proposal-to-add-parttime-firefighter-classification-without-immediate-EMT-requirement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6248514-7e800f26798cd043a69864b4aa51fae7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771101161&Signature=IdP76J01SysaGeKLCIp95Ps-QmH4pGTYjHkZVu7sbhfIqfHEO0Mkx7PgnkN3EY1BXTVnkSxcN9hkXNcggc2x7aAbQQEoSsu1IgH1MjA57MwMs0G6cCn~GtGHXdcsmfay-LhWwNmfl8xDC7Xdqj2ksvVBOP1o3TUGTBFKnDAk049-80sKMQnSF8z~Gh3bTQSk5XwmEJgkVjne-ujsU6lumgCSNdyJrR65ruVogpfbacuqEU3wawYmxAthuV8xNkDPBZmvgUgdw27MOLBdZWvuJHQVHiBpNIDd~RGQX4ZbrEenVNrr5vFE2jIR0vYWDdXJ0kZtEhvnuLFREWv5hKq7Uw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Mooresville Town Council engaged in an extended discussion May 6 after the fire chief proposed adding a new part‑time firefighter classification to the personnel policy that would allow hiring workers who hold Firefighter I/II but who are not yet certified as EMTs or paramedics.

The chief (identified in meeting remarks as the department head) said the proposal would add policy 5.1 to complement the existing policy 5.9 for part‑time EMT/paramedic positions and to help fill staffing shortages. He described a plan to provide American Heart Association first‑aid/CPR training immediately and aim to have new hires complete EMT certification within two years. “We do have a line item already for basically a firefighter only,” he said, adding the intent was to recruit people who can gain experience on calls while they complete formal EMS training.

Council members expressed strong concerns about allowing uncertified personnel to run emergency medical calls. One council member said, “We're lowering our standards” if hires are permitted to take runs without current EMT certification. Another said part‑time staff without EMT skills could end up on scenes during multiple simultaneous calls when certified staff are occupied. The chief and supporters argued that hands‑on experience under the supervision of certified personnel could be valuable and that recruiting with a pathway to EMT certification would increase staffing.

Council members asked for stricter controls and for a refined proposal. Suggestions included limiting the number of uncertified part‑time personnel per shift, ensuring a certified EMT/paramedic is always present, clarifying who would pay for EMT school and whether reimbursements would be available, and detailing probationary supervision requirements. The council did not vote on the policy change and directed the chief to return with a more restrictive, written proposal (examples mentioned: cadet or apprentice program with firmer timelines and limits on uncertified personnel per shift).

Why it matters: Mooresville’s fire department handles a majority of EMS calls; changes to hiring and certification requirements affect patient care, liability and staffing resilience. Council members emphasized commitment to certified emergency care even while acknowledging staffing shortages.

Next steps: Staff and the chief will refine the proposal into a more restrictive apprenticeship/cadet model and return to the council for further consideration.","Fire leadership proposed adding a part‑time firefighter classification (policy 5.1) that would allow hiring candidates with Firefighter I/II but without EMT or paramedic certification, provided they obtain EMT within two years. Council members raised safety concerns and asked for a refined proposal with stronger safeguards.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6248519,"Council finds two commercial projects in 'substantial compliance' with tax‑abatement terms",153,1143000,1296000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3209972-d8efda109c730d74f8284ae34cd9518d&start=1143&end=1296","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3209972-d8efda109c730d74f8284ae34cd9518d/thumbnail_1143000.jpg","/articles/6248519/Indiana/Council-finds-two-commercial-projects-in-substantial-compliance-with-taxabatement-terms","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6248519-6b920ec66b4a32fd363fea91c2583ade/orig.mp4?Expires=1771101161&Signature=PKVLCr16kHAexkvWCKmg30SDyfqiA73hm68SXKVAhXd4qGftV6PXZWWMSUFbi1W0RZYvaKzOB9fy3czkBV9KTcxeh5i~1jgOSqcw3AuOblIJBxAsyRHtTKu4aPkyoYnK6pooXEIa7KBtvA9HCeHP~K4yKoxWxNNECP52dqdpuslk0cyKD0vlkOag0PX9KPi5jLWbOwcZXIjdWU5LIiToBDykOQIjuXr9Fua4SklCSsruQfuonT9Nc3J3i81jugHI92e0WM4qDyyOVJXmFAFvXPdT16ZYTkrykEfSH7717fWRy5Z7ILBS1X7fWdYDFemL5bs-2Qx8GXqlw-EtmGV2vg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Mooresville Town Council on May 6 reviewed confirmatory (CF‑1) reports for two previously approved tax‑abatement projects and voted to find both projects in substantial compliance with the terms of their original agreements.

The first item considered was the CF‑1 for Sun Polymers under Resolution 15‑20‑18 for a real‑property abatement. Town staff reported an estimated investment of $1,500,000 and an actual investment of $1,646,307; estimated employment after completion had been projected at 25, with an actual employment figure of 41 as of Jan. 1. A motion to find the company in substantial compliance passed on a unanimous voice vote.

The council then considered McCowan Real Estate (listed on the agenda as MacOwen/McCowan) under Resolution 7‑20‑18 for property in the industrial park. Staff reported an estimated investment of $3,000,000 with actual investment recorded at $2,555,497; estimated employment had been 33 and actual employment 49. The council again voted to find the project in substantial compliance.

Why it matters: A CF‑1 confirms whether a project that received a local tax abatement met the investment and employment commitments in its abatement agreement. Finding projects in substantial compliance preserves their abatement status and avoids initiating revocation proceedings.

Next steps: No revocation actions were started; the council’s finding closes the annual CF‑1 review for these projects.","The council reviewed CF‑1 confirmatory reports for Sun Polymers (resolution 15‑20‑18) and McCowan Real Estate (resolution 7‑20‑18) and voted to find both projects in substantial compliance with their local tax‑abatement agreements.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6248524,"Council accepts planning commission recommendation to rezone 350 Bridge Street",165,969000,1134000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3209972-d8efda109c730d74f8284ae34cd9518d&start=969&end=1134","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3209972-d8efda109c730d74f8284ae34cd9518d/thumbnail_969000.jpg","/articles/6248524/Indiana/Council-accepts-planning-commission-recommendation-to-rezone-350-Bridge-Street","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6248524-c4710a603028b7e03d3a47041ee71585/orig.mp4?Expires=1771101161&Signature=dadNftpsL-oumICJUeUg0Zti79Fcp5d3F6Cymqjf0aICJOD2V9jSITZ7Q3uNcKDIvHfL5~Gl1XnHcc9pXCJEx-QcDKW1FeQv-v1U9qSKS-7-cn2ZIBCrEiLwrBcoSLjK-2BSkNvG8TDK-FEjgUrOoI4X~1ipjjBXoBmv~6taU9RFaqvfFPbR9Rms~yHHKzmpgTpWcEF9TJkn0-melwtuRnRIdrjn-wAn2Gc116KZAEqwZZJk5EVXMHFSpVamIB6cy4l6xtVtBbbCn-eNPeD9t06b4QnY1cuQTAFOqwbb39dwnd4r9V8r9WITpYEemKEGHJSfU6bQvJJP3CIbga1FmA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Mooresville Town Council on May 6 accepted the Planning Commission’s recommendation to rezone the property at 350 Bridge Street from industrial to business.

Riley, representing Senko Construction, told the council the property has operated as a business for some time and that the town had asked the owner to pursue a formal rezoning. Riley said the application already had received Planning Commission approval and that traffic concerns were discussed there.

A council member noted that most of the traffic issues on Bridge Street stem from speeding across the railroad tracks rather than vehicles turning into the complex. The council moved to accept the Planning Commission recommendation; the motion and second passed on a voice vote with all in favor.

Town staff said an ordinance implementing the rezoning will be prepared and available at the council’s next meeting.

Why it matters: Changing the zoning designation from industrial to business formalizes the property’s current use and may affect permitted uses, future tenant types and code compliance procedures. Council members flagged potential future traffic‑study requirements if additional businesses locate onsite.

Next step: An ordinance will be drafted for formal consideration at the next meeting.","The Mooresville Town Council voted to accept the Planning Commission recommendation to rezone 350 Bridge Street from industrial to business; an ordinance will be prepared for the next council meeting.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6248529,"Consultant outlines ERU stormwater-fee study for Mooresville's MS4 obligations",829,104000,933000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3209972-d8efda109c730d74f8284ae34cd9518d&start=104&end=933","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3209972-d8efda109c730d74f8284ae34cd9518d/thumbnail_104000.jpg","/articles/6248529/Indiana/Consultant-outlines-ERU-stormwater-fee-study-for-Mooresvilles-MS4-obligations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6248529-f86a91322146d4e919ddbba5da0f6b84/orig.mp4?Expires=1771101161&Signature=BpzhQRukniHszTj7EzoE5OCtZTO1i--LuxvsoEZaDh44NW2OEbj6PWOM6lQwpH9iLEUPF-RbfKk1OT3dnsbvPhfFWbODvEMA4oGABFpEn-M6pjnuC3MFFj2RO2IOh5UHv4BEEE16bIQnZz0QHFLGqbprQG8AEsjYsmZ8M0ZuSrF8XWwXiESxd-qY6kWfi-inrF9eJHDCyj~PCTm71hP-x6lNZXZJclHOeKa6wLUkJEDWT3pLQWLFxVi-KODhYvPyny7Ypj8~pS56XZJQeli8TxVGkaHpf2cOjeF5JCeuZoQVATjQ3AEhuxQgYPmw7LEh-is~lIQemu5krwYwqE~gjg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Wessler Engineering presented a proposal to the Mooresville Town Council on May 6 to conduct an ERU (equivalent residential unit) study that would change how the town charges for stormwater management and help fund Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit obligations.

Mary Atkins, vice president at Wessler Engineering, told the council, “I have 25 years experience,” and outlined the firm’s work with MS4 programs and stormwater utilities around the state. Atkins said the study would measure residential and nonresidential impervious surfaces from aerial imagery and establish an average residential impervious area as the ERU. That ERU would become the base billing unit: “All residential properties pay 1 ERU,” Atkins said.

The consultant described program components the fee would fund, including inspection and maintenance of pipes and inlets, construction-site inspections, illicit-discharge enforcement, staff training, storm mapping and capital projects to fix failing drainage infrastructure. Atkins said the analysis uses aerial photos brought into AutoCAD and GIS tools for initial measurements, with manual verification.

Wessler showed sample figures from other Indiana communities and national surveys. Atkins cited an Indiana per‑ERU average of about $5.55 from a Western Kentucky University survey and noted local examples ranging from roughly $1.25 per ERU up to $20 per ERU in communities that had bonded for construction projects. She said nonresidential properties (churches, schools, parking lots) would pay multiples of the ERU based on their measured impervious area.

Tim, identified in the meeting as the town’s MS4 coordinator, was noted by Atkins as the staff lead who implements many of the MS4 tasks. A resident asked, “How do you get your measurements?” and Atkins replied the firm uses aerial photos and GIS/AutoCAD measurements and then double‑checks them.

Atkins described public involvement steps Wessler recommends: advisory committees, public meetings, outreach to high‑rate payers such as schools, and sample ordinances and billing-transition assistance. She said Wessler would coordinate with the town attorney and with a financial consultant to set the per‑ERU rate and help with utility‑billing changes. Atkins said the firm has prepared a proposal and would provide policy and procedure templates and dispute‑resolution processes for property owners who challenge measurements.

Council members and staff did not make a final decision; the council took the presentation under consideration. “I think what we'll do is we'll take this under consideration and maybe at a later date make a decision on it,” a council member said at the close of the presentation.

Why it matters: Revising the stormwater fee structure ties revenue to measured impervious surface and could increase charges for larger nonresidential properties while leaving most single‑family homes at a single base unit. The fee would be used to meet state MS4 permit requirements and pay for inspection, maintenance and future capital repairs.

Questions remaining: The council did not set a timeline, a proposed per‑ERU rate, or when Wessler’s formal proposal would come back for action. Atkins said a proposal is prepared and available when the council decides to proceed.

","Wessler Engineering presented a proposal for an equivalent residential unit (ERU) study to redesign Mooresville's stormwater utility fees, tying charges to measured impervious area and helping fund municipal MS4 permit obligations.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Resident presents petition asking council to consider allowing backyard chickens; council to consider zoning text amendment

Council debates proposal to add part‑time firefighter classification without immediate EMT requirement

Council finds two commercial projects in 'substantial compliance' with tax‑abatement terms

Council accepts planning commission recommendation to rezone 350 Bridge Street

Consultant outlines ERU stormwater-fee study for Mooresville's MS4 obligations