Abilities Richmond receives council support

Tami Johnson founded Abilities Richmond because her son, Matthew, who has Down syndrome, needed the services.

Now, the group serves 147 individuals with developmental and physical disabilities and is preparing a new South Ninth Street facility. Johnson spoke to Richmond Common Council during its April 21 meeting, explaining the program and requesting a letter of support she could use when Abilities pursues grant funding.

Johnson said the program produces real and proven results with its participants. It began with a small thrift shop on East Main Street, moved in 2021 to North E Street with renovated facilities and the Undercover Coffee Shop. In that facility, Johnson said, “I can’t becomes I did.”

The new facility at 20 S. Ninth St. will have four four-bedroom homes on the upper floor for 16 individuals to live rather than in a group home. It will have 20 classrooms and an art studio with a window for passers-by to see participants creating their works. There will be a gift shop and coffee shop to purchase the artwork and coffee.

“With your help, we can show grant funders that Richmond stands behind inclusion, dignity and possibility,” Johnson said with about 20 supporters, including Matthew, sitting behind her.

Council members Jane Bumbalough and Lucinda Wright said they have enjoyed visiting Abilities and appreciate the program’s work. Council voted unanimously to prepare a resolution that supports Abilities’ pursuit of funding opportunities.

Safety committee

Two community members addressed council about issues that were referred to council’s safety committee.

Jen McNabb spoke about animals in the community, saying residents trying to help the situation were not receiving adequate assistance from the city and its animal control officer. McNabb, who said she takes in many animals, said the AC officer has told her that the officer’s hands are tied. 

McNabb asked that laws be enforced by Richmond Police Department and the AC officer and that the AC officer receive more support.

Council member Anne Taylor said she shares McNabb’s feelings toward animals and said the problem is a safety issue for the community.

Brian Knutson, owner of Wayne County Taxi, said he does not think competitors are being forced to follow the same rules that he follows. He’s seen violations and reported them, but nothing has happened. One of his drivers was threatened by a competitor, Knutson said.

Knutson said when he started his company last year, he did not know about the steps necessary to provide a taxi service. His business was shut down while he complied with the city ordinance.

The safety committee will review the ordinance governing taxis and its enforcement.

Street department

T.L. Bosell, the city’s street department superintendent, updated council about his department’s activities.

The department, which is funded 60% by gas and other taxes and 40% from property taxes, is responsible for maintaining and clearing 200 lane miles of city streets, plus sidewalks, leaf removal, signage and urban forest management.

Last year, the state Community Crossings program helped pave a dozen streets, while city crews completed asphalt projects on 16 streets and four alleys. This year’s Community Crossings funding will result in 13 street projects at a cost of $1,883,669.

The department also completed 34 sidewalk projects by pouring about 211 tons of concrete, although Bosell said the department’s limited budget has it about four years behind on sidewalk repairs. The department also spread 911 tons of salt and picked up 795 tons of leaves.

The street tree crew maintains more than 10,000 trees inside the city limits. Last year, it removed 99, trimmed 224 and planted 42 trees. 

Downtown parking

Council member Jerry Purcell read a statement about the city’s parking lots. Purcell said the city recently tried to purchase a parking lot, but was stopped by council.

Purcell said that the city needs to study what future downtown parking needs look like before making decisions that impact parking, calling this “a very important moment in time for the core of our community.” The city needs to be strategic for the success of the downtown.

Larry Parker, the council president, said a city committee on parking had decided not to sell any parking lots.

Ordinance approvals

Council unanimously approved two ordinances that enable pursuit of grant funding for Richmond Municipal Airport and Richmond Sanitary District. Council’s finance committee recommended approval for both ordinances.

The city will request $275,000 from the Federal Aviation Administration through its Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to assist with the cost of designing a new airport terminal building. Airport funds will supply the $6,875 match. The application deadline was April 28.

The sanitary district will apply for $2 million in grants through the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs’ Community Funding Projects Grant program. The money would assist with improvements to the Midwest Industrial Park sewer system and the Round Barn Road sewer.