Council closes year with goodbyes
Two council members depart; contentious rezonings pass on split votes
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The Kokomo Common Council met for the final time in 2023 on Dec. 11, where they approved the last group of zoning ordinances of 2023, transferred some funds for the end of the year, and said goodbye to two sitting members of the group.
The meeting was a last-gasp attempt by one local business owner to stop competition in his neighborhood. Josh Klinghagen, owner of Josh's Washes car wash on the city's west side once again remonstrated against the rezoning petition of Indiana Car Wash Holdings of Mansfield, Ohio, whose goal is to put in a "tunnel" car wash at 2435 W. Jefferson St., about four blocks away from Klinghagen's business.
Klinghagen reiterated previous claims his earlier remonstrances before the city council and the Kokomo Plan Commission, repeating data from the International Car Wash Association about closely competing businesses. The association recommends cash washes not be established within two miles of each other.
"Everyone seems to be ignoring that," said Klinghagen.
The council passed the rezoning 5-3, with members David Capshaw, Joni Delon, and Kara Kitts-McKibben voting against the ordinance.
The council also revisited a zoning change on an East Vaile Avenue property directly south of Kokomo Municipal Stadium. Developer Mike Lewis is attempting to construct apartment buildings along the south side of the stadium, but the project has faced pushback due to a request for an extreme parking variance.
Remonstrator Clee Oliver noted that the developer had continued the case for the East Vaile properties at the Board of Zoning Appeals meeting and wondered how the ordinance had advanced to the Council for passage while it was still being discussed at the Zoning Board.
Kokomo Howard County Plan Commission Director Greg Sheline came forward to explain that protocol was that zoning had to come before the variances. The owner had decided to continue the variances but wanted to advance the zoning. "It's always been rezoning, variances, special exceptions, then site plan," explained Sheline.
Both zoning ordinances for the Vaile Street properties passed 6-2, with council members Kitts-Mckibben and Miklik voting no on both items.
After passing a resolution to transfer funds for the end of the year, Council President Ray Collins invited departing council members Delon and Kitts-McKibben to say a few words.
Delon was appointed to finish out the late council member Lynn Rudolph's 2nd District spot, then lost the general election in November. She remarked that it had been an honor, " to serve with dedicated people. Thank you for letting me be a part of it."
Kitts-McKibben, who was defeated in the Republican primary in May, was subdued, yet sounded optimistic, stating, " I stand here tonight not saying goodbye, but I'll see you later."
Seems like you just want to pass everything that comes across your desk. Please consider what you are doing to our community and not just tax dollars. The “pods” are not necessary, if you’re building something, put it where there is room. There is not enough space for them by the stadium. Next, you are sacrificing a locally owned car wash for the sake of money. I’m not opposed to another car wash but put it somewhere else. Not just blocks from Josh’s.