Fort Wayne City Council

The Fort Wayne City Council passed a proposed utility rate increase Tuesday night with a split vote.

The day before the Fort Wayne City Council begins the process of deciding on a proposed utility rate increase, Council President Russ Jehl issued a statement opposing the plan.

The plan, which still needs approval from the Fort Wayne City Council, looks to focus on neighborhood improvements.

Online petitions and protests have urged not only a criminal investigation into what appeared to be the involvement of members of the Outlaw motorcycle gang, but also an investigation and sanction by the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission into license of Pike's Pub.

The groups, created Tuesday night by City Council, will focus on young people, mental health, and addiction.

Phase 1 was approved by the Allen County Council late last year.

Fort Wayne City Council heard from traffic department officials at Tuesday's council meeting that the recent pause in the release of certain federal funds allocated by Congress for infrastructure projects may delay a needed erosion repair project.

The meeting Wednesday will allow residents to learn more about the nearly $12 million project that will connect Leesburg Road to West Jefferson.

At a brief meeting Tuesday, Republican Russ Jehl was unanimously selected as the body's president.

Despite some concerns from council members over the timeline for the planned demolition and expansion, the resolution was approved, 6-1-1.