Minutes 9/18/13

Meeting Minutes- September 18, 2013

The Churubusco Town Council met on September 18, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Hall. Members present were President Frank Kessler, Council Members Alan Malcolm & Mark Pepple, and Clerk-Treasurer, Madalyn Sade-Bartl. Also in attendance were area residents Pat Liggett, Jean Haynes, Pat & Tonya Stanford; Katie Wagner, reporter for the Churubusco News; Christie Barkley, editor of the Post & Mail; Town Marshal, Mike Engle; Park Supervisor, Rick Krider; and Town Supervisor, Jeremy Hart.

Council President Frank Kessler called the meeting to order, welcomed visitors and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll was called by the Clerk. All Council members were present.

Public Hearing: Proposed 2014 Budget

A public hearing was held concerning the 2014 budget. Pat Stanford asked how much of a difference was between the proposed budget and the current year’s budget. Ms. Bartl stated there was a 2.9% change (state growth quotient). No other questions were asked and President Kessler closed the hearing.

Approval of September 4, 2013 meeting minutes:

Mr. Malcolm made a motion to approve the minutes for the meetings of September 4, 2013. Mr. Pepple seconded and the minutes were approved, 3-0.  

Approval of Claims and Payroll Vouchers:

Payroll Docket #19 and Claims Vouchers dated for September 4, 2013 in the amount of $106,441.53 were approved.

Public Comment:

Pat Liggett commented that she really liked the new sidewalks throughout town. It made walking so much easier and safer.

Old Business:

Ms. Bartl approached the Council with the contract for Atlas Collections. She stated she had spoken with Mr. Felger about the contract and he suggested that the Town add a hold harmless agreement within the contract. Mr. Malcolm made a motion to accept the contract with the suggested wording added. Mr. Pepple seconded and the motion carried 3-0.

President Kessler informed the Council he had spoken with the school about the SRO program. Nancy Becker was currently filing out grant applications and was hoping the Town would enter into the same agreement as what was entered into last year with the Town supplying equipment, uniforms, and other benefits. Mr. Pepple asked Marshal Engle if he was ok with that type of agreement and Marshal Engle said he was. President Kessler stated that next year’s grant would be on a school year calendar rather than a calendar year as this current one was.  

New Business:

Ms. Bartl supplied Council with Ordinance 2013-10, An Ordinance Regulating the Growth of Weeds, Grass, and Other Environmental Nuisances. President Kessler explained that it was basically making updates to Ordinance 452. State legislation was passed last year that changed the way notification was given to property owners and the proposed ordinance addressed these changes. Mr. Pepple made a motion to introduce Ordinance 2013-10 with Mr. Malcolm seconding the motion. President Kessler stated a public hearing would take place concerning the ordinance at the October 2 meeting.

Department Reports:

Jeremy Hart, Town Supervisor:

Mr. Hart stated that he was still working with the resident on South Main concerning sidewalk and other issues. President Kessler asked if next month’s flushing would be the last for this year. Mr. Hart stated he hoped to get two more in before the end of the year, but was not sure if that would be feasible.

Michael Engle, Town Marshal:

Marshal Engle reported that the video system they had been waiting for was finally in and would be installed in the new Charger this week. They should have the car back early next week. He also reported that he had been invited to attend a county-wide Safety Council meeting once a month, which was a requirement for SRO grants. 

Rick Krider, Park Supervisor:

Mr. Krider wished to thank those who helped complete some projects during the United Way Day of Caring. He also reported that Salesman stated that they would be seeding a week from today. President Kessler expressed his displeasure for Mr. Salesman’s job and timeliness of completing the soccer field project and that if it was not completed, legal action may be sought. President Kessler also asked about the status of the stump grinding and Mr. Krider stated that the last tree in the smaller area was taken down. In total, 63 trees were taken down and 32 stumps were ground.

Ron Felger, Town Attorney:

Mr. Felger was not present at the meeting.

Council Reports:

President Frank Kessler:

President Kessler reported that he had met with the OCRA rep concerning possible grants and was given an itemized score sheet for receiving a grant. Most of the grants the Town already qualifies for, although there are some things the Town can do to improve their score. The next step is to have an engineering study completed. Most of the grants are an 80/20 match with awards up to $250,000. He also stated the Industrial Drive project was still moving along.

Alan Malcolm:

Mr. Malcolm reported that the County solid waste bill would be increasing next year by about $5-$6.

Mark Pepple:

Mr. Pepple asked President Kessler what the status was of the Inwelligent deal. President Kessler stated it was no longer a secret of which building was purchased as Inwelligent signage was all over the windows. However, an official announcement could not be made until the State upheld their end of the bargain.

Madalyn Sade-Bartl, Clerk-Treasurer:

Ms. Bartl reported she had helped out with the United Way Day of Caring. She also stated she had 36 garage sales so far for the map, but anticipated more coming in by the end of the week.

Having no other business and after all proper papers were signed, President Kessler adjourned the regular meeting.