Minutes- 5/21/14

Meeting Minutes- May 21, 2014

The Churubusco Town Council met on May 21, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Hall. Members present were President Frank Kessler, Council Member Alan Malcolm, and Clerk-Treasurer, Madalyn Sade-Bartl. Also in attendance were area residents Pat Liggett, Jean Haynes, Ken and Kandi Bohde, Sandy Hamilton, and Ronda Wood; Lori Shipman, Shipman Consultants; and Katie Wagner, Churubusco News.

Council President Frank Kessler called the meeting to order, welcomed visitors and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll was called by the Clerk. Council member, Mark Pepple, was absent.

PUBLIC HEARING: Main Street Revitalization Project Community Development Block Grant

President Kessler called the public hearing for the Community Development Block Grant to order. Grant writer, Lori Shipman stated the grant would encompass the area between W. Washington Street to 111 S. Main. There were no comments or questions pertaining to the grant application. President Kessler closed the public hearing.

Approval of May 7, 2014 meeting minutes:

Mr. Malcolm made a motion to approve the minutes. Mr. Kessler seconded and the motion carried 2-0.

Approval of Claims and Payroll Vouchers:

Claims Vouchers dated for May 21, 2014 in the amount of $79,511.58 were approved.

Public Comment:

Ken & Kandi Bohde were present and asked about the purchase of land on North Mulberry. They were concerned about the safety of their property next door to the area. President Kessler stated that the land would eventually be used for a parking area for the Park, but that improvements to the property would not take place for at least a year. Ms. Bartl also stated that until the land was purchased, final plans for the property could not be made. The Bohdes were concerned about how the Town was going to keep their property safe and Ms. Bartl stated that nothing could be determined until the property was actually bought.

Ronda Wood approached the Council concerning the recent closing of the basketball courts at the Park during tennis matches. She did not feel it was fair to those people who used the basketball courts. President Kessler stated that until those individuals using the courts acted appropriately, they would remain closed. He stated this was not the first time complaints about inappropriate behavior have been filed. Employees have been instructed to not tolerate such behavior and will act accordingly to those who do not conduct themselves in a manner acceptable to a family park. Ms. Wood felt that there should be signs posted stating this behavior is not acceptable. Mr. Malcolm concluded that it is common sense to not act in an inappropriate manner in public.

Old Business:

There was no old business.

New Business:

Mr. Kessler introduced Ordinance 2014-05, the updated Fair Housing Act. Since Mr. Pepple was not present, a vote could not be made on the ordinance.

Mr. Kessler introduced Resolution 2014-06, a resolution authorizing the submission and a local match commitment for the Main Street Revitalization Project. Since Mr. Pepple was not present, a vote could not be made on the resolution.

Department Reports:

Jeremy Hart, Town Supervisor:

Mr. Hart was not present, but left the attached report.

Bob Gray, Waste Water Treatment Plant Supervisor

Mr. Gray was not present.

Michael Engle, Town Marshal:

Marshal Engle was not present.

Rick Krider, Park Supervisor:

Mr. Krider was not present.

Ron Felger, Town Attorney:

Mr. Felger was not present.

Council Reports:

President Frank Kessler:

President Kessler reported that he was busy working on grants for the Main Street Project. He had received notification that the Whitley County Community Foundation would contribute $5000 for the new clock that would be used as the focal point of the project. He had also received another $2500 commitment from a private donor and would be submitting an application for the other half of the cost from Indiana Main Street.

Alan Malcolm:

Mr. Malcolm reported that the Solid Waste Department took care of a storage problem by renting a trailer instead of constructing a new building.

Mark Pepple:

Mr. Pepple was not present.

Madalyn Sade-Bartl:

Ms. Bartl stated she had applied for a Sign Replacement grant from INDOT and she was working on the request for proposal for the Safe Routes grant. She was also sending out estimates for the Sidewalk Enhancement Project and was hoping to start on those walks by the second week of June.

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