Meeting Minutes- November 5, 2014
The Churubusco Town Council met on November 5, 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, Jera Kessler, Jean Haynes, and Pat Stanford; Matt Getts, Churubusco News; Park Superintendent, Rick Krider; Wastewater Superintendant, Bob Gray; Town Marshal, Mike Engle; 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. Council member, Mark Pepple, was absent.
Approval of October 15, 2014 meeting minutes:
Mr. Malcolm made a motion to approve the minutes. President Kessler seconded and the motion carried 2-0.
Approval of Claims and Payroll Vouchers:
Claims Vouchers dated for November 5, 2014 in the amount of $142,525.69 were approved.
Public Comment:
Jean Haynes wished to congratulate the Town on another successful event with Halloweenfest. She thanked organizer, Madalyn Bartl, for her hard work and stated the event rated up with Turtle Days. President Kessler agreed that the event had a wonderful turnout. Ms. Bartl thanked them both for the kind words and stated that she had over 550 trick-or-treaters at her house on Line Street. President Kessler stated that the goal was to bring people into ‘Busco and that goal was definitely met.
Old Business:
Jeremy Hart presented to the Council revised bids for the paving of a portion of West Street. The Council reviewed the bids (attached). Upon review, the lowest bid for the longest stretch of road was from Murray Enterprises. Mr. Malcolm made a motion to accept their bid for 438’ of paving at a cost of $27,644.00. President Kessler seconded and the motion carried 2-0.
New Business:
President Kessler presented the renew rates for employee insurance for 2015. The current grand mothered plan from Physician’s Health Plan had an increase of 5% from the previous year. Ms. Bartl stated they had also received quotes for an Affordable Care Act compliant plan from PHP and an ACA compliant plan from Anthem. Both plans had a significant increase over the current plan and the coverage was not as encompassing as the current plan. President Kessler also explained that PHP was discontinuing their dental coverage. However, they recommended a comparable plan with Companion Dental that increased employee’s cost by about $5 a month. Mr. Malcolm made a motion to renew the current plan with PHP and accept Companion Dental for 2015. President Kessler seconded and the motion carried 2-0.
Department Reports:
Jeremy Hart, Town Supervisor:
Mr. Hart presented the attached report. He also reported he would be conducting a department meeting at 9 a.m. on Monday. President Kessler asked about the status of sidewalks. Mr. Hart stated he was hoping they were not done as he had a couple more along Mulberry he wished to get done this year and they would continue as long as the contractor thought was safe to do.
Bob Gray, Waste Water Treatment Plant Supervisor
Mr. Gray stated the inspection he had a couple weeks earlier had went well and nothing was found. He also stated he would have bids for raw pumps soon.
Michael Engle, Town Marshal:
Marshal Engle had nothing to report.
Rick Krider, Park Supervisor:
Mr. Krider stated he was busy taking care of the leaves and mulching at the Park. He also urged the Council to take another look at obtaining the property at 501 N. Mulberry. HE still felt that there would be plenty of room to use as overflow parking in the area and stated that he may even have a party who was interested in donating the vinyl fence surrounding the property. President Kessler stated he would review this request when all members of the Council were there.
Ron Felger, Town Attorney:
Mr. Felger was not present.
Council Reports:
President Frank Kessler:
President Kessler stated he had attended a meeting with Whitley County GIS concerning the purchase of aerial photos for enhanced imaging. He stated that he would like the Utility and Police Department to look at it before making any sort of decision. President Kessler also reported he had attended an EDC Roundtable and that the discussion centered on communities working together to help businesses that want to expand within the county.
Alan Malcolm:
Mr. Malcolm reported he would be attending a plan commission meeting on Thursday.
Mark Pepple:
Mr. Pepple was not present.
Madalyn Sade-Bartl:
Ms. Bartl reported the pancake and sausage breakfast held during Halloweenfest helped to raise over $400 for the Park. She also stated the entire event was a huge success and that she received nothing but compliments after the event.
Having no other business and after all proper papers were signed, President Kessler adjourned the regular meeting.
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Council President, Frank Kessler
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Council Member, Alan Malcolm
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Council Member, Mark Pepple
ATTEST: ____________________________
Madalyn Sade-Bartl, Clerk-Treasurer
