Minutes- 3/16/16

Meeting Minutes- March 16, 2016

The Churubusco Town Council met on March 16, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Hall. Members present were President Frank Kessler, Council Member Bruce Johnson, and Clerk- Treasurer, Madalyn Sade-Bartl. Also in attendance were area residents Pat Stanford, Pat Liggett, and Reed Geiger; Jay Stankiewicz, DLZ Engineering; Sue Arnold, owner of Mom’s Lighthouse; Nick Rupert, Post & Mail; Vivian Sade, Churubusco News; Town Supervisor, Jeremy Hart; and Town Marshal, Mike Engle.

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

Approval of March 2, 2016 meeting minutes:

Mr. Johnson made a motion to approve the minutes for the meeting of March 2, 2016. President Kessler seconded and the motion carried 2-0.

Approval of Claims and Payroll Vouchers:

Claims Vouchers dated for March 16, 2016 in the amount of $91,500.17 were approved.

Public Comment:

Sue Arnold, owner of Mom’s Lighthouse, inquired about what could be done about her neighbors trespassing on her property. The Council and Marshal Engle advised her to call the Police Department the next time it occurs.

Old Business:

There was no old business.

New Business:

1. Minimum Utility Rate Adjustment: Ms. Bartl stated that with the February 1^st bills being estimated, it resulted in minimum customers being underestimated and when the meters were read on February 15, numerous customers who are usually minimum usage customers had readings that were higher than normal. Mr. Hart stated that this had been an issue in the past and had been adjusted. Ms. Bartl requested that Council approve adjusting those minimum customers to the $69.25 charge they are usually charged. Further, to alleviate the issue in the future, she requested the ability to manually input a 3000 gallon reading for anyone who is estimated at below 3000 gallons. Mr. Johnson made a motion to approve the rate adjustment and procedural change. President Kessler seconded and the motion carried 2-0.

1. Safe Routes to School: Jay Stankiewicz from DLZ presented to the Council a letter to submit to INDOT requesting a change in scope for the Safe Routes to School project. The original project specified for sidewalks to be constructed along Mill Street. When right-of-way issues had occurred, the scope changed to sidewalks along Eagle Drive, South Street, and the south side of West Tulley. INDOT was not in favor of sidewalks along Tulley as sidewalks were already present, so the project was again changed to include sidewalks along Egolf Street to connect Mulberry and Main Street. Mr. Johnson made a motion to accept the change to include Egolf, Eagle, and South Streets. President Kessler seconded and the motion carried 2-0.

Department Reports:

Jeremy Hart, Town Supervisor

Mr. Hart stated his department was working on replacing some of the older meters throughout Town. He stated there was nothing wrong with the current meters, but water was getting into the pits and prohibiting the wand from registering. Mr. Hart also stated the Waste Water Plant was running well. Mr. Johnson asked about the status of the Windsor Drive project. Mr. Hart stated the locates were in and they should be starting shortly.

Bob Gray, Waste Water Treatment Plant Supervisor

Mr. Gray was not present.

Michael Engle, Town Marshal:

Marshal Engle had nothing to report.

Rick Krider, Park Supervisor:

Mr. Krider was not present.

Ron Felger, Town Attorney:

Mr. Felger was not present.

Council Reports:

President Frank Kessler:

Mr. Kessler stated he had spoke with Ideal about Phase 3 construction. Twenty-three lots would be available and the lots would be a little larger than the lots in Phase 1 & 2. The infrastructure would be complete by mid/late summer. There would also be four or five lots that would have two bedroom duplexes while the rest of the lots would be single family homes.

He also stated he had made preliminary contact concerning senior housing.

Bruce Johnson:

Mr. Johnson had nothing to report.

Mark Pepple:

Mr. Pepple had nothing to report.

Madalyn Sade-Bartl:

Ms. Sade-Bartl reported the Stellar letter of interest had been submitted and they would hear back from the State by April 5^th. She also stated she had been sick, so she was behind on a lot of things.

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