Meeting Minutes- July 20, 2016
The Churubusco Town Council met on July 20, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Hall. Members present were President Frank Kessler, Council Members Mark Pepple and Bruce Johnson, and Clerk- Treasurer, Madalyn Sade-Bartl. Also in attendance was area resident Pat Stanford; Nicole Minier, 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. All members were present.
Approval of July 6, 2016 meeting minutes:
Mr. Johnson made a motion to approve the minutes for the meeting of July 6, 2016. Mr. Kessler seconded and the motion carried 2-0 with Mr. Pepple abstaining.
Approval of Claims and Payroll Vouchers:
Claims Vouchers dated for July 20, 2016 in the amount of $52,475.29 were approved. Ms. Bartl stated the latest payroll was not reflected in the total as it did not properly transfer from the Payroll program and it would be reflected on the next meeting’s claim sheet.
Public Comment:
Mr. Stanford voiced his displeasure for the proposed Cumulative Capital Development fund that was introduced at the prior meeting. President Kessler explained the fund would be used to help fund major capital projects and Ms. Bartl explained that legislators look at what available tools communities are using before expanding funding options.
Mr. Pepple also asked President Kessler if he had heard anything from Blue Lake. Kessler stated he had not had a chance to speak with members of the Conservancy Board.
Old Business:
There was no old business.
New Business:
1. Request for an additional officer: Marshal Engle approached the Council with a request to hire an additional full time officer. He presented the Council with projected figures of what a new officer would cost compared to the amount of overtime and part-time wages the Town was currently spending to cover the shifts that would be covered by the new full-time officer. The Council voiced they had concerns about what may happen if the school was unable to secure the SRO grant in the future. Marshal Engle stated he was planning on retiring in three years, so worst case scenario would be that the department would have double coverage on some shifts for a year or so, but he truly felt the school would do everything in their power to fund and secure the SRO program. Mr. Pepple liked the idea of employing another officer to reduce the officers getting burnt out. He did not want to gamble on losing employees because they were working too much. The other members of the Council agreed. Mr. Pepple made a motion to create and open a full-time officer position. Mr. Johnson seconded and the motion carried 3-0.
2. Inter-local agreement between the School and the Town for SRTS: Ms. Bartl presented to Council an inter-local agreement which had been signed by members of the school board at their meeting earlier in the week. She explained to Council that as part of Safe Routes to School, the fences along Eagle Drive and South Street would need moved and tree would have to be removed next to Entrance #1. The Town would cover these costs in exchange for the school signing an easement agreement in the future. She stated that since this was a federal aid project, FHWA would need to approve a donation between two public entities. The School, however, would like this work to be completed prior to school beginning in early August. Mr. Pepple made a motion to enter into the proposed inter-local agreement. Mr. Johnson seconded and the motion carried 3-0.
3. Quotes for moving Eagle Drive fence: With the acceptance of the inter-local, the fence along Eagle Drive needed to be moved prior to the beginning of school. Ms. Bartl presented to Council three quotes obtained by the School for this project. The lowest bid was from R&C Fence for $3900.00 and it was the company that building manager, Wayne Krider, had recommended. Mr. Johnson Stated that if Mr. Krider was pleased with their work, he had no issues of awarding them with the project and followed with a motion. Mr. Pepple seconded and the motion carried 3-0.
4. Plat approval for Thresher’s Ridge: Mr. Hart presented the plat maps for the new section of Thresher’s Ridge to the Council. He stated everything was in order and he and Plan Commission President, Brenda Saggars, had signed off on the maps. He told the Council there were some slight modifications from the original plans and only 22 single family units would be constructed. President Kessler asked Mr. Hart if the utilities and roadway had been inspected and Hart stated they had and it passed. Mr. Pepple made a motion to approve the plat. Mr. Johnson seconded and the motion carried 3-0.
Department Reports:
Jeremy Hart, Town Supervisor
Mr. Hart presented the attached report. President Kessler asked if the department was done with the water main on Greenwood. Hart stated they had not gotten back to it as they were waiting on rain to clean the dust and moisten the soil so they could landscape. Sewers also needed to be moved and the cul-de-sac redone. Mr. Johnson asked if there would be any additions to the poles located at the Government Center. Hart stated that project was complete. Finally, Mr. Pepple wished for Mr. Hart to relay a message to Stu Rasler. He wanted Stu to know the sidewalks looked fantastic and they were making a great improvement of the looks of our community.
Bob Gray, Waste Water Treatment Plant Supervisor
Mr. Gray was not present.
Michael Engle, Town Marshal:
Marshal Engle had nothing further to report.
Rick Krider, Park Supervisor:
Mr. Krider was not present as the 11-12U State Softball tourney was occurring. President Kessler stated there were hundreds of people at the Park for the event and he was proud our community was chosen for such a huge event.
Ron Felger, Town Attorney:
Mr. Felger was not present.
Council Reports:
President Frank Kessler:
Mr. Kessler reported he would be attending the EDC Roundtable.
Bruce Johnson:
Mr. Johnson stated there was nothing new from Solid Waste.
Mark Pepple:
Mr. Pepple stated the EMA meeting had been cancelled.
Madalyn Sade-Bartl:
Ms. Sade-Bartl reported she had almost completed the budget and the SRTS plan meeting was last week and things went well.
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, Bruce Johnson
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Council Member, Mark Pepple
ATTEST:
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Madalyn Sade-Bartl, Clerk-Treasurer
