Meeting Minutes- October 19, 2016
The Churubusco Town Council met on October 19, 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 were area residents Jean Haynes, Pat Stanford, Pat Liggett and Wayne Yager; Greg Majewski, Keller Development; Dan Wiegold, Whitley County GIS; Rachael Rosfeld, Post & Mail; Bob Gray, Wastewater Superintendent; Mike Engle, Town Marshal; and Jeremy Hart, Town Supervisor.
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.
PUBLIC HEARING: ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA RESOLUTION:
President Kessler opened the public hearing for the Economic Revitalization Area Resolution. The area would encompass the area where a proposed senior housing complex would be constructed on W. Pleasant Street. Having heard no public comments, President Kessler closed the public hearing.
Approval of October 6, 2016 meeting minutes:
Mr. Johnson made a motion to approve the minutes for the meeting of October 6, 2016. Mr. Pepple seconded and the motion carried 3-0.
Approval of Claims and Payroll Vouchers:
Claims Vouchers dated for October 19, 2016 in the amount of $104483.23 were approved.
Public Comment:
Mr. Stanford asked why the October 6th meeting was moved and where he could find the minutes of that meeting. Ms. Bartl stated the minutes were on the website and she apologized for not putting them up sooner. President Kessler stated the meeting had been moved because some town officials were attending the IACT Annual Conference and the Council felt it imperative they be at the meeting as they had decided on the 2017 budget during that meeting.
Old Business:
1. Confirmation of Economic Revitalization Area Resolution: Greg Majewski from Keller Development requested the resolution and abatement for the area outlined within the resolution be approved as Keller would be competing in a highly contentious grant round to secure funding for the project. The total abatement was estimated to be $168,728. Mr. Pepple stated he had no issues with the request and made a motion to approve Resolution 2016-21. Mr. Johnson seconded and the motion carried 3-0.
New Business:
1. Financial aid for GIS flyover: Dan Wiegold approached the Council requesting funds for the GIS flyover that will occur in the spring. He stated Columbia City had contributed money to the last flyover. He continued to explain and illustrate some of the functions the GIS system can do. President Kessler suggested he come back with a proportionate plan. The other Council members agreed.
2. Proposal for DNR forestry grant: Ms. Bartl approached the Council on behalf of the Tree Board and requested the Town commit up to $8000 for a Community and Urban Forestry Grant match the Tree Board was applying for. She continued by stating this application would plant 35 trees along Pleasant and Whitley Streets. Mr. Johnson made a motion to commit $8000 for the grant match. Mr. Pepple seconded and the motion carried 3-0.
3. Quotes for repaving John Krieger Drive: Mr. Hart submitted three quotes for repaving of John Krieger Drive. He stated the area from US 33 to just past the fire station would be completely torn out and a new base would be put in to help support the weight of the equipment traveling along the section. He recommended the lowest bidder, Murray Enterprises, and their bid of $42,500. Mr. Johnson made a motion to accept the bid provided by Murray. Mr. Pepple seconded and the motion carried 3-0.
4. PHP Renewal notice: Ms. Bartl brought to the Council the annual renewal from PHP. The rates had not been increased for the past couple of years, she told them, but this year will see a 5% increase. President Kessler stated he felt that increase was not out of the ordinary and had no issue with renewing, but suggested possibly putting the contract out to bid next year. Mr. Pepple made a motion to accept the renewal rates. Mr. Johnson seconded and the motion carried 3-0.
Department Reports:
Jeremy Hart, Town Supervisor
Mr. Hart reported he had been approached by a cell phone booster company, but he had not researched the company fully. He had spoken to Jeff Walker in Columbia City as they were also approached and they turned the company down. Mr. Hart would further research it and report on his findings later.
Bob Gray, Waste Water Treatment Plant Supervisor
Mr. Gray stated the Plant was running well. He said he will need to replace two meters and two valves in the near future. He also reported the IDEM report was in and they would be land applying at the end of the month.
Michael Engle, Town Marshal:
Marshal Engle told the Council it had been a rough month due to officers trying to use vacation time and two part-time employees being unable to work due to medical and personal reasons. Other than those issues, everything was fine.
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 had nothing to report.
Bruce Johnson:
Mr. Johnson reported Turtle Day had signed a contract with a ride company and the 2017 festival would be taking place June 13-17th.
Mark Pepple:
Mr. Pepple had nothing to report.
Madalyn Sade-Bartl:
Ms. Sade-Bartl reported 12 trees were planted by the 3rd grade recently as part of a partnership with the school and the Tree Board. Mr. Hart stated he had planted an additional 17 at the Park, too. Ms. Bartl also said the annual food drive was going on until November 4th and reminded everyone Halloweenfest was taking place the following Saturday, October 29.
Having no other business and after all proper papers were signed, President Kessler adjourned the regular meeting.
