minutes- 10/4/18

Meeting Minutes – October 4, 2018

The Churubusco Town Council met on October 4, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Hall. Members present were Council President Frank Kessler, Council Members Bruce Johnson and Mark Pepple, and Clerk-Treasurer, Madalyn Sade-Bartl. Also in attendance were Jon Myers, Whitley County EDC; Ryan Coates and Steve Carender, MapleNet Wireless; Rachael Rosfeld, Post & Mail; Nicole Minier, Churubusco News; Aaron Engle, local business owner; Curtis Stucker and Matt Tomlinson, local residents; and Bob Gray, Wastewater Superintendent.

Council President Frank Kessler called the meeting to order led the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll was called by the Clerk. All members were present.

Approval of September 19, 2018 meeting minutes:

Mr. Johnson made a motion to approve the September 19, 2018 minutes. Mr. Pepple seconded, and the motion carried 3-0.

Approval of Claims and Payroll Vouchers:

Claims Vouchers dated for October 4, 2018 in the amount of $289,530.43 were presented and approved.

Public Comment:

Curtis Stucker, resident of 314 N. Mulberry, asked the Council about the new parking situation along Mulberry Street. He was concerned because the street’s design resulted in losing parking in front of his house. President Kessler stated it was too late to change the design of the street and the Town would not be able to accommodate his request to leave parking spaces in front of his house.

Matt Tomlinson, president of the Churubusco Library Board of Directors, wished to voice his opinion of the rezoning request brought forth by Aaron Engle for 110 W. Whitley. Tomlinson stated he felt rezoning the property would change the character of Churubusco’s downtown and he was concerned a permanent rezoning could greatly affect the downtown in the future.

Old Business:

1. Adoption of 2019 Budget: Ms. Bartl presented Ordinance 2018-11: Ordinance for Appropriations and Tax Rates for 2019. Mr. Pepple made a motion to approve Ordinance 2018-11. Mr. Johnson seconded, and the 2019 budget was approved 3-0.

2. Adopt Rezoning of 110 W. Whitley Street: President Kessler stated the Plan Commission had met and had approved consideration for rezoning of 110 W. Whitley Street to light industrial and the Whitley County Planning Department had forwarded the Council Ordinance 2018-12: An Ordinance Amending the Zoning Classification of Certain Property from the “GB” General Business District to the “I-1” Light Industrial District. Mr. Johnson made a motion to accept Ordinance 2018-12. Mr. Pepple seconded, and the motion carried 3-0.    

New Business:

1. MapleNet Wireless: Jon Myers brought Steve Carender and Ryan Coates from MapleNet Wireless to meet the Council. Coates stated he had previous discussions with President Kessler about providing better internet service to Churubusco at better prices. Coates further explained their relationship with the county, what services they provide, and how their service worked. Council members spent several minutes asking questions of both Mr. Coates and Mr. Carender. All council members seemed optimistic about the possibility of new internet service and asked to be kept updated on whether MapleNet was going to choose to provide Churubusco with service. Coates stated a decision would be made before the end of the year

Department Reports:

Jeremy Hart, Town Supervisor:

Mr. Hart was not present.

Bob Gray, Waste Water Treatment Plant Supervisor

Mr. Gray reported things were running well. President Kessler asked when he expected to land apply. Mr. Gray stated they were ready as soon as the crops were off the fields.

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 stated he had received his 3^rd quote for Scout Building renovations and he would present those at the next meeting. Kessler also reported the Regional Sewer District had received their charter and things would begin moving after the 30-day waiting period had expired.

Bruce Johnson:

Mr. Johnson stated he was heading to the Turtle Days meeting after this meeting.

Mark Pepple:

Mr. Pepple had nothing to report.

Madalyn Sade-Bartl:

Ms. Sade-Bartl presented the attached report.

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