Minutes: 1/2/19

Meeting Minutes- January 2, 2019

The Churubusco Town Council met for the regular meeting on January 2, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Hall. Members present were Council Members Mark Pepple, Nathan Van Horn, and Bruce Johnson; and Clerk- Treasurer, Madalyn Sade-Bartl. Also in attendance was area resident Liggett; Jeremy Hart, Town Supervisor; Rick Krider, Park Superintendent; Bob Gray, Wastewater Superintendent, and Marshal Mike Engle.

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 December 19, 2018 meeting minutes:

Approval of the December 19, 2018 was tabled until January 16, 2019.

Approval of Claims and Payroll Vouchers:

Claims Vouchers dated for January 2, 2019 in the amount of $162,102.15 were presented and approved.

Public Comment:

Rick Krider asked if “No Parking” signs would be placed along Mulberry Street. Mr. Hart and Ms. Bartl stated they were being ordered and would be installed as soon as they were received.

Old Business:

1. 1.       Election of Officers: While election of Town Council officers was new business, Mr. Pepple moved the election to occur prior to any other business being addressed. Mr. Pepple opened the floor to nominations for Council President. Mr. Johnson nominated Mr. Pepple and made a motion to elect Mr. Pepple as Town Council President. Mr. Pepple seconded, and the motion carried 3-0. President Pepple then opened the floor for nominations for Council Vice-President. Mr. Van Horn nominated Mr. Johnson for Council Vice-President. Johnson seconded, and the motion carried 3-0.
2. 2.       SGCS/Town Park Use Contract: After tabling discussion of the Park Use contract at the December 19, 2018 meeting, the contract between Smith-Green and the Town had been amended and presented. Mr. Johnson made a motion to approve the three-year contract between Smith-Green and the Town. President Pepple seconded, and the motion carried 3-0.

New Business:

1. 1.       Resolution 2019-01- A Resolution Approving the Transfer of Funds Between Funds: Ms. Bartl explained aside from a few stragglers, most of the expenditures for 2018 had been made and encumbrances had been accounted for. She stated that even with those, she felt comfortable with the Council transferring $60,000 to Rainy Day. A transfer to Rainy Day had not been done since 2016 because the General Fund tax rate had been lowered while other fund rates (Park and MVH) had been increased to assist in paying for big projects. This year, General Fund would be receiving revenues like those in 2016. The resolution also transferred $13,000 from Water Operating to Water Depreciation. Bartl stated $13,800 had been spent from Water Depreciation in 2018 and she felt the fund should be paid back as much as possible, and while Water Operating had seen losses over the past several years, the water rate increase would assist in recovering from those losses. Mr. Johnson made a motion to approve Resolution 2018-01. Mr. Van Horn seconded, and the motion carried 3-0.
2. 2.       Ordinance 2019-02- Ordinance to Create a Capital Cumulative Development Fund: Ms. Bartl explained to the Council what a CCD fund was and the purchases which could be made from the fund, as well as projected revenues based upon the current assessed value. She also explained the ordinance could only be introduced at this meeting as publication had to occur and a public hearing held. Mr. Johnson made a motion to introduce Ordinance 2019-02. Mr. Van Horn seconded, and the motion carried 3-0. She stated the public hearing would be held at the first meeting of February.

Department Reports:

Jeremy Hart, Town Supervisor

Mr. Hart presented the attached report. He also stated the rain had resulted in some patching needing to be done.

Bob Gray, Waste Water Treatment Plant Supervisor

Mr. Gray stated the plant was running well, but the 1.5” of rain had filled three of the basins. He also lost more of his fence due to trees coming down and stated a professional needed to clear more trees from the area.

Michael Engle, Town Marshal:

Marshal Engle requested the Council investigate INPRS (formerly PERF). He felt if the Town participated in the program, it would be easier to recruit and retain employees. Ms. Bartl stated she was already looking into the program and would inform the Council later.

Rick Krider, Park Supervisor:

Mr. Krider asked Ms. Bartl if there was an age restriction for Oscar’s Playland and if a sign would be erected. She stated there was not a restriction, but it was up the Council’s discretion to impose one. She also stated a sign with rules would be put in, but the Council needed to make rules prior to the sign being up.

Ron Felger, Town Attorney:

Mr. Felger was not present

Council Reports:

President Mark Pepple:

President had nothing to report.

Bruce Johnson:

Mr. Johnson had nothing to report.

Nathan Van Horn:

Mr. Van Horn stated he was sworn in the day prior and was excited to get started.

Madalyn Sade-Bartl:

Ms. Sade-Bartl presented the attached report.

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