Minutes- 5/1/19

Meeting Minutes – May 1, 2019

The Churubusco Town Council met on May 1, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Hall. Members present were Council President Mark Pepple, Council Members Bruce Johnson and Nathan Van Horn, and Clerk-Treasurer, Madalyn Sade-Bartl. Also in attendance were area residents: Pat Liggett, Brandon & Kristin Porter, Audrey Husk, Don Amber, Miles Wilson, Renee Dammeyer, and Michelle Love; Nicole Minier, Churubusco News; Jeremy Hart, Town Supervisor; and Mike Engle, Town Marshal.

Council President Mark Pepple 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 April 17, 2019 meeting minutes:

Mr. Van Horn made a motion to accept the minutes from April 17, 2019. Mr. Johnson seconded, and the motion carried 3-0.

Approval of Claims and Payroll Vouchers:

Claims Vouchers dated for May 1, 2019 in the amount of $138,583.77 were presented and approved.

Public Comment:

Brandon Porter and Audrey Husk approached the Council requesting their homes be allowed to hook up to the Town’s sewer system as the county tile their septic systems were on was collapsed. Ms. Bartl stated she had already contacted the Town’s attorney concerning drawing up a remonstrance agreement which was required to be signed if they hooked up. President Pepple advised the residents they could discuss the requirements further after the meeting.

Old Business:

1. 1.       Regional Sewer District Update:  Commissioner Don Amber was present and alerted the Council the RSD wished to work with the Town to address any issues the Town may have in reference to signing a contract with the RSD. He would like to see a partnership and suggested the revenue received from the RSD be used towards any future expansions the sewer plant may need.

New Business:

1. Ordinance 2019-05: Responsibility for Utility Accounts: Ms. Bartl gave a brief explanation of the ordinance and explained the need for the change. She stated 25% of the Town’s utility accounts were rental properties. Mr. Johnson asked how many rental accounts were usually up for disconnection. She stated it was usually around half the disconnect list (40-50 a month) and she annually had about 30-40 utility accounts that were left by renters that landlords were then responsible for. Mr. Johnson made a motion to introduce the ordinance as presented. Mr. Van Horn seconded, and the motion passed 3-0. Ms. Bartl stated a public meeting would be held at the next meeting.

Department Reports:

Jeremy Hart, Town Supervisor:

Mr. Hart presented the Council with the attached report. He also stated the sewer plant had begun bypassing yesterday and would continue until it dried up.

Bob Gray, Wastewater 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 Mark Pepple:

President Pepple had nothing to report.

Bruce Johnson:

Mr. Johnson had nothing to report.

Nathan Van Horn:

Mr. Van Horn had nothing to report.

Madalyn Sade-Bartl:

Ms. Sade-Bartl reported the town had received a $5000 grant from NIPSCO for the construction of a rain garden. She also requested the Council approve the re-hiring of Samantha Fulk for the summer as her high school intern, Parker Sturtz, was leaving at the end of the month. The Council approved the hiring.

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