Minutes- June 5, 2019

Meeting Minutes – June 5, 2019

The Churubusco Town Council met on June 5, 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 Deputy Clerk, Kari Shively. Also in attendance were area residents: Pat Liggett, Barb Young, Pearleane Kope, Brandon Porter, Pat Stanford, Tonya Stanford, Viv Sade, Jeff Schenher, Don Greeve, Vincent Simmers, & Theresa Green; Holly Miller, DLZ; Jeremy Hart, Town Supervisor; Robert Gray, Wastewater Treatment Plant 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 Deputy Clerk, Kari Shively.  Clerk-Treasurer Madalyn Sade-Bartl was absent.

Approval of May 15, 2019 meeting minutes:

Mr. Johnson made a motion to accept the minutes from May 15, 2019. Mr. Van Horn seconded and the motion carried 3-0.

Approval of Claims and Payroll Vouchers:

Claims Vouchers dated for June 5, 2019 in the amount of $300,879.87 were presented and approved.

Public Comment:

Pat Stanford let the Town Council know he appreciates the Town keeping up with the website. Mr. Stanford stated the 2019-05 Ordinance is posted online but the amended Ordinance was not. Mr. Stanford stated residents work when the utility office is open and it states to see the ordinance to come to the utility office to view. Pat Liggett approached the Council asking if the 7 mailboxes from South St. could be moved from 205 to the empty lot on Washington St. due to safety issues. President Pepple stated the Town will check with the post office. Viv Sade asked the Council if they had received the public request for public records letter she sent on 5/3/19 for the MSDS for the Town. President Pepple stated he let it drop and he will get it taken care of.

Old Business:

1. 1.       Ordinance 2019-03: An Ordinance to Amend the Sewer and Stormwater Rates and Charges for the Use of Services Rendered by the Town of Churubusco: President Pepple stated there was a notification issue with the first Ordinance and is being presented again. Town resident Pat Stanford questioned why the stormwater rates are jumping up 100%, stating this seems excessive. Mr. Stanford also questioned the billing rate and wondered where it is at on his bill.  President Pepple stated the Town needs to come out at zero or make a little money to do improvements and be able to sufficiently complete projects. Two Blue Lake citizens questioned why Blue Lake is being raised 100%; they can see a raise but not that much. President Pepple stated Blue Lake has not been raised to where everyone else is at and the Town is losing money on treating Blue Lake. President Pepple stated Blue Lake cannot be put on the backs of Churubusco residents. President Pepple told the Blue Lake residents there will be a public hearing on July 3, 2019 and to bring the Blue Lake citizens to the hearing to talk about it. Mr. Johnson made a motion to accept the introduction of Ordinance 2019-03: An Ordinance to Amend the Sewer and Stormwater Rates and charges for Use of the Services Rendered by the Town of Churubusco. Mr. VanHorn seconded and the motion carried 3-0.

1. 2.       Award Contract for 375 & US 33 Sewer Extension: President Pepple stated the bids were significantly higher than anticipated. Ms. Miller, DLZ, stated she talked to API and Ironclad. Some factors in the cost are both companies are busy and would have to relocate from other jobs, a lot of clearing needs done, tight working conditions, and the required laser test. Ms. Miller stated the Town could possibly save money by rejecting the bids and get other quotes. President Pepple stated his opinion was to reject the bids and keep moving forward. Mr. Johnson asked about the citizens who have a sewer emergency now. President Pepple stated they can still bore under the road. Mr. Johnson made a motion to reject the bids for 375 & US 33 Sewer Extension south of town. Mr. VanHorn seconded and the motion carried 3-0.

1. 3.       BuscoConnect Contract: President Pepple stated he talked to Steve, the Vice-President of MapleNet, and after reviewing the contract, thought there were 2 changes that he would like to see made: change from 20% to 0% monthly service fee and notification given to the Town if access to the water tower was needed. President Pepple made a motion to accept the BuscoConnect Contract with the 2 changes being made. Mr. Johnson seconded and the motion carried 3-0.

New Business:

1. C & A Tax Abatement: President Pepple stated the tax abatement is put on hold for now. President Pepple also stated he asked them to differentiate between Churubusco and Auburn’s plant and the Council should be able to get answers to their questions then.

Department Reports:

Jeremy Hart, Town Supervisor:

Mr. Hart was present and presented the Council with a report. President Pepple asked Mr. Hart for an infiltration update. Mr. Hart stated the rain has stopped them for now but after Turtle Days they will start back up.

Bob Gray, Waste Water Treatment Plant Supervisor

Mr. Gray was present and reported everything is good.

Michael Engle, Town Marshal:

Marshal Engle was present and did not have anything 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 reported MapleNet will be in the Merchant’s tent at Turtle Days so take advantage and be sure to talk with them.

Bruce Johnson:

Mr. Johnson reported Turtle Days is moving forward and have only received minor complaints about changing the parade route. Mr. Johnson also reported there will be a totally different look to Turtle Days this year with regards to set up.

Nathan Van Horn:

Mr. Van Horn did not have anything to report.

Madalyn Sade-Bartl:

Ms. Sade-Bartl was not present.

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