Minutes- 12/18/19

Meeting Minutes – December 18, 2019

The Churubusco Town Council met on December 18, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Hall. Members present were Council Members, Mark Pepple, Bruce Johnson and Nathan Van Horn, and Clerk-Treasurer, Madalyn Sade-Bartl. Also in attendance was area resident Pat Liggett; Deputy Marshal, Dustin Papenbrock; and Wastewater Superintendent, Bob Gray.

Council President Mark Pepple called the meeting to order, welcomed visitors and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll was called by the Clerk. All members were present.

Approval of December 4, 2019:

Mr. Johnson made a motion to approve the minutes from December 4, 2019. Mr. Van Horn seconded, and the motion carried 3-0.

Approval of Claims and Payroll Vouchers:

Claims Vouchers dated for December 18, 2019 in the amount of $239,234.40 were presented and approved.

Public Comment:

There were no public comments.

Old Business:

1. BZA Appointment: Ms. Bartl reminded Council there was still an opening on the BZA to fill and Jason Bartl had agreed to serve again if needed given his schedule had changed. Mr. Johnson made a motion to appoint Jason Bartl to the BZA. Mr. Van Horn seconded, and the motion carried 3-0.
2. 2019-09: 2020 Salary Ordinance: Mr. Van Horn made a motion to approve the 2020 Salary Ordinance as presented. Mr. Johnson seconded, and the motion carried 3-0.

New Business:

1. 2020 Meeting Times: President Pepple stated he would like to move the time for future Town Council meetings to 6 p.m. Mr. Johnson and Mr. Van Horn had no objections and the time was changed by consensus.

1. 2019-10: Training Reimbursement Program: Ms. Bartl presented a Training Reimbursement Policy to the Council. She stated most municipalities, counties, and even the state, have this program in place to recoup costs associated with costly employee training programs, such as the Law Enforcement Academy.  President Pepple asked Marshal Papenbrock what his feelings were on the program given his department would most likely be the ones effected by it. Papenbrock stated most departments have such a policy in place, so he did not anticipate it effecting recruitment for future positions. President Pepple informed the Council that Ron Felger had reviewed the presented policy and approved it. Mr. Johnson made a motion to approve the Travel Reimbursement Program policy. Mr. Van Horn seconded, and the motion carried 3-0.

1. Employee Handbook Policy Updates: Ms. Bartl presented several handbook policies changes (attached) to the Council. She stated these changes were for things that had already been approved or things that are currently done and the verbiage needed added to the handbook. Mr. Johnson made a motion to approve the handbook changes. Mr. Van Horn seconded, and the motion carried 3-0.

1. Job Descriptions- Town Marshal and Wastewater Supervisor:  Ms. Bartl presented the attached job descriptions, as prepared by herself and President Pepple. President Pepple stated both Marshal Papenbrock and Mr. Gray had looked over them and saw nothing to add. Mr. Van Horn made a motion to approve the presented job descriptions. Mr. Johnson seconded, and the motion carried 3-0.

Department Reports:

Jeremy Hart, Town Supervisor:

Mr. Hart was not present but sent the attached report.

Bob Gray, Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor

Mr. Gray stated that the land application was complete, and the plant was running “alright”.

Mike Engle, Town Marshal:

Deputy Marshal Papenbrock reported he had already received ten new applications for the open position, and he would be conducting agility and acuity testing after the first of the year. He also reported the department had received a large donation from Lassus for a “Shop with a Cop” event. He had ten kids that would be participating in the program and they would be going shopping the following day. Mr. Johnson asked about a weapons delivery date. Marshal Papenbrock stated sometime after the first of the year, but even after getting them, the department would not be using them immediately because they are different than what the department has been using for years and the officers will need to train with them for a while to ensure they are comfortable with them.

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 stated he had an upcoming meeting with the RSD to get caught up.

Bruce Johnson:

Mr. Johnson had nothing to report.

Nathan Van Horn:

Mr. Van Horn 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 Pepple adjourned the regular meeting.