Meeting Minutes – August 26, 2021
The Churubusco Town Council met on August 26, 2021, at 4:30 p.m. in the Town Hall for a special meeting. Members present were Council Members Devin Keener, Mark Pepple, and Nathan Van Horn; and Clerk-Treasurer, Madalyn Sade-Bartl. Also in attendance were residents Lisa Fensler and Lisa Waterman; and Town Attorney, Ron Felger.
Council President, Nathan Van Horn, called the meeting to order and led the pledge. Roll was called by the Clerk. All members were present.
Public Comments
Lisa Fensler, owner of East of Chicago Pizza, approached the Council to discuss issues surrounding a letter that was sent by Mr. Felger concerning installing a grease trap. She stated she was told by Town Supervisor, Jeremy Hart, that it was her responsibility to purchase the trap, have it installed by a licensed professional, and ensure it was cleaned as needed. She informed the Council that she was a tenant at Turtle Town Plaza and while she had no issues with installing a trap, she did not feel comfortable being responsible for installing a trap on equipment not owned or maintained by her or her business. The Council, Mr. Felger, and Ms. Felger further discussed the issue, and while the Town’s ordinance does state it is the responsibility of both the tenant and property owner to make sure traps are installed, they understood Ms. Fensler’s apprehension. Mr. Pepple stated he felt that since it was unknown exactly where the issue was, it would make the most sense to install the trap as close to where the pipe entered the grinder as possible. President Van Horn agreed and stated he felt that since the trap would be installed on the Town’s equipment, it should be maintained by the Town, too. After much discussion, it was decided by the Council that Ms. Fensler would obtain quotes to purchase a trap that would satisfy her business’s needs and should the Town decide to install a larger trap, the Town would cover that difference. Ms. Fensler presented the Council with a quote for a trap. Mr. Pepple made a motion to approve East of Chicago to pay $345 towards the purchase of a grease trap with the understanding the Town may opt to purchase a larger trap. The Town would also be responsible for inspecting and maintaining the trap should it be placed on Town equipment. President Van Horn seconded, and the motion carried 3-0.
Old Business:
There was no old business.
New Business:
1. TIF Districts- Ms. Bartl informed the Council she had a conversation with Kevan Biggs, owner of Ideal Homes, about a purchase agreement he had signed with the Johnsons concerning the property adjacent to Thresher’s Ridge. Mr. Biggs had asked Ms. Bartl to speak to the Council about the possibility of creating a Redevelopment Commission and creating a residential TIF District for that property. She stated the creation of an RDC and development of commercial TIF districts was a goal in the Town’s 2014 Comprehensive Plan, but it had not been done by past Councils and explained how TIF districts would benefit the Town and how they can be used to assist in helping developers recoup infrastructure expenses. Mr. Felger explained how a RDC was created and what their responsibilities were. Ms. Bartl stated she felt that regardless of the Ideal project being deemed a residential TIF area by a future RDC, she thought creating a RDC was the right choice as it gave the Town options for the future, especially given the Town’s likelihood of extending sewer service to Commerce Drive. However, she stated it would be best to get the ball rolling as soon as possible and try to have everything formed by the end of the year so 2021 assessed values could be used. The Council agreed that creating a RDC was a win-win for the Town. President Van Horn made a motion to start working on creating a RDC ordinance. Mr. Keener seconded and the motion carried 3-0.
Having no other business, President Van Horn adjourned the meeting.
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Council Member, Devin Keener
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Council Member, Mark Pepple
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Council President, Nathan Van Horn
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ATTEST:
Madalyn Sade-Bartl, Clerk-Treasurer
