Meeting Minutes – June 2, 2021
The Churubusco Town Council met on June 2, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. in the Scout Building. Members present were Council Members Devin Keener, Mark Pepple, and Nathan Van Horn; and Clerk-Treasurer, Madalyn Sade-Bartl. Also in attendance were local residents Barb Young and Deb Potts; Marlon Minier, Whitley County Council on Aging; Dale Buuck, Whitley County EDC; Dustin Papenbrock, Town Marshal; and Jeremy Hart, Town Supervisor.
Council President, Nathan Van Horn, called the meeting to order and led the pledge. Roll was called by the Clerk. All members were present
Approval of May 19, 2021 Minutes:
President Van Horn made a motion to approve the minutes for May 19, 2021 as presented. Mr. Keener seconded and the motion carried 2-0 with Mr. Pepple abstaining.
Approval of Claims and Payroll Vouchers:
Claims Vouchers dated June 2, 2021 in the amount of $350,713.50 were approved and signed.
Public Comment:
Barb Young and Deb Potts approached the Council to voice their displeasure in the recent sewer rate hike and questioned if there would be another increase. President Van Horn stated there would be another rate increase later in the year but the Council did not foresee it to be as large as the one that was just implemented. Mrs. Young and Mrs. Potts asked how they thought people on a limited income were supposed to pay that much for their utilities and that most on a limited income cannot afford the increases. Mr. Keener stated he did not like it any more than they did and was aware of the demographics of the town; however, due to increases not being implemented in the past, the Town could not keep up with the current cost of running the sewer plant let alone make the necessary upgrades to keep the plant in compliance with the state. Mrs. Potts asked if landlords were still responsible for a tenant’s bill. Ms. Bartl explained the current ordinance and explained how the summer sprinkling credit worked.
Old Business:
There was no old business.
New Business:
1. Hiring Approval- Deputy Clerk: Ms. Bartl stated she had conducted interviews for the deputy clerk opening and wished to extend an offer to Natalie Blessing at a tier 3 deputy clerk. Mr. Keener made a motion to approve the hiring of Natalie Blessing. Mr. Pepple seconded and the motion carried 3-0.
2. Resolution 2021-08: Electronic Meetings: Ms. Bartl presented Resolution 2021-08- A Resolution Establishing the Policy by Which Members of the Town Council may Participate by Electronic Means of Communication. She explained that with the public health order on the verge of expiring, the Council would be unable to participate virtually without a policy in place. This resolution would allow virtual meetings to still be able to occur. President Van Horn made a motion to approve Resolution 2021-08 as presented. Mr. Pepple seconded and the motion carried 3-0.
3. BEES?: Ms. Bartl told the Council she had an inquiry from David Mullins. Mr. Mullins had recently purchased 107 McCoy Drive and was putting a shop there that would sell honey and other bee products. He also wanted to teach beekeeping classes at the facility and had asked if the town had ordinances regarding hives. Ms. Bartl informed the Council she had researched the issue and the Town did not have an ordinance and bees were not addressed in the Town’s building and zoning codes. However, after speaking to Nathan Bilger from Whitley County Planning & Building Department, there were some issues he suggested be addressed by the Council regarding bee hives and beekeeping prior to it becoming an issue and referred Ms. Bartl to Columbia City’s animal ordinance. The Council discussed the issue and decided they did not want to make a decision at that time, but would like to research it further.
Department Reports:
Jeremy Hart, Town Supervisor:
Mr. Hart presented the attached report. He informed the Council that the Plant did not overflow during the recent rain events. He felt this may be due to some of the infiltration issues being fixed.
Bob Gray, Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor
Mr. Gray was not present.
Dustin Papenbrock, Town Marshal:
Marshal Papenbrock stated things were going well and the department was preparing for Turtle Days. ISP would be assisting with directing traffic at the parade and every one of his officers was scheduled to work the event. He also informed the Council his officers were liking their new schedules and that it was assisting in reducing overtime.
Rick Krider, Park Supervisor:
Mr. Krider was not present.
Ron Felger, Town Attorney:
Mr. Felger was not present.
Council Reports:
Mark Pepple:
Mr. Pepple had nothing to report.
Nathan Van Horn:
Mr. Van Horn had nothing to report.
Devin Keener:
Mr. Keener 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 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
