Meeting Minutes – September 7, 2022
The Churubusco Town Council met on September 7, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. in the Scout Building. Members present were council members Devin Keener, Nathan Van Horn, and Mark Pepple; and Clerk-Treasurer, Madalyn Sade-Bartl. Others present were Brian Berger, Chase Bank; Craig Wagner and Nathan Bilger, Whitley County Planning & Building; Rachael Hartman, Post & Mail; Rick Krider, Park Superintendent; Bob Gray, Wastewater Superintendent; and Jeremy Hart, Town Supervisor.
Council President Devin Keener called the meeting to order, welcomed visitors, and led the Pledge of Allegiance. The Clerk called roll. All members were present.
PUBLIC HEARING: Unsafe Building at 321 S. Main Street: President Keener opened the public hearing for 321 S. Main Street. Craig Wagner gave the Council information on the complaint concerning a barn on the property that was unsafe. Brian Berger from Chase Bank stated his company could not do anything with the property until the foreclosure and sheriff’s sale was complete which could take twelve weeks. Mr. Pepple asked Mr. Wagner to walk the Council through the process and the steps that needed to be taken. Mr. Wagner suggested the alley abutting the property be closed while the Town waited for the October 5th deadline. Mr. Keener closed the public hearing.
PUBLIC HEARING: Unsafe Building at 207 W. Pleasant Street: Mr Wagner stated excavation equipment had been delivered to the property and NIPSCO was at the address earlier that day disconnecting service lines. He stated that had to be done prior to excavation, so he was hopeful with that being complete, demolition would be finished by the October 5th deadline and no further action by the Town would need to be taken. Mr. Keener closed the public hearing.
PUBLIC HEARING: 2023 Budget: Ms. Bartl presented the 2023 budget and the proposed tax rate. Hearing no questions, Mr. Keener closed the public hearing.
Approval of meeting minutes for July 20, 2022
Mr. Van Horn made a motion to approve the minutes from July 20, 2022. Mr. Pepple seconded, and the motion carried 3-0.
Approval of Claims and Payroll Vouchers:
Claims Vouchers dated for September 7, 2022 in the amount of $661,426.49 were presented and approved.
Public Comment:
There were no public comments.
Old Business:
1. Unsafe Building at 321 S. Main Street: Mr. Van Horn made a motion to keep the order as written, affirm the order, and close the alley as Mr. Wagner had suggested. Mr. Pepple seconded, and the motion carried 3-0.
2. Unsafe Building at 207 W. Pleasant Street: Mr. Van Horn made a motion to keep the order as written and affirm the order. Mr. Pepple seconded, and the motion carried 3-0.
New Business:
1. Cam’s Cause: Ms. Bartl stated Bob Amber had requested use of Diamonds 2 & 3 on October 1, 2022 for Cam’s Cause. Mr. Krider stated he had spoken to Mr. Amber, and everything was ok for that date. The Council agreed by consensus to allow the use of those facilities.
2. Ordinance 2022-12: Amendment of the Sewer Bond Ordinance: Ms. Bartl presented Ordinance 2022-12 and explained that due to the bond being financed by SRF and changes in the closing dates, the previous ordinance needed to be amended. Mr. Van Horn made a motion to approve the ordinance as presented. Mr. Pepple seconded, and the motion carried 3-0.
3. Ordinance 2022-13: Re-zoning of Turtle Meadow subdivision: Ms. Bartl presented Ordinance 2022-13 that would re-zone property located on 550 North (known as Turtle Meadow) from agriculture to R1 & R2. She stated the developer had committed to not building two-family structures on the R2 properties as discussed in the Plan Commission meeting. Mr. Pepple made a motion to approve Ordinance 2022-13 as presented. Mr. Van Horn seconded, and the motion carried 3-0.
4. Resolution 2022-14: Reduction of 2022 Budget: Ms. Bartl explained why reductions needed to be made to the 2022 budget. Mr. Pepple made a motion to approve as presented. Mr. Van Horn seconded, and the motion carried 3-0.
5. Clerk’s Office HVAC quotes: Ms. Bartl presented the attached quotes for replacement of the HVAC system located at 204 N. Line Street. Mr. Van Horn made a motion to approve the quote from Wheeler Mechanical for $6919.15. Mr. Pepple seconded, and the motion carried 3-0.
6. Approval of CCMG Pay Request #3: Mr. Hart gave an update on the CCMG project. He stated API was still waiting for AEP to install new poles so Frontier could move their service lines and remove the existing poles. Mr. Pepple made a motion to approve pay request #3. Mr. Van Horn seconded, and the motion carried 3-0.
Department Reports:
Jeremy Hart, Town Supervisor:
Mr. Hart presented the attached report.
Bob Gray, Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor
Mr. Gray stated they had to repair the fine screen and there was more damage than what they had originally thought. He also reported he had to switch chemicals due to lack of flow.
Dustin Papenbrock, Town Marshal:
Marshal Papenbrock was not present.
Rick Krider, Park Supervisor:
Mr. Krider stated the annual Homecoming Chili Dinner would be held at the park on September 15.
Andy Boxberger, Town Attorney:
Mr. Boxberger was not present.
Council Reports:
Mark Pepple:
Mr. Pepple had nothing to report.
Devin Keener:
President Keener had nothing to report.
Nathan Van Horn:
Mr. Van Horn had nothing to report.
Madalyn Sade-Bartl:
Ms. Sade-Bartl presented the attached report. She stated the next meeting would be very busy as there were three public hearings that had been scheduled.
Having no other business and after all proper papers were signed, President Keener adjourned the regular meeting.
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Council President, Devin Keener
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Council Member, Mark Pepple
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Council Member, Nathan Van Horn
ATTEST:
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Madalyn Sade-Bartl, Clerk-Treasurer
