Meeting Minutes 5/3/23

by Madalyn Sade-Bartl on May 18, 2023 in Minutes

Regular Meeting Minutes –May 3, 2023
The Churubusco Town Council met on May 3, 2023 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. Others present were residents Tony Hart, Lisa Fensler, and Brian Clark; Wastewater Superintendent, Bob Gray; Town Marshal, Dustin Papenbrock; and Park Supervisor, Rick Krider.
President Keener called the meeting to order, welcomed visitors, and led the Pledge of Allegiance. The Clerk called roll. All members were present.
Approval of Claims:
Claims Vouchers dated May 3, 2023 in the amount of $328,966.04 were presented and approved.
Public Comment:
There were no public comments.
Old Business:
1. Field Use Contract: Ms. Bartl presented an amended version of the field use contract based upon feedback received from the Council. The Council asked for a “first come, first served” amendment be added and a clause stating that Churubusco Youth League and Smith-Green Community Schools had priority in using the fields. Mr. Pepple made a motion to approve the contract with those amendments. Mr. Van Horn seconded and the motion carried 3-0.
New Business:
1. Introduction of Ordinance 2023-05: An Ordinance Amending Solid Waste Fees Beginning August 1, 2023: Ms. Bartl presented Ordinance 2023-05. She stated since the Council had already moved forward with approving a contract extension with Waste Management that included increased wholesale charges and since trash fees could only be paid for with user fees, trash fees would need to increase based upon the wholesale rate increasing on August 1. She stated the Council would need to introduce the ordinance and it would then be advertised and public hearing would be held, but it would all need to be done soon due to the billing software company needing at least six weeks to make any rate changes within the program. Mr. Pepple made a motion to introduce Ordinance 2023-05 as presented. Mr. Van Horn seconded and the motion carried 3-0. Ms. Bartl stated the public hearing would be held on June 7.
Department Reports:
Jeremy Hart, Town Supervisor:
Mr. Hart was not present.
Bob Gray, Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor:
Mr. Gray stated all reports were in. He updated the Council on the status of the gear box that needed replaced. He also reported he spoke to Crosby concerning the Sewer Plant project and stated they were a month behind due to DLZ not having permits ready. Ms. Bartl stated the Plant’s plans had now been rejected by the State three different times for three different issues and permits could not be pulled until the State approved those plans.
Dustin Papenbrock, Town Marshall:
Mr. Papenbrock informed the Council that one of his full-time officers had applied elsewhere and would more than likely be leaving the department by July 1st so he wanted permission to post the possible opening now for when this vacancy occurred. The Council agreed he had permission to post the job with the understanding the position would not be filled unless there was a vacancy. He also presented the paycheck stubs of Officer Fulkerson and voiced his concerns about how he was being paid for hours worked during the week of the school’s spring break based upon the handbook policy changes. The Council, Ms. Bartl, and Marshal Papenbrock had an extensive discussion about these changes and the SRO contract renewal. Mr. Pepple stated he would follow up with Marshal Papenbrock prior to the next meeting.
Rick Krider, Park Superintendent:
Mr. Krider was not present.
Andy Boxberger, Town Attorney:
Mr. Boxberger was not present.
Council Reports:
Mark Pepple:
Mr. Pepple had nothing to report.
Devin Keener:
President Keener was not present.
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, Mr. Pepple adjourned the regular meeting.