Council Meeting Minutes- October 18, 2023

by Madalyn Sade-Bartl on November 1, 2023 in Minutes

Regular Meeting Minutes –October 18, 2023
The Churubusco Town Council met on October 18, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in the Town Hall. Members present were council members Devin Keener, Mark Pepple, and Nathan Van Horn; and Clerk-Treasurer, Madalyn Sade-Bartl. Others present were residents Lisa Fensler, Deb Fitzcharles, & Brian Clark; Street/Water Superintendent, Jeremy Hart; and Park Director, 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.
PUBLIC HEARING: ORDINANCE 2023-10: Ordinance Adopting a Policy to Close a Public Thoroughfare by a Private Entity
President Keener opened the public hearing for Ordinance 2023-10. Brian Clark asked how far in advance an entity needed to apply for the closure. President Keener stated 15 days. Hearing no other comments There were no comments and President Keener closed the public hearing.

Approval of Minutes- September 20, 2023 & October 4, 2023
Mr. Pepple made a motion to approve the minutes for September 20, 2023 & October 4, 2023 as presented. Mr. Van Horn seconded, and the motion carried 3-0.

Approval of Claims:
Claims Vouchers dated October 18, 2023 in the amount of $469,359.07 were presented and approved.
Public Comment:
There were no public comments.
Old Business:
1. Ordinance 2023-10: Ordinance Adopting a Policy to Close a Public Thoroughfare by a Private Entity: Mr. Pepple made a motion to approve Ordinance 2023-10. Mr. Van Horn seconded, and the motion passed 3-0.
New Business:
1. Resolution 2023-12: Resolution Approving Plan Commission Order 2023-01: Ms. Bartl explained the Plan Commission had approved the Order and it was now in the Council’s court to approve or deny the proposed residential TIF the RDC had been discussing for almost a year. Mr. Van Horn made a motion to approve Resolution 2023-12. Mr. Pepple seconded, and the motion passed 3-0. Lisa Fensler, president of the RDC, stated the next step would be a public hearing which would be held at 5:30 on November 1 at the Town Hall.

2. Resolution 2023-13: Resolution Assigning Signatory Authority for SRF Eligible Projects: Ms. Bartl explained the resolution and the need for it. Mr. Van Horn made a motion to approve Resolution 2023-13 as presented. Mr. Pepple seconded, and the motion carried 3-0.

3. BZA & Plan Commission Re-Appointments: Ms. Bartl presented the Council with Plan Commission and BZA appointments that expired on December 31, 2023. She stated Whitley County Planning & Building asked that the Council reappoint Jason Bartl to the BZA and that President Keener re-appoint Wayne Krider and Brenda Saggars to the Plan Commission. Mr. Pepple made a motion to approve the re-appointments. Mr. Van Horn seconded, and the motion carried 3-0.

4. First Reading- Ordinance 2023-14: 2024 Salary Ordinance: Ms. Bartl presented the 2024 Salary Ordinance. She stated the proposed ordinance included all full-time employees receive an increase of at least 3% or $2000 with lower paid full-time employees receiving a more substantial increase. Part-time employees would receive an increase of at least 3% per hour. Elected officials would not be receiving an increase. She stated salary information from nearby entities was used to determine the proposed wages. Mr. Pepple made a motion to introduce Ordinance 2023-14. 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 was not present.
Dustin Papenbrock, Town Marshall:
Mr. Papenbrock was not present.
Rick Krider, Park Superintendent:
Mr. Krider stated they were finished with mulching the trail and they had begun to mulch leaves. He also reported the trails and dog park had been busy. Finally, he stated Samantha Fulk was completing a mural on the Diamond 2 concession stand and she should be finished within the next week.
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 County Drainage Board would be holding a public hearing next month to raise the Rapp Ditch assessment from $15 minimum/parcel to $150 minimum/parcel. She said this increase would affect about 1/3 of the residences in Churubusco. The Drainage Board was hoping to begin work on the Rapp late next year/early 2025 due to stipulations of how long they could operate in the red. They would begin where the Rapp empties into the ditch near the Sewer Plant.
Having no other business and after all proper papers were signed, President Keener adjourned the regular meeting.