Meeting Minutes – February 3, 2021
The Churubusco Town Council met on February 3, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. in the Scout Building. Members present were Council Members Mark Pepple and Nathan Van Horn; and Clerk-Treasurer, Madalyn Sade-Bartl. Also in attendance were Jeremy Van Erman, Commonwealth Engineers (via Zoom); Rachael Rosfeld, KPC Media; Town Marshal, Dustin Papenbrock (via Zoom); Town Supervisor, Jeremy Hart (via Zoom); and Wastewater Superintendent, Bob Gray.
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 Minutes for January 6, January 20, and January 27, 2021:
Mr. Pepple made a motion to approve meeting minutes for January 6, January 20, and January 27, 2021. President Van Horn seconded, and the motion carried 2-0.
Approval of Claims and Payroll Vouchers:
Claims Vouchers dated February 3, 2021 in the amount of $103,631.85 were approved and signed.
Public Comment:
There were no public comments.
Old Business:
1. Engineering Design Award: President Van Horn stated the group had met on Friday and discussed the proposals. The consensus was to choose DLZ for design engineering. Mr. Pepple stated he had no issues with awarding the bid to DLZ and made a motion to approve their proposal for design at a cost of $890,000. President Van Horn seconded, and the motion carried 2-0.
New Business:
1. Sewer Rates: Ms. Bartl stated she had been discussing various bond issues with Eric from Baker Tilley and he strongly suggested the Council complete a large rate increase as soon as possible with smaller increases occurring at the beginning of 2022 and 2023. The reason for a large increase now was to increase cash reserves before taking out the bond anticipation note in early summer. Bartl explained that sewer currently did not have the cash reserves to cover our current bond obligations which would impact the ability to get financing. The Council agreed that a large rate increase should be done due to past Councils not increasing rates accordingly and advised Ms. Bartl to begin that process. They stated they wished to see a 50% increase now and would reevaluate future increases once design was complete and construction bids were received. Ms. Bartl stated she would like the first increase to take effect June 1, 2021 which meant the ordinance would probably be introduced at the first meeting in March.
Department Reports:
Jeremy Hart, Town Supervisor:
Mr. Hart presented the attached report and quote. He stated the quote was for meter testing, something that was periodically required by the state. Mr. Pepple made a motion to approve the quote from EJP for $13,471.87. President Van Horn seconded, and the motion carried 2-0.
Bob Gray, Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor
Mr. Gray stated Ironclad was reinstalling the digester. He also ordered a new blower, and the fine screen was repaired.
Dustin Papenbrock, Town Marshal:
Marshal Papenbrock stated the new truck was at Copsgear being outfitted. The police department was also installing a server which Trustec was working on finetuning. Papenbrock also stated that he had not received nearly the number of emails or comments about the crossing guard than what Ms. Bartl had received as he had only received two emails concerning the elimination of the position and had responded to both emails. He had started discussions with INDOT about possible solutions. INDOT wanted to change signs while Papenbrock was pushing a button and flashing lights. He said he would continue to talk to them once he was back in town.
Rick Krider, Park Supervisor:
Mr. Krider was not present.
Ron Felger, Town Attorney:
Mr. Felger was not present.
Council Reports:
Mark Pepple:
Mr. Pepple asked Ms. Bartl to have Baker Tilley get him a proposed rate for Blue Lake and Whitley County so he could let them know and start discussions with them.
Nathan Van Horn:
Mr. Van Horn stated he had received an email from Julie Resler about having another Out of the Darkness walk in the spring. The walk supported suicide prevention and awareness. Mr. Pepple stated he was on board if Mr. Krider and Marshal Papenbrock were ok with it. Marshal Papenbrock stated he was 100% in favor and asked President Van Horn to let her know she could reach out to him.
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
ATTEST:
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Madalyn Sade-Bartl, Clerk-Treasurer
