Meeting Minutes – February 17, 2021
The Churubusco Town Council met on February 17, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. in the Scout Building. Members present were Council Members Devin Keener and Nathan Van Horn; and Clerk-Treasurer, Madalyn Sade-Bartl. Also in attendance were residents Beverly Musolf and Michelle Love (via Zoom); Rachael Rosfeld, Churubusco News; Town Marshal, Dustin Papenbrock; Town Supervisor, Jeremy Hart (via Zoom); and Park Superintendent, Rick Krider (via Zoom).
Council President, Nathan Van Horn, called the meeting to order and led the pledge. Prior to roll being called, Clerk-Treasurer Madalyn Sade-Bartl conducted the oath of office to newly elected member, Devin Keener. Once the oath was given, roll was called by the Clerk. Member Mark Pepple was absent during roll call but arrived during public comments.
Approval of Claims and Payroll Vouchers:
Claims Vouchers dated February 17, 2021 for $126,088.38 were approved and signed.
Public Comment:
Resident Beverly Musolf approached the Council with concerns about her water bill increasing every six-twelve months. She felt the increases were not doing any favors for elderly residents and single people as the minimum set by the rate ordinance was for 3000 gallons of use and since she averaged between 1000-2000 gallons, she felt she should only be charged for what she used. Ms. Bartl stated the rates within the rate study were calculated based upon a 3000-gallon minimum charge. If the minimum was decreased to 2000 gallons, that would result in per gallon rates being increased to make up for that loss in revenue and a larger increase for those who used more than 2000 gallons. Ms. Musolf also asked what the storm water charge was used for. Ms. Bartl stated the storm water charge paid for upkeep of storm water infrastructure and fixing infiltration issues.
Michelle Love was at the meeting via Zoom and she wanted to inform the Council she was representing parents who were concerned about the crosswalk. The parents wished to assist Marshal Papenbrock in lobbying INDOT to have a flashing red light installed at the crosswalk. She stated the parents were willing to write letters and sign petitions. Marshal Papenbrock stated he had met with Dana Platner from INDOT. Mr. Platner stated they would be making some changes to the crosswalk as the current signs were not in compliance and it needed piano key markings. Mr. Plattner indicated that since there were no red flashing lights along state highways, it was not as likely those would be installed, but there was a greater possibility yellow lights could be installed. Ms. Love stated she and other parents were also going to be attending school board meetings as the school has been less than helpful during this whole ordeal and hoped to at least get the support of the school when approaching INDOT with their petition. Mr. Van Horn and Mr. Keener stated they were both very supportive of the parent’s efforts and appreciated that they were helping the town to find a solution.
Old Business:
1. DLZ Design Engineering contract: Ms. Bartl presented the design engineering contract to the Council. Since the Council had approved the award at the previous Council meeting, they only needed to sign the contract.
2. Ice Miller Bond Counsel agreement: Ms. Bartl presented the agreement from Ice Miller for bond counsel. She stated Mr. Felger had reviewed it and approved the agreement. Mr. Pepple made a motion to accept Ice Miller’s proposal. President Van Horn seconded, and the motion passed 3-0.
3. Bake Tilly Financial Advisor contract: Ms. Bartl presented a contract from Baker Tilly for bond financial advisory services. Ms. Bartl stated while she had received the contract on Monday, the town’s email server was down until today and she did not have a chance to get Mr. Felger’s approval prior to the meeting. However, she stated it appeared to be a boilerplate contract. Mr. Pepple made a motion to approve the contract as presented pending Mr. Felger’s review. President Van Horn seconded, and the motion carried 3-0.
New Business:
1. Police New Hire: Marshal Papenbrock approached Council to ask their permission to open the new hire process once again. He stated he wished to keep the allocation period open for a little longer time as his ultimate goal was to find an officer that was already certified and would require minimal training. The Council agreed to open the process.
Department Reports:
Jeremy Hart, Town Supervisor:
Mr. Hart presented the attached report. He informed Mr. Keener he would be happy to give him a tour of the facilities at his convenience.
Bob Gray, Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor
Mr. Gray was not present. Mr. Hart reported the generator was fixed… for now.
Dustin Papenbrock, Town Marshal:
Marshal Papenbrock stated the IT company was working on installing a server at the PD and hardwiring everything.
Rick Krider, Park Supervisor:
Mr. Krider had stated they were busy cleaning out the concession stand and getting things ready for ball to start. Ms. Bartl stated the Youth League contract needed to be updated.
Ron Felger, Town Attorney:
Mr. Felger was not present.
Council Reports:
Mark Pepple:
Mr. Pepple reported he, Ms. Bartl, and Mr. Felger had met with representatives from the RSD concerning the contract. He felt many issues had been ironed out and the RSD is aware anything they plan to do was contingent upon what the Town ended up doing. President Van Horn asked what type of timeframe the RSD was needing. Mr. Pepple stated a contingent capacity certification needed to be signed soon so they could apply for their funding. The certification would state that once the upgrades were made at the plant, the town would be able to handle the RSD’s flow. Matt Shipman was working on something and would bring it to Mr. Felger to review before handing it to Council.
Devin Keener:
Mr. Keener asked if it was appropriate for him to ask questions during this time. The Council stated yes it was. Mr. Keener asked about some of the issues Ms. Musolf spoke of concerning minimum rates, lack of public input and other items. Ms. Bartl stated she had spoken with Rachael Rosfeld concerning the sewer rate and a story should be in the paper this week. Ms. Rosfeld, who was on via Zoom, stated she would run more stories closer to the public hearing to assist in the public being present and informed when that discussion took place. Mr. Pepple stated he would appreciate that as he felt we were not doing a great job about publicizing changes or issues. He was appreciative that members of the media had started to attend meetings and hoped that would assist in relaying information.
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, President Van Horn adjourned the meeting.
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Council Member, Mark Pepple
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Council Member, Devin Keener
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Council President, Nathan Van Horn
ATTEST:
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Madalyn Sade-Bartl, Clerk-Treasurer
