Meeting Minutes – April 21, 2021
The Churubusco Town Council met on April 21, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. in the Scout Building. Members present were Council Members Mark Pepple, Devin Keener, and Nathan Van Horn; and Clerk-Treasurer, Madalyn Sade-Bartl. Also in attendance were Marlon Minier, Whitley County Council on Aging; Brandon & Emily Johnson; Dustin Papenbrock, Town Marshal; Town Supervisor, Jeremy Hart; and Park Superintendent, Rick Krider.
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 Meeting Minutes for April 7, 2021:
Mr. Pepple made a motion to approve the meeting minutes for April 7, 2021 as presented. Mr. Keener seconded, and the motion carried 3-0.
Approval of Claims and Payroll Vouchers:
Claims Vouchers dated April 21, 2021 in the amount of $106,541.21 were approved and signed.
Public Comment:
Marlon Minier from the Whitley County Council on Aging was present. He introduced himself to Council and explained the different programs the Council on Aging offered to Whitley County residents.
Old Business:
There was no old business.
New Business:
1. Water Bill Adjustment: Ms. Bartl gave a brief overview of a situation concerning a deceased citizen and his water not being turned off for three months after his death. The family was already dealing with legal issues due to no will or power of attorney. Ms. Bartl asked the Council to allow her to adjust the January 1, 2021 bill and February 1, 2021 bill from the account. She stated there had been no use at the property since the resident died. President Van Horn made a motion to approve adjusting the resident’s bills. Mr. Keener seconded and the motion carried 3-0.
2. Police New Hire: Marshal Papenbrock updated the Council on the status of the full-time marshal job posting. He stated he had interviewed several candidates and had decided to hire Justin Blake to fill the position. Officer Blake has been a conservation officer for twenty years, he is from Churubusco, and he has numerous certifications. Marshal Papenbrock asked he be hired with one week of vacation time and at Deputy Marshal 1 pay. Ms. Bartl stated granting additional vacation time upon hire was allowed within the Town’s policies but did require Council approval. Mr. Pepple made a motion to accept Marshal Papenbrock’s recommendation and hire Justin Blake at with one week vacation time and at Deputy Marshal 1 pay. Mr. Keener seconded and the motion carried 3-0.
3. Ordinance 2021-06: An Ordinance Authorizing Receiving and Using Funds Associated with the American Rescue Plan: Ms. Bartl explained the Town would be receiving about $412,000 over the next two years that would have to be spent by December 31, 2024. The acceptable uses were listed within the ordinance, but they were very limited, and a plan needed to be written and approved by Council before those funds could be spent as well as an additional appropriation resolution. This ordinance was just allowing the Town to receipt in the funds when they did arrive. Mr. Pepple made a motion to approve Ordinance 2021-06. Mr. Keener seconded and the motion passed 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 Marshal:
Marshal Papenbrock stated the new truck was being finished. The prosecutor paid for the in-car camera in the new truck. He also stated Deputy Marshal Anderson and Reserve Officer Rittenhouse were working on developing a drone program for the department.
Rick Krider, Park Supervisor:
Mr. Krider stated the park was running well and getting busy. Youth League had about 300 kids sign up this year and many of their games would be with other traveling teams from Allen and Noble Counties. Ms. Bartl asked Mr. Krider to forward the Youth League president’s number to her so they could work out this year’s contract.
Ron Felger, Town Attorney:
Mr. Felger was not present.
Council Reports:
Mark Pepple:
Mr. Pepple had nothing to report.
Nathan Van Horn:
Mr. Van Horn had nothing to report.
Devin Keener:
Mr. Keener 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, Devin Keener
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Council Member, Mark Pepple
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Council President, Nathan Van Horn
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ATTEST:
Madalyn Sade-Bartl, Clerk-Treasurer
