Meeting Minutes – May 19, 2021
The Churubusco Town Council met on May 19, 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 Marlon Minier, Whitley County Council on Aging; Wayne Yager; Michelle Love; Dustin Papenbrock, Town Marshal; Wastewater Superintendent, Bob Gray; 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. Council member Mark Pepple was absent.
Approval of Claims and Payroll Vouchers:
Claims Vouchers dated May 19, 2021 in the amount of $138,976.89 were approved and signed.
Public Comment:
Wayne Yager relayed his concerns about three issues in town. The first issue was the clock at the point was running about eight minutes slow. The second issue were potholes located on Whitley Street and South Main Street near Egolf’s and CVS. Ms. Bartl stated those potholes had been reported to INDOT several times, but she would report them again. Marshal Papenbrock stated he would also call INDOT. The last issue was the grass in front of CVS had not been mowed. Ms. Bartl stated she would get a weed sign in their yard.
Old Business:
1. Crossing Guard Update: Michelle Love, a local parent and resident, reported to Council that she had spoken with Dana Plattner from INDOT about different options at the school crossing at 205 & Short Street. Several options were mentioned, all of which needed to be placed directly in the roadway. Ms. Bartl and Marshal Papenbrock stated they would discuss these options and speak to Mr. Plattner and keep Ms. Love and the Council updated on any further developments.
New Business:
1. Hiring Approval- ICE students: Ms. Bartl stated she and Mr. Hart had recently interviewed TJ Emenhiser for a utility assistant position through the ICE program. He would be responsible for mowing, landscaping, painting, and general repairs. Ms. Bartl also had an applicant for a utility clerk position. Audrey Orth was already working at Ms. Bartl’s office as an unpaid intern with the Churubusco Chamber of Commerce and she had expressed interest in working part-time during the school year through the ICE program. President Van Horn made a motion to approve the hire of TJ Emenhiser and Audrey Orth as ICE students. Mr. Keener seconded and the motion passed 2-0.
2. Park Tractor quotes: Mr. Hart had obtained three quotes for a new Park tractor and Ms. Bartl presented them to Council. Mr. Keener asked MR. Krider if he had a preference between Kyoti and Bobcat. Mr. Krider stated they were all pretty much the same tractor, just with different branding. President Van Horn stated while he would like to keep business local, the price difference between Bobcat of Fort Wayne and Precision Outdoors was substantial. He made a motion to accept Bobcat of Fort Wayne’s quote of $16,998.18. Mr. Keener seconded and the motion carried 2-0.
3. Parking on Line Street: Ms. Bartl stated she was approached by a resident asking if parking could be changed on Line Street. The parking had been changed in 2016 from parallel parking to needing to back into parking spaces. The resident stated she felt it was unsafe. Marshal Papenbrock stated the current way the parking was set up was the safest way unless parking went back to parallel, but that would decrease the number of spaces available. That was not something the Council wished to see, so the issue was dropped.
4. Road closure on June 5: Ms. Bartl stated Lisa Fensler, owner of Center Stage Dance Academy, asked if the Council would consider closing Washington Street next to the Clerk’s Office and allowing them to use the stage on June 5 so they could have an annual recital. Mrs. Fensler relayed the recital is usually held at the school, but the school was not allowing outside entities to use their facilities due to COVID. The Council approved the request and Marshal Papenbrock stated he would work with the street department to get things closed off safely.
Department Reports:
Jeremy Hart, Town Supervisor:
Mr. Hart presented the attached report.
Bob Gray, Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor
Mr. Gray stated all reports were in.
Dustin Papenbrock, Town Marshal:
Marshal Papenbrock stated his officers had switched to working 12 hour shifts and were adapting to the change. He also stated Officer Blake had already made quite the impact on the department and had made several arrests. Finally, he stated he was working on getting rifle quotes, but prices were fluctuating due to demand. He was hoping the Council would approve a limit he could spend and get them ordered without having to wait for Council to approve a quote. He and Ms. Bartl had already discussed paying for the rifles in this year’s budget. President Van Horn made a motion for Marshal Papenbrock to buy the department rifles with a cap of $20,000. Mr. Keener seconded and the motion carried 2-0
Rick Krider, Park Supervisor:
Mr. Krider stated the park was running well and they were testing the splash pad. He stated it was scheduled to open Memorial Day weekend. The Youth League was keeping the Park busy. Ms. Bartl stated they would be receiving $4620 from the Youth League within the next week.
Ron Felger, Town Attorney:
Mr. Felger was not present.
Council Reports:
Mark Pepple:
Mr. Pepple was not present.
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. She stated she was busy trying to get things tied up before Kari’s last day. She also stated she had begun interviewing for Kari’s replacement as qualified applicants applied. She asked if the Council was ok with a replacement possibly beginning prior to the Council’s next meeting on June 2 if they were able. The Council stated they would be fine if that were to occur.
Having no other business and after all proper papers were signed, President Van Horn adjourned the meeting.
___________________________
Council Member, Devin Keener
___________________________
Council Member, Mark Pepple
____________________________
Council President, Nathan Van Horn
____________________________
ATTEST:
Madalyn Sade-Bartl, Clerk-Treasurer
