Meeting Minutes – January 19, 2022
The Churubusco Town Council met on January 19, 2022, 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 Andy Boxberger, Carson LLP; Linda Tincher, The Post & Mail; Marlin Leininger, Whitley County Council on Aging; Holly Miller, DLZ Engineering; Chad Nix, Matt Shipman, and Steve Henschen- Whitley County Regional Sewer District; Dale Buuck, Whitley County EDC; Town Marshal, Dustin Papenbrock (via Zoom); Wastewater Superintendent, Bob Gray; and Town Supervisor, Jeremy Hart.
Council President, Devin Keener, called the meeting to order and led the pledge. The Clerk called roll. All members were present.
Approval of January 5, 2022 Minutes:
Mr. Pepple Van Horn made a motion to approve the meeting minutes for January 5, 2022 as presented. Mr. Van Horn seconded, and the motion carried 3-0 with Mr. Keener abstaining.
Approval of Claims and Payroll Vouchers:
Claims Vouchers dated January 19, 2022, in the amount of $203,703.29 were approved and signed.
Public Comments
There were no public comments.
New Business:
1. Engagement Letter- Carson LLP: Ms. Bartl presented an engagement letter from Carson LLP to the Council. The contract would allow Andy Boxberger or another representative from Carson to represent the Town on legal matters pertaining to utilities. Mr. Van Horn made a motion to accept the engagement letter as presented. Mr. Pepple seconded, and the motion carried 3-0.
2. Resolution 2022-02: COVID Policy Updates: Ms. Bartl presented Resolution 2022-02. She stated the last COVID policy the Town approved was prior to at-home tests being available and prior to guidance from the CDC concerning quarantining. This policy would change the minimum time of quarantine and allow employees to submit proof of a positive at-home test while still being paid without using paid time off. Mr. Pepple stated he wanted people who were sick to stay home and was in favor of the changes. Mr. Van Horn made a motion to approve Resolution 2022-02. Mr. Pepple seconded, and the motion carried 3-0.
Old Business:
1. Whitley County Regional Sewer District Update: Representatives from Whitley County RSD were present to give an update of the Churubusco projects. The RSD’s attorney, Matt Shipman, informed the Council the RSD had been approved for a $5 million forgivable grant. Steve Henschen, the RSD’s engineer, stated the plan was to do a phased approach with all the other RSD projects being completed this year with the Churubusco projects falling in Phase 2. Andy Boxberger, the Town’s newly hired attorney, asked several questions to get background information on the project, which Mr. Shipman and Mr. Henschen provided. There was discussion of a timeline of when the RSD was planning on applying for SRF funds for the Churubusco project. Mr. Henschen stated they were hoping to apply in summer 2022 and to complete the projects in 2023. Mr. Boxberger also asked if the RSD had spoken with SRF about scaling down the project. Mr. Henschen stated he had discussed with SRF about the possibility of doing a phased approach in a general sense but had not spoken to them in detail of what projects would be phased and when. Mr. Boxberger asked if there was a possibility SRF could say the project could not be phased. Mr. Shipman said that was a possibility, but Mr. Henschen stated he felt it was unlikely SRF would respond in that way. The discussion of turning over the RSD’s assets to the Town was also discussed. Mr. Shipman said that was the plan but may be unable to do that if the RSD paid for the project with a bond or other type of loan. The Council stated they had some things to think about and asked the RSD to speak to SRF concerning this phased approach and receive a final answer as to if this approach would be approved prior to any further discussions about the project.
Department Reports:
Jeremy Hart, Town Supervisor:
Mr. Hart presented the attached report.
Bob Gray, Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor
Mr. Gray stated water at the plant was finally gone. He also stated Devin needed to submit a letter to IDEM stating he was the current president.
Dustin Papenbrock, Town Marshal:
Marshal Papenbrock stated the rifles would not be delivered until at least March and he had an officer out with COVID.
Rick Krider, Park Supervisor:
Mr. Krider was not present.
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:
President 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.
___________________________
Council Member, Nathan Van Horn
___________________________
Council Member, Mark Pepple
____________________________
Council President, Devin Keener
____________________________
ATTEST: Madalyn Sade-Bartl
