Meeting Minutes – February 16th, 2022
The Churubusco Town Council met on February 16, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. in the Scout Building. Members present were Council Members Devin Keener, Nathan Van Horn, Mark Pepple; and Clerk-Treasurer, Madalyn Sade-Bartl. Also in attendance were Brandon Johnson; Lisa Fensler, RDC; Todd Thurber, DLZ, Merlin Leininger, Whitley County Council on Aging; Chris Nusbaum, Carson LLP; Linda Tichner, The Post & Mail; Park Supervisor, Rick Krider; and Town Supervisor, Jeremy Hart.
Council President, Devin Keener, called the meeting to order and led the pledge. The Clerk called roll.
Approval of Claims and Payroll Vouchers:
Claims Vouchers dated February 16, 2022 in the amount of $136,184.85 were approved and signed.
Public Comment:
Merlin Leininger asked when Pleasant Street will be redone. Ms. Bartl stated that it is a $4 million dollar project, and the Town will be applying for federal funds the next time they are available.
New Business:
1. Engagement Letter – Carson LLP: Ms. Bartl presented an engagement letter from Carson LLP to service all of the Town’s legal needs. Mark Pepple motioned to approve the engagement letter for Carson LLP. Nathan Van Horn seconded, and the motion carried 3-0.
2. Resolution 2022-0: RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF CHURUBUSCO APPROVING THE CHURUBUSCO ADVISORY PLAN COMMISSION ORDER APPROVING THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AREA PLAN FOR CHURUBUSCO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AREA: Lisa Fensler, president of the Redevelopment Commission, and Chris Nussbaum, attorney for the RDC, presented the Economic Development Plan (EDP) to the Council. Ms. Fensler stated she attended the Plan Commission last week and they approved the plan. Mr. Pepple stated he wished to read the EDP prior to approving it. Mr. Nusbaum explained that all this body was doing was approving the approval by the Plan Commission. Devin Keener stated that the Town Council meets before the Redevelopment Commission’s March meeting and requested the Redevelopment Commission come back to the March 2, 2022 meeting for approval to allow the Council time to review the EDP.
3. CCMG bid acceptance and approval: Todd Thurber, DLZ Engineering, presented two bids (attached) to Council for the Clingerman CCMG project. Mr. Pepple made a motion to accept bids for the project. Mr. Van Horn seconded, and the motion carried 3-0. Mr. Van Horn then made a motion to award contract to API. Mr. Pepple seconded, and the motion carried 3-0. Mr. Van Horn then made a motion to allow the contract to be signed outside of the Town Council meeting. Mr. Pepple seconded the motion and the motion carried 3-0.
4. Plan Commission appointments: Madalyn Sade-Bartl, Planning Commission president, stated the Plan Commission had requested she ask the Council if they could either replace a member or get them to serve on the Commission. Jeremy Hart stated he did not want to be on the Plan Commission any longer and Mr. Pepple apologized for missing the last meeting but said he would make sure he was able to attend the next one. Mr. Van Horn motioned for Devin Keener to serve on the Plan Commission. Mr. Pepple seconded, and the motion carried 3-0.
5. Humane Society Contract: Ms. Bartl presented a contract from the Humane Society of Whitley County and stated that this is the same contract as years past- $108 per stray, not to exceed $2,000 per year. She stated the Town had always been under the $2000 amount with the exception of last year due to a litter of kittens being dropped off from someone in town limits. Mr. Pepple motioned to approve the contract. Mr. Van Horn seconded, and the motion carried 3-0.
6. Park Use Contract: Ms. Bartl presented the old contract and asked the Council to review it and to give her any changes that needed made so she could send it back to the school for approval.
Old Business:
Department Reports:
Jeremy Hart, Town Supervisor:
Mr. Hart presented the attached report. He stated that the plant was running well but he hadn’t been back out today since the snow had melted.
Bob Gray, Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor:
Mr. Gray was not present.
Dustin Papenbrock, Town Marshall:
Mr. Papenbrock was not present.
Rick Krider, Park Supervisor:
Mr. Krider advised that everything was good at the park. They are continuing to work on inside the buildings.
Andy Boxberger, Town Attorney:
Mr. Boxberger 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 Keener adjourned the meeting.
__________________________
Council Member, Mark Pepple
___________________________
Council Member, Devin Keener
____________________________
Council President, Nathan Van Horn
ATTEST:
____________________________
Madalyn Sade-Bartl, Clerk-Treasurer
