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Meeting Minutes – December 18, 2024
The Churubusco Town Council met on December 18, 2024 at 6:00 PM in the Town Hall. Members present were council members Devin Keener, Mark Pepple, and Nathan Van Horn; and Clerk-Treasurer Madalyn Sade-Bartl. Others present were Robert Gray, Wastewater Operator; Rick Krider, Park Superintendent; and citizens Lori and Dave Denton, Ryan Riggs, Vickie Coahran, Dortha Herendeen, Kayla Crance, John Hart, Alisha & Jake Hackett, Karen Kelly, Wayne Yager, and Roxanne Wells.
Council member Mark Pepple called the meeting to order, welcomed visitors, and led the Pledge of Allegiance. The Clerk called roll. All members were present.
ECNROACHMENT AGREEMENT HEARINGS: 929 Caroline Court (Langston), 788 N Thresher Run (Kelley), 921 W Meadow Way (Denton), 825 N. Turtle Run (D. Herendeen), 922 N. Turtle Run (Coahran), 830 N Wheatfield Ct (Rollins), 947 W Wheatfield Ln. (Bonar), 913 W. Meadow Way (Riggs), 920 W. Meadow Way (Hackett), 846 N Turtle Run (Hart): Mark Pepple opened the hearing for the encroachment agreements. All were passed 3-0 except for Hart and Shanabarger.
Approval of meeting minutes for November 20, 2024 and December 4, 2024:
Meeting minutes for November 20, 2024 were presented. Mr. Keener made a motion to approve the November 20, 2024 minutes. Mr. Van Horn seconded and the motion passed 2-0. Mr. Pepple abstained. Meeting minutes for December 4, 2024 were presented. Mr. Keener made a motion to approve. Mr. Pepple seconded and the motion carried 2-0. Mr. Van Horn abstained.
Approval of claims and payroll vouchers:
Claims vouchers dated December 18, 2024 were presented and approved in the amount of $1,123,323.71.
Public Comment:
Wayne Yager asked why the junk vehicle ordinance was not being enforced. Ms. Bartl advised she spoke with Mr. Papenbrock and he will be working on it.
Ryan Riggs expressed concerns about the previous meeting.
Old Business:
1. Ordinance 2024-18: Salary Ordinance – Ms. Bartl advised they added the HSA contribution to the salary ordinance. Mr. Van Horn made a motion to approve Ordinance 2024-18. Mr. Keener seconded and the motion carried 3-0.
2. Police Car Purchase – A quote was presented for $45,249.50 for a new police vehicle. The quote was approved by the council 3-0.
3. Approval of hiring a part-time officer – Mr. Van Horn made a motion to approve the hiring of Shawn Castillo as a part-time officer. Mr. Keener seconded and the motion carried 3-0.
New Business:
1. Recognition of Bob Gray’s Retirement – Ms. Bartl announced that Mr. Gray would be retiring. Mr. Van Horn made a motion to approve the payout of Mr. Gray’s 2025 vacation and sick time as a thank you to his many years of dedicated service. Mr. Keener seconded and the motion carried 3-0. Mr. Keener made a motion to appoint Zach Geiger as interim department head. Mr. Van Horn seconded and the motion carried 3-0.
2. Approval of Pay App 11- API Project B: Pump Station Upgrades – $196,020.15 – Ms. Bartl went over the pay app. Mr. Van Horn mad a motion to approve Pay App 11 as presented. Mr. Keener seconded and the motion carried 3-0.
3. Approval of Pay App 22 – Crosby Project A: Wastewater Plant Upgrades – $254,748.95 – Ms. Bartl went over Pay App 22. Mr. Keener made a motion to approve Pay App 22 as presented. Mr. Van Horn seconded and the motion carried 3-0.
4. 2025 Council Elections – Mr. Keener made a motion to elect Mr. Van Horn as council president for 2025. Mr. Pepple seconded and the motion carried 3-0. Mr. Van Horn made a motion to elect Mr. Keener as council vice president for 2025. Mr. Pepple seconded and the motion carried 3-0.
Department Reports:
Jeremy Hart, Water/Street Department:
Mr. Hart was not present but provided the council with the attached report.
Bob Gray, Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor:
Mr. Gray advised that a contractor didn’t seal the lab building and fried a generator. He stated this would cost a lot of money to fix. Ms. Bartl responded that she spoke with the inspector, Kristi, and they intend to have the contractor pay for the repairs.
Dustin Papenbrock, Town Marshall:
Mr. Papenbrock was not present but asked Ms. Bartl to update the council. She advised he has an applicant he is interested in the for full time position and he will be starting interviews.
Rick Krider, Park Superintendent:
Mr. Krider had nothing to report.
Andy Boxberger, Town Attorney:
Mr. Boxberger was not present.
Council Reports:
Devin Keener:
Mr. Keener had nothing to report.
Mark Pepple:
Mr. Pepple advised he would love to find a way to work with the library on the Civic Center project, but he wasn’t sure there was a way to move forward.
Nathan Van Horn:
Mr. Van Horn was not present.
Madalyn Sade-Bartl:
Ms. Bartl advised the January 1st, 2025 meeting was canceled. She also presented the attached report.
Having no other business and after all proper papers were signed, Mr. Pepple adjourned the regular meeting.
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Council President, Mark Pepple
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Council Member, Devin Keener
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Council Member, Nathan Van Horn
ATTEST:
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Madalyn Sade-Bartl, Clerk-Treasurer
