Meeting Minutes- July 3, 2013
The Churubusco Town Council met on July 3, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Hall. Members present were President Frank Kessler, Council Members Alan Malcolm & Mark Pepple, and Deputy Clerk, Kari Shively. Also in attendance were area residents Pat Liggett, Jean Haynes, and Pat Stanford; Christie Barkley, Editor of the Post & Mail; Park Superintendant, Rick Krider; and Town Marshal, Mike Engle.
Council President Frank Kessler called the meeting to order, welcomed visitors and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll was called by the Deputy Clerk. All Council members were present. Clerk-Treasurer, Madalyn Bartl, was absent.
Public Hearing: Solid Waste Rates Ordinance:
President Kessler opened the floor to discuss and ask questions about the Solid Waste Rates and Ordinance. Mrs. Liggett asked about the years covered and the length of the contract. President Kessler answered that the contract was for 5 years with rate increases occurring every other year. Mr. Stanford questioned the increase amounts and President Kessler responded by informing him that the rates the Town pays increases every year but instead of charging the customers every year, a fifty cent increase every two years would account for the charge. Mr. Stanford then stated that he did not recall a dollar difference between the first and last year of the contract. Both Mr. Malcolm and President Kessler stated that it was actually more than a dollar difference between the first and last years of the contract, with the first year being $7.15 and the last year being around $8.34 (the actual bid was $7.89). Having no further questions, President Kessler closed the public meeting.
Approval of June 19, 2013 & June 26, 2013 meeting minutes:
Mr. Malcolm made a motion to approve the minutes for the meetings of June 19, 2013 and June 26, 2013. Mr. Pepple seconded and the minutes were approved, 3-0.
Approval of Claims and Payroll Vouchers:
Payroll Docket #13 & Claims Vouchers dated for July 3, 2013 in the amount of $112,835.90 were approved.
Public Comment:
Pat Stanford questioned how a resident could find out about a special meeting. He stated that there are 3 residents who attend every Council meeting but are not notified of special meetings. President Kessler stated that media outlets were notified of all meetings. Christie Barkley confirmed this. Mr. Stanford stated that he did not see it published in the Churubusco paper and wanted to know if there was other ways to get a copy of the agenda the posting of the special meeting. Mr. Pepple stated that we can probably post it on the website and that the Town will do a better job at posting those meetings. He re-iterated that all the necessary legal postings were done to comply with the Open Door Laws.
Mrs. Haynes asked if there was an Ordinance concerning bee-bee guns and pellet guns. Marshal Engle stated he would check and see if there was anything concerning that.
Old Business:
President Kessler asked if the Council members had time to review the Employee Handbook. Mr. Pepple stated that he had no issues with passing it tonight, contingent on Ron’s blessing. President Kessler stated that it could be amended if need be. Mr. Pepple made a motion to approve the Employee Policy Manual. Mr. Malcolm seconded and the motion carried 3-0.
The next item to be addressed was approval of Ordinance 07-2013. Mr. Malcolm made a motion to accept Ordinance 07-2013, An Ordinance Establishing Solid Waste Charges. Mr. Pepple seconded and the motion carried 3-0.
New Business:
President Kessler introduced two Façade Grant applications the first being for Doug & Michelle Shroyer for Michelle’s Bar in the amount $2075.83. Mr. Malcolm mad a motion to approve the grant. Mr. Pepple seconded and the motion carried 3-0.
The next grant application was for the Bargain House in the amount of $2600. Mr. Pepple made a motion to accept the application, Mr. Malcolm seconded and the motion carried 3-0.
Department Reports:
Jeremy Hart, Town Supervisor:
Mr. Hart was not present but left the attached report.
Michael Engle, Town Marshal:
Marshal Engle reported that Turtle Days went well and one arrest was made for domestic battery.
Rick Krider, Park Supervisor:
Mr. Krider reported that he had talked to Greg Salesman and that he will be doing the edges on July 5 & 6 to smooth out the edges in order for grass seed to be planted. He also stated that he was close to getting funds for a matching grant for the back restrooms by the T-Ball Diamond. President Kessler asked how much damage was caused by the tree coming down. Mr. Krider stated that the only real damage was done to other trees and a lot of debris was left.
Ron Felger, Town Attorney:
Mr. Felger was not present at the meeting.
Council Reports:
President Frank Kessler:
President Kessler reported that the InWelligent deal was coming along nicely and very favorably for the Town. Main Street was also having a fundraiser to raise money for their various projects.
Alan Malcolm:
Mr. Malcolm had nothing to report.
Mark Pepple:
Mr. Pepple had nothing to report.
Kari Shively, Deputy Clerk:
Ms. Shively had nothing to report.
Having no other business and after all proper papers were signed, President Kessler adjourned the meeting.
