Minutes October 7, 2015

Meeting Minutes- October 7, 2015

The Churubusco Town Council met on October 7, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Hall. Members present were Council Members, Mark Pepple, Alan Malcolm and Frank Kessler, and Clerk-Treasurer, Madalyn Sade-Bartl. Also in attendance were area residents Pat Stanford, Bruce Johnson, Pat & Amy Carpenter, and Michael Shanabarger; Jodi Coblentz, DLZ; Bill Etzler, Engineering Resources Inc.; Nick Rupert, Post & Mail; Waste Water Supervisor, Bob Gray; Park Supervisor, Rick Krider; Town Marshal, Mike Engle; and Town Superintendant, Jeremy Hart.

Council President, Mark Pepple, called the meeting to order, welcomed visitors, and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll was called by the Clerk. All members were present.

PUBLIC HEARING: PROPOSED 2016 BUDGET

Mr. Pepple opened the second hearing for the proposed 2016 budget. He asked if there were any public comments concerning the budget. Hearing none, he closed the hearing.

Approval of September 16, 2015 meeting minutes:

Mr. Malcolm made a motion to approve the minutes for the September 16, 2015 minutes. Mr. Kessler seconded and the motion carried 3-0.

Approval of Claims and Payroll Vouchers:

Claims Vouchers dated for October 7, 2015 in the amount of $213,908.48 were approved.

Public Comment:

Pat & Amy Carpenter approached the Council and asked about the possibility of extending sidewalks or the trail to Turtle Town Plaza. Ms. Bartl stated that while extending sidewalks to the Plaza was on the Town’s long term plan, it was a matter of financing the project. The Carpenters were also wondering if the water main could be extended. Mr. Hart stated there were also plans for that project to be completed, but it was again a funding issue.

Old Business:

1. 2016 Budget: After holding two public hearings, Ms. Bartl presented the 2016 budget to the Council. Mr. Kessler made a motion to approve Resolution 2015-10 approving the 2016 budget and proposed tax rates. Mr. Malcolm seconded and the motion carried 3-0.

1. Sewer Plant ATV: Mr. Pepple asked Mr. Gray to refresh the Council on what an ATV would be used for at the Sewer Plant. Mr. Gray stated that the ATV would be used to plow snow and clean out basins. Mr. Pepple asked how other plants are dealing with these issues and Gray informed the Council we are one of the only plants in the area with basins. Mr. Kessler made a motion to approve the quote for a 2014 Yamaha from the House of Yamaha for $8300. Mr. Malcolm seconded and the motion carried 3-0.

1. Main Street Update: Mr. Kessler gave an update on the Main Street Project. He stated the electricians would be dropping the service drop on Thursday so the concrete could be poured on the west side. The project was still running smoothly with no major hiccups.

New Business:

1. Stellar Communities: Jodi Coblentz from DLZ came to Council to give an overview of the Stellar Communities program. She explained that the program was a designation and had three main contributors: OCRA, IHCDA, and INDOT. The program had changed last year and now included a small cities/towns category. Some of the projects included in Stellar included matching funds while some did not and past recipients had projects that included façade improvements, senior housing, parks and trails, and sewer/water improvements. She answered questions posed by the Council and gave them a better understanding of what the project entailed.

Department Reports:

Jeremy Hart, Town Supervisor:

Mr. Hart presented the attached report. Mr. Kessler asked when and what paving projects would be completed before winter. Mr. Hart stated there was not enough left in the appropriation to pave a road so much of the work would be patching and we should be able to do much of the work ourselves.

Bob Gray, Waste Water Treatment Plant Supervisor

Mr. Gray stated the plant was running well. Bruce Johnson asked Mr. Gray how the foam issue was and Mr. Gray stated that while he thinks it’s a huge issue, it is not nearly as bad as what other plants experience. He was still trying to get it under control, though.

Michael Engle, Town Marshal:

Marshal Engle had nothing to report.

Rick Krider, Park Supervisor:

Mr. Krider reported the Splash Pad was closed for the season but the Park remained busy.

Ron Felger, Town Attorney:

Mr. Felger was not present.

Council Reports:

Frank Kessler:

Mr. Kessler had nothing to report.

Alan Malcolm:

Mr. Malcolm had nothing to report.

President Mark Pepple:

President Pepple reported the EMA would be meeting the following week.

Madalyn Sade-Bartl:

Ms. Bartl stated she had applied for the DNR grant to replace trees along North Main and South Main. Since 2011, over 20 trees had been cut down or fallen due the storms along those roads. She was also working on another tree planting grant to replace trees at the Park and she stated she should have that application done soon. She also reported she was working hard at getting Halloweenfest organized.

Having no other business and after all proper papers were signed, President Pepple adjourned the regular meeting.