Meeting Minutes- September7, 2016
The Churubusco Town Council met on September 7, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Hall. Members present were President Frank Kessler, Council Members Mark Pepple and Bruce Johnson, and Clerk- Treasurer, Madalyn Sade-Bartl. Also in attendance was area residents Pat Liggett and Pat Stanford; Rachael Rosfeld, The Post & Mail; Mike Trevino & Phil LeBrash, DLZ; Greg Majewski & Dawn Galloway, Keller Development; Waste Water Superintendent, Bob Gray; and Town Marshal, Mike Engle.
Council President Kessler called the meeting to order, welcomed visitors and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll was called by the Clerk-Treasurer. All members were present.
Approval of August 17, 2016 meeting minutes:
Mr. Johnson made a motion to approve the minutes for the meeting of August 17, 2016. Mr. Pepple seconded and the motion carried 3-0.
Approval of Claims and Payroll Vouchers:
Claims Vouchers dated for September 7, 2016 in the amount of $178,055.03 were approved.
Public Comment:
There were no public comments.
Old Business:
1. Safe Routes to School Project: Phil LeBrash & Mike Trevino from DLZ were present to update the Council on the latest developments and yet another hang up in the Safe Routes to School Project.
Trevino and LeBrash presented to the Council a contract for right-of-way acquisition services for Eagle Drive and South Streets in the amount of $6050.00. The previous contract had not addressed right-of-way acquisition as it was originally thought to be a non-issue. Mr. Pepple made a motion to accept the contract as presented. Mr. Johnson seconded and the motion carried 3-0.
DLZ then turned to address the latest in a long line of issues encountered during the project. The latest issue arises on Egolf & Mulberry Streets where two parcels currently have sidewalks constructed on private property. In order for the work to be completed, an easement would need to be obtained. Mr. LeBrash & Mr. Trevino presented the Council with a couple options. One option would require the Town to sign a commitment letter with INDOT stating the Town would complete walks along Egolf Street within five years. The cost of these walks would be 100% funded by the Town, would mandate the Town to still acquire the right-of-way in the same fashion as it would otherwise, but would allow for some flexibility in change of project scope. The second option was more time-sensitive and would allow the parcels to still be included in the project, but depending on the outcome of acquisition, could put the project at risk to lose funding. Ms. Bartl stated she would prefer the first option as it would allow the project to keep moving. Mr. Pepple stated he would like to table the issue until he could research it further. The Council agreed by consensus they would review the options and make a decision at the next meeting.
New Business:
1. Town-Smith Township Inter-Local Agreement on Park Rest Room Remodel: Ms. Bartl presented to Council an inter-local agreement stating Smith Township would provide funding for the Splash Pad restrooms in the amount of no more than $7500. Mr. Pepple made a motion to accept the agreement. Mr. Johnson seconded and the motion carried 3-0.
2. Fund Transfer Resolution 2016-16: Ms. Bartl presented Resolution 2016-16 transferring unused OCRA money back to Economic Development in the amount of $11,700.53. Mr. Pepple made a motion to accept the resolution as presented. Mr. Johnson seconded and the motion carried 3-0.
3. Plan Commission Opening: President Kessler alerted the Council he had received notification from the Plan Department a member of the Plan Commission had resigned as he had moved for town. The opening would have to be filled by a Town employee appointed, or elected official. President Kessler nominated Mr. Pepple to fill the vacancy. Mr. Johnson seconded and the motion carried 3-0.
4. Zoning change recommendation and ordinance: The Plan Commission had recently approved a change in zoning for parcels located on Pleasant and Mulberry Streets. The Planning Department had provided the Council with an ordinance approving these changes. Mr. Pepple made a motion to approve Ordinance 2016-17 amending the zoning classification. Mr. Johnson seconded and the motion carried 3-0.
5. Housing project tax abatement and incentives: Dawn Galloway and Greg Majewski from Keller Development approached the Council with information concerning the proposed senior housing facility to be located along Pleasant and Mulberry. Galloway stated Keller Development was applying for IHCDA funding, and in order to be as competitive as possible, Keller would need help with some of the costs. Keller was asking the Council to consider a tax abatement. Much discussion was had concerning the project and the possibility of providing the abatement as Churubusco had never provided an abatement on residential projects. After discussing the amount Keller was seeking, $182,180 over 10 years, Mr. Pepple stated he was ok with the amount of the abatement. President Kessler agreed and both he and Pepple stated it was the easiest way to assist in the project to ensure it would be completed.
Department Reports:
Jeremy Hart, Town Supervisor
Mr. Hart was not present but left the attached report.
Bob Gray, Waste Water Treatment Plant Supervisor
Mr. Gray reported lightning during a recent storm had caused damage to a RAW pump and other equipment, resulting in about $9000 in damage. He also stated the FogX was working well to combat the grease issue.
Michael Engle, Town Marshal:
Marshal Engle asked Council to consider allowing him to hire a back-up crossing guard. The current guard had another part-time job and was in need of coverage several times in the last few weeks. Engle did not feel safe having the SRO or the officer on duty completing this task as they would not be available in case other issues arose in town or at the school. President Kessler made a motion to approve posting a fill in crossing guard position. Mr. Johnson seconded and the motion carried 3-0.
Rick Krider, Park Supervisor:
Mr. Krider was not present.
Ron Felger, Town Attorney:
Mr. Felger was not present.
Council Reports:
President Frank Kessler:
President Kessler had nothing to report.
Bruce Johnson:
Mr. Johnson had nothing to report.
Mark Pepple:
Mr. Pepple had nothing to report.
Madalyn Sade-Bartl:
Ms. Sade-Bartl reported she would be applying for four grants in the upcoming weeks on behalf of the Churubusco Youth Foundation. She also stated they recently had a Tree Board meeting and the Board was working on a project that would partner with the third grade to plant trees at the Park. Finally, she stated the Block Party was a huge success and thanked everyone who had attended.
Having no other business and after all proper papers were signed, President Kessler adjourned the regular meeting.
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Council President, Frank Kessler
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Council Member, Bruce Johnson
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Council Member, Mark Pepple
ATTEST:
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Madalyn Sade-Bartl, Clerk-Treasurer
