Minutes- 9/5/18

Meeting Minutes – September 5, 2018

The Churubusco Town Council met on September 5, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Hall. Members present were Council President Frank Kessler; Council Members Mark Pepple and Bruce Johnson; and Clerk-Treasurer, Madalyn Sade-Bartl. Also in attendance were residents Jacob Monroe, Samantha Lehman, and Pat Liggett; Mackenzie DeGroot, Post & Mail; Nicole Minier, Churubusco News; Rick Krider, Park Superintendent; and Mike Engle, Town Marshal.

Council President Frank Kessler called the meeting to order led the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll was called by the Clerk. All members were present.

PUBLIC HEARING: ORDINANCE 2018-08: An ordinance setting rates for trash collection.

President Kessler opened the public hearing for Ordinance 2018-08. Hearing no comments, he closed the public hearing.

PUBLIC HEARING: ORDINANCE 2018-09: An ordinance setting water rates.

President Kessler opened the public hearing for Ordinance 2018-09. Hearing no comments, he closed the public hearing.

Approval of August 15, 2018 meeting minutes:

Mr. Pepple made a motion to approve the minutes from August 15, 2018. President Kessler seconded, and the motion carried 2-0 with Mr. Johnson abstaining.

Approval of Claims and Payroll Vouchers:

Claims Vouchers dated for September 5, 2018 in the amount of $129,422.22 were presented and approved.

Public Comment:

Jacob Monroe approached Council concerning potholes on Main Street near Liberty Street. He stated he understood Main Street was a state highway but was wondering if the Council could do anything to pressure the State in fixing the holes. He presented metal fragments which were found in his yard that had broken off vehicles after hitting the potholes. Ms. Bartl stated the Clerk’s office had reported the holes, but nothing had been done. The Council wondered if the State was delaying repairing the holes because of scheduled work to be done on Main Street within the next month and advised Monroe to further inquire INDOT. Monroe was also concerned with engine brakes and wondered if the Council could pass an engine brake ordinance. Marshal Engle stated they could not as Indiana State Police has informed the department the town is unable to restrict the use of safety equipment, such as engine brakes.

Old Business:

1. ORDINANCE 2018-08: An ordinance setting rates for trash collection- Given the public hearing for Ordinance 2018-08 had not received any public comments, President Kessler asked Council if they had and questions and that he would entertain a motion. Mr. Pepple made a motion to approve Ordinance 2018-08, and Mr. Johnson seconded. The motion carried 3-0.
2. ORDINANCE 2018-09: An ordinance setting water rates- Given the public hearing for Ordinance 2018-09 had not received any public comments, President Kessler stated he would entertain a motion if there were no further questions concerning it. Mr. Johnson asked what the final rates were. Ms. Bartl stated a 13% increase in 2019 and 2020 with 2% increases annually until 2023. Mr. Johnson made a motion to approve Ordinance 2018-09, and Mr. Pepple seconded. The motion carried 3-0.

New Business:

1. Resolution 2018-10: A resolution adopting the pavement asset log and pavement management plan- Ms. Bartl presented Resolution 2018-10 and explained she and Mr. Hart had updated the plan and it had been reviewed and approved by INDOT. She felt the plan should also be approved by the Council to give the plan even more validity. Mr. Pepple made a motion to approve the resolution. Mr. Johnson seconded, and the motion carried 3-0.
2. Oktoberfest! Use of the Promenade- Ms. Bartl stated she was trying to plan a fundraiser for the Library and it was suggested that an Oktoberfest event be planned. She gave a summary of what she was envisioning and asked if the Council would allow the use of Franklin Promenade for the event. After conferring with Marshal Engle, the Council approved the use of the Promenade by consensus.

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 was not present.

Michael Engle, Town Marshal:

Marshal Engle had nothing to report.

Rick Krider, Park Supervisor:

Mr. Krider stated Cam’s Cause had been rained out and rescheduled for September 15. He also stated they had fogged the park numerous times, but the mosquitoes are still heavy.

Ron Felger, Town Attorney:

Mr. Felger was not present.

Council Reports:

President Frank Kessler:

President Kessler stated he and Mr. Krider were working on obtaining quotes for the Scout Building.

Bruce Johnson:

Mr. Johnson stated he had attended the Turtle Days meeting and they had decided to sponsor the purchase of the recently delivered Buddy Bench and picnic table for the park.

Mark Pepple:

Mr. Pepple had nothing to report.

Madalyn Sade-Bartl:

Ms. Sade-Bartl presented the attached report. While she was presenting information about the installation of Oscar’s Playland, Mr. Pepple asked if the Council should consider demolishing the pavilion. He continued that he felt the pavilion should be demolished given the shape it was in and that another should be constructed instead, although a firm date of when that would occur was not given. Mr. Johnson asked if the budget allowed for a new pavilion to be constructed in 2019. Ms. Bartl stated she had allowed room in the budget for that expenditure. Mr. Kessler questioned whether there was room in the current budget to demolish it, and Ms. Bartl stated there was. Mr. Krider reiterated that he would like another pavilion to be built by next spring, and Mr. Pepple stated he could not promise that would happen. Krider asked President Kessler what his thoughts were, and Kessler stated that it was up to next year’s Council. Kessler stated it would take time to obtain quotes for demolition, and Pepple and Johnson felt like it needed to be done when excavation was occurring but requested Bartl obtain quotes for it to come down.

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