Minutes: 12/19/18

Meeting Minutes- December 19, 2018

The Churubusco Town Council met for the regular meeting on December 19, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Hall. Members present were Council Members Frank Kessler, Mark Pepple, and Bruce Johnson; and Clerk- Treasurer, Madalyn Sade-Bartl. Also in attendance were area residents Jera Kessler, John Forker, Nathan Van Horn, John Barrett, Alan Malcolm, Sherry Slavin, Patty & Don Amber, Kari Shively, Jon Myers, Rep. David Abbott, Sen. Andy Zay, Katie Wagner, and Pat Liggett; Nicole Minear, Churubusco News; Rachael Rosfeld, Post & Mail; Ron Felger, Town Attorney; Jeremy Hart, Town Supervisor; Rick Krider, Park Superintendent; Bob Gray, Wastewater Superintendent, and Marshal Mike Engle.

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 December 5, 2018 meeting minutes:

Mr. Johnson made a motion to approve the minutes for the meeting of December 5, 2018. Mr. Pepple seconded, and the motion carried 3-0.

Approval of Claims and Payroll Vouchers:

Claims Vouchers dated for December 19, 2018 in the amount of $453,001.04 were presented and approved.

Public Comment:

Senator Andy Zay and Representative David Abbott were present to award Council President, Frank Kessler, with the Distinguished Hoosier designation.

Old Business:

There was no old business.

New Business:

1. 1.       E&B Pay Request #5:  E&B presented pay request #5. Mr. Pepple made a motion to approve pay request #5. Mr. Johnson seconded, and the motion carried 3-0.
2. 2.       Park Contract: Town Attorney, Ron Felger, had some issues with the proposed SGCS/Town Park Use Contract, so the contract was tabled until the next meeting.
3. DLZ Engineering contract: MS. Bartl presented the DLZ Engineering contract for services related to the South Street Community Crossings project. Mr. Pepple made a motion to approve the terms of the contract, not to exceed $50,000. Mr. Johnson seconded, and the motion carried 3-0.
4. Fund transfer resolution and salary ordinance amendment: Ms. Bartl presented Ordinance 2018-16: An Ordinance Amending the Salary Ordinance for 2018 and Resolution 2018-17: A Resolution Approving Transfer of Appropriation Balances. Mr. Johnson made a motion to approve Ordinance 2018-16 and Resolution 2018-17 as presented. Mr. Pepple seconded, and the motion carried 3-0.
5. 5.       ICE student for Clerk’s office: Ms. Bartl requested the Council approve funds for the hiring of an ICE student. Mr. Pepple stated he felt employing ICE students was a great way to collaborate with the school and made a motion to approve hiring Parker Sturtz as an ICE student in the Clerk’s office. Mr. Johnson seconded, and the motion carried 3-0.

Department Reports:

Jeremy Hart, Town Supervisor:

Mr. Hart presented the attached report. He also thanked President Kessler for his years of service.

Bob Gray, Waste Water Treatment Plant Supervisor

Mr. Gray stated the plant was running normal and had land applied 75,000 gallons the day prior. He also voiced his appreciation of President Kessler during his time on the Council.

Michael Engle, Town Marshal:

Marshal Engle had nothing to report, but thanked President Kessler.

Rick Krider, Park Supervisor:

Mr. Krider stated the Scout Building would be complete after the first of the year and they were working on the diamonds given the recent mild weather. Mr. Krider thanked President Kessler for his support of the Park.

Ron Felger, Town Attorney:

Mr. Felger reported Andrew Grossnickle, attorney for Blue Lake Conservancy District, inquired of the status of transferring easements to BLCD. Mr. Hart and Ms. Bartl had yet to go through all the deeds and prepare the needed paperwork for the transfer to occur but would do so soon. Felger also praised President Kessler for his years of service.

Council Reports:

President Frank Kessler:

President Kessler reported he had attended the Regional Sewer District meeting and the Council’s requests were relayed and taken into advisement but did not think there would be an issue with meeting those requests. He also reported that concrete along Mulberry Street was complete and the contractors were working on backfill. Kessler reported Kyler Ridge was on schedule.

Bruce Johnson:

Mr. Johnson stated the company that provided recycling service to the Solid Waste District asked for a 40% increase, but that increase would not be passed to customers.

Mark Pepple:

Mr. Pepple had nothing to report, but thanked Kessler for his leadership and mentorship.

Madalyn Sade-Bartl:

Ms. Sade-Bartl presented the attached report. Bartl also thanked Kessler for his years of leadership.

Before adjourning, President Kessler stated he was honored to serve the citizens over the past twelve years and had always strived to do what was right for the community. He also voiced his appreciation for those who had served with him and thanked the employees who worked so hard to make Churubusco a great place to live.

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