Meeting Minutes – March 18, 2026
The Churubusco Town Council held a meeting at 6:00 p.m. on March 18th, 2026 at the Churubusco Town Hall, 215 Home Avenue, Churubusco, Indiana. The meeting was called to order by the President with roll called by the Deputy Clerk-Treasurer. The Council members were present or absent as follows:
Present: Devin Keener, Mark Pepple, Nathan Van Horn
Absent: None
Natalie Blessing, Deputy Clerk-Treasurer, and Brendan Ruff, Town Attorney representative, were also present.
Approval of meeting minutes: February 18th, 2026: Mr. Van Horn made a motion to approve the meeting minutes from February 18th, 2026. Mr. Keener seconded and the motion carried 3-0.
Approval of Claims: Claims and payroll vouchers in the amount of $1,417,778.27 were approved and signed.
Public Comment: Lisa Fensler stated the Rotary auction went well and thanked the Town for all their help and donations.
Emily Johnson introduced herself to the council as the interim library director. She provided an update on the library project and thanked the Town for their help.
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
1. Utility Bill Adjustments: Ms. Blessing presented the council with a list of utility accounts that needed adjusting. She advised that this was due to the utility department not being able to read the meters, so many readings were estimated. Mr. Van Horn made a motion to approve the utility bill adjustments. Mr. Keener seconded and the motion carried 3-0.
2. Pay App 4; Bunn Excavating – Mr. Keener made a motion to approve Pay App #4 for Bunn Excavating as presented in the amount of $4,553.37. Mr. Van Horn seconded and the motion carried 3-0.
3. Turtle Days Insurance – Mr. Pepple said he spoke with Ms. Bart and there is money available to help pay for the Turtle Days insurance for 2026. Mr. Pepple made a motion to approve that the Town will pay up to $2000 for the event insurance. Mr. Van Horn seconded and the motion carried 3-0.
4. Quote for Park Upgrades – The council was presented with a quote for repairs that need done at the park playground. After a brief discussion, the council decided to table the issue so they could review the park budget.
5. Police Vehicle – Mr. Pepple advised he spoke with Ms. Bartl, and the funds are available for a new vehicle for the police department. Mr. Van Horn made a motion to allow Mr. Papenbrock to move forward with purchasing a new vehicle. Mr. Keener seconded and the motion carried 3-0.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Water/Street Department- Jeremy Hart: Mr. Hart was not present but provided the attached report.
Wastewater Plant- Riley Templeton: Mr. Templeton was not present.
Dustin Papenbrock: Mr. Papenbrock was not present.
Rick Krider: Mr. Krider things were going well at the park. He also suggested the council consider raising the price of the Scout Building rental.
Town Attorney- Andy Boxberger: Mr. Boxberger was not present and Mr. Ruff had nothing to report.
TOWN COUNCIL REPORTS
Mr. Pepple had nothing to report.
Mr. Keener had nothing to report.
Mr. Van Horn had nothing to report.
CLERK-TREASURER REPORT
Ms. Bartl was not present, and Ms. Blessing had nothing to report.
There being no further business to come before the meeting, the meeting was thereupon adjourned.
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Mark Pepple, President Nathan Van Horn, Council Member
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Devin Keener, Council Member
ATTEST:
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Madalyn Sade-Bartl, Clerk-Treasurer
