Minutes January 18, 2023

by Madalyn Sade-Bartl on February 14, 2023 in Meetings, Minutes

Meeting Minutes – January 18, 2023
The Churubusco Town Council met on January 18, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in the Scout Building. Members present were council members Devin Keener, Nathan Van Horn, and Mark Pepple; and Clerk-Treasurer, Madalyn Sade-Bartl. Others present were local residents Lisa Fensler, Arlan & Vickie Skinner, Bruce Johnson, David & Brittany Murphy, Cass Hirschy, Marlin Leininger, and Brandon Rittenhouse; Rachael Hartman, Churubusco News; Todd Thurber, DLZ Engineering; Bob Gray, Wastewater Superintendent; Jeremy Hart, Street/Water Supervisor and Town Marshal, Dustin Papenbrock.
Council President Devin Keener called the meeting to order, welcomed visitors, and led the Pledge of Allegiance. The Clerk called roll. All members were present.
Administration of Oaths of Office
Ms. Bartl administered oaths of office to Nathan Van Horn and Devin Keener.

Approval of Meeting Minutes: December 21, 2022:
Mr. Van Horn made a motion to approve the minutes from December 21, 2022 as presented. Mr. Keener seconded, and the motion carried 3-0.
Approval of Claims:
Claims Vouchers dated January 18, 2023 in the amount of $425,932.08 were presented and approved.
Public Comment:
Local resident, Bruce Johnson, had several questions concerning the water rate increase, the chief of staff position, and the 2018 Equinox purchase that was made in December 2020. The Council answered his questions to the best of their abilities. Cass Hirschy was also frustrated with the increased rates. Mr. Pepple stated it was due to rates not being increased by past Councils. He stated he took some of that responsibility as he has been on the Council since 2012. Brandon Rittenhouse asked for an update on the RSD. Ms. Bartl provided an update as she serves as Churubusco’s representative on the RSD board.
New Business:
1. Election of Officers: Mr. Keener opened nominations for Council president and vice-president. Mr. Pepple nominated Devin Keener as Council president and Mark Pepple as vice-president. Hearing no other nominations, the nominations were closed. Mr. Pepple made a motion to approve Mr. Keener and Mr. Pepple as president and vice-president. Mr. Van Horn seconded, and the motion carried 3-0.
2. Pleasant St./S. Mulberry St. CCMG project: Ms. Bartl stated that DLZ was asked to complete an estimate for the reconstruction of the 100/200 blocks of West Pleasant and 100/200 blocks of S. Mulberry Streets so the Town could apply for the current round of CCMG funding. The engineer’s estimate was presented. Mr. Pepple made a motion to move forward with the CCMG application. Mr. Van Horn seconded, and the motion passed 3-0.
3. Notice of Award- Sewer project: Ms. Bartl presented the notice of award for the sewer project as prepared by Holly from DLZ. Mr. Pepple made a motion to approve the notice of award. Mr. Van Horn seconded, and the motion carried 3-0. Since the contracts were not ready by the Council meeting, Mr. Van Horn made a motion to approve contracts be signed outside of a Council meeting. Mr. Pepple seconded, and the motion carried 3-0.
4. Resolution 2023-01: Cancellation of Warrants Older than Two Years: Mr. Van Horn made a motion to approve Resolution 2023-01. Mr. Pepple seconded, and the motion carried 3-0.
5. Resolution 2023-02: Resolution to Commit Funds to the Churubusco Community Coalition to be Used for the Purchase and Rehabilitation of 102 N. Line Street: Mr. Pepple made a motion to approve Resolution 2023-02. Mr. Van Horn seconded, and the motion carried 3-0.
6. BZA Reappointments: Ms. Bartl stated she had spoken to both Miles Wilson and Alan Malcolm. They both agreed they would continue to serve on the BZA. Mr. Pepple made a motion to reappoint Miles Wilson and Alan Malcolm to the BZA. Mr. Van Horn seconded, and the motion carried 3-0.
7. Approval of Sewer Adjustments: Ms. Bartl explained the circumstances of two large sewer adjustments caused by broken pipes and vandalism for two properties. Mr. Van Horn made a motion to approve adjusting the sewer portion of the bills presented. Mr. Pepple seconded, and the motion carried 3-0.
8. Approval of Encumbrances: Ms. Bartl presented a list of encumbrances for 2022. Mr. Van Horn made a motion to approve the list of encumbrances. Mr. Pepple seconded, and the motion carried 3-0.
Old Business:
There was no old business.

Department Reports:
Jeremy Hart, Town Supervisor:
Mr. Hart presented the attached report.
Bob Gray, Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor:
Mr. Gray stated all 2022 reports were in.
Dustin Papenbrock, Town Marshall:
Mr. Papenbrock reported that Deputy Blake was back and on the road. He also wished the Council would work on changing the holiday pay policy. He also reported that they were still working on the Brevin’s vandalism case.
Rick Krider, Park Superintendent:
Mr. Krider reported everything was running ok at the park He stated he received bids for pickleball courts and he would be meeting with the committee to discuss the bids further.
Andy Boxberger, Town Attorney:
Mr. Boxberger was not present.
Council Reports:
Mark Pepple:
Mr. Pepple had nothing to report.
Devin Keener:
President Keener stated he and Ms. Bartl had met with the school last week to discuss the Park use contract and he felt that a deal was made and the contract would be updated and forwarded to the school board and the Council.
Nathan Van Horn:
Mr. Van Horn had nothing to report.
Madalyn Sade-Bartl:
Ms. Sade-Bartl presented the attached report.
Having no other business and after all proper papers were signed, President Keener adjourned the regular meeting.