Regular Meeting Minutes –July 17, 2024
The Churubusco Town Council met on July 17, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in the Town Hall. Members present were council members Mark Pepple and Devin Keener, and Clerk-Treasurer, Madalyn Sade-Bartl. Others present were Brian Clark and Paul Voigt, Smith-Green Community Schools; Lisa Fensler, Jeanne Nolan, Val & Dave Cooper, Kyle Edlund; and Park Superintendent, Rick Krider.
Mr. Pepple called the meeting to order, welcomed visitors, and led the Pledge of Allegiance. The Clerk called roll. Mr. Van Horn was absent.
PUBLIC HEARING: VACATION OF PUBLIC ALLEY
President Pepple opened the public hearing concerning Ordinance 2024-08: Vacation of Public Alley. The petitioner, SGCS Superintendent, Dr. Paul Voigt, was present and stated his case concerning the vacation of an unapproved alley that runs parallel to Rapp Drive between South Street and Fry Lane. President Pepple asked if there were any comments concerning this request. Hearing none, the public hearing was closed.
Approval of Minutes- June 19, 2024 & July 3, 2024
Mr. Keener made a motion to approve the minutes from June 19, 2024 and July 3, 2024 as presented. Mr. Pepple seconded, and the motion passed 2-0.
Approval of Claims:
Claims Vouchers dated July 17, 2024 in the amount of $1,456,638.34 were presented and approved.
Public Comment:
Residents of Circle Drive were present wishing to discuss plans of extending sewer to the area. There were residents that were both for and against expansion. President Pepple gave a brief history of why the Town has not extended sewer lines to Circle Drive and Carlin Court and stated any sewer projects in the area would have to be completed by the Whitley County Regional Sewer District (WCRSD). He asked Ms. Bartl if she had any update as she served as the WCRSD’s president. She gave an update on the WCRSD’s most recent SRF request and there was little expectation the project would qualify for SRF funding. She mentioned the WCRSD board had discussed some other options of possible funding sources, but she was not optimistic they would work out, and if they did, it would be another few years until the system was operational. Jeanne Nolan stated she needed help now and could not wait another few years. President Pepple suggested she attend the next WCRSD meeting, contact the County Council and Commissioners, and try to work something out with the Board of Health.
Old Business:
There was no old business.
New Business:
1. Ordinance 2024-08: Vacation of Public Alley: Mr. Keener made a motion to approve Ordinance 2024-08 as presented. President Pepple seconded, and the motion carried 2-0. Ms. Bartl informed Dr. Voigt she would record the document on Thursday, and it would officially be SGCS’s.
2. Plat Approval- DC Legacy: Ms. Bartl stated the area next to and behind Brevin’s (formerly buildings owned by C&A Tool) had been re-platted as re-platting was never done when the buildings were built and the current owner was now unable to sell individual buildings or make improvements as he could not obtain building permits without applying for variances. She stated the Plan Commission had already approved the replat and it now needed final Town Council approval. Mr. Keener made a motion to approve the request from DC Legacy. President Pepple seconded, and the motion carried 2-0.
3. Pay Application #17- Project A Sewer Project: Ms. Bartl presented pay application #17 for Crosby in the amount of $416,774.02. Mr. Keener made a motion to approve the pay application as presented. Mr. Pepple seconded, and the motion carried 2-0.
4. Pay Application #10- API Construction- Sewer Project C & D: Ms. Bartl presented pay application #10 for API for projects C & D in the amount of $96,343.64. Mr. Keener made a motion to approve the pay application as presented. Mr. Pepple seconded, and the motion carried 2-0.
5. Pay Application #6- API Construction- Sewer Project B: Ms. Bartl presented pay application #6 for API for projects B in the amount of $53,455.55. Mr. Keener made a motion to approve the pay application as presented. Mr. Pepple seconded, and the motion carried 2-0.
6. Re-Introduction of Ordinance 2024-06: Amended Sewer Use Ordinance: Ms. Bartl presented a revised version of Ordinance 2024-06. The Ordinance had been presented in April and tabled after the public hearing on 6/5/2024 so further revisions could be made. This version included the additions from the tabled ordinance. In addition to the previous changes, there was the addition of an after-hours service fee. This was added in response to the utility employees being called out after-hours several times over the past few weeks to address issues that were caused by customers and not due to failure of the system. Several revisions and clarifications had been made addressing many of the concerns that were heard at the public hearing (summary sheet attached). Mr. Keener made a motion to re-introduce Ordinance 2024-06 as presented. President Pepple seconded, and the motion carried 2-0. Ms. Bartl stated the ordinance was posted on the website and would be published in the paper. The public hearing would be held on August 7.
7. Introduction of Ordinance 2024-09: Amended Water Rate Ordinance: Ms. Bartl presented Ordinance 2024-09. She stated this ordinance was not affecting user rates. It instead was adding an after-hours service fee. This was added, again, in response to the utility employees being called out after-hours several times over the past few weeks to address issues that were caused by customers and not due to failure of the system. The disconnection fee was also increasing from $30 to $50. Other clarifications were made throughout (summary sheet attached). She reiterated that user rates were not being affected and no changes were being made to those rates. Mr. Keener made a motion to introduce Ordinance 2024-09 as presented. President Pepple seconded, and the motion carried 2-0. Ms. Bartl stated the ordinance was posted on the website and would be published in the paper. The public hearing would be held on August 7.
8. Consideration of 2024-2 CCMG Application: Ms. Bartl presented estimates and exhibits for the replacement of E. Douglas Street from Line Street to the dead end, Weston Drive from Windsor Drive to the beginning of the cul-de-sac, and Conway Street (total project estimate- $780,000). She stated round 2 of INDOT’s CCMG application was due on July 31. She reminded the Council they had considered applying for these roads during the January round but chose to wait until after Pleasant and Mulberry was complete. Mr. Keener made a motion to move forward with the 2024-2 CCMG application. Mr. Pepple seconded, and the motion carried 2-0.
9. Consideration of bids- Park lawnmower: Ms. Bartl and Mr. Krider presented bids from Precision Outdoors and Bobcat Fort Wayne for lawnmowers to replace the Park’s mower. Mr. Krider explained the issues he had been experiencing over the past few years and it was to the point that replacing the mower would be more cost effective than continuing to repair it. The Council and Mr. Krider discussed the differences in the quoted models. He also expressed his desire to purchase the equipment from Precision Outdoors. He explained there was a convenience factor given it was located next to the park, but the more important factor was the great customer service and support they have given and continue to give to the park. Mr. Pepple made a motion to accept the quote for a Turf Tiger from Precision Outdoors in the amount of $14,239. Mr. Keener seconded, and the motion carried 2-0.
Department Reports:
Jeremy Hart, Town Supervisor:
Mr. Hart was not present, but left the attached report.
Bob Gray, Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor:
Mr. Gray was not present. Ms. Bartl stated the lab had been moved to the new garage and construction was starting on the existing lab/office building. API had also been working on installing the lift station generators.
Dustin Papenbrock, Town Marshall:
Mr. Papenbrock was not present.
Rick Krider, Park Superintendent:
Mr. Krider gave details on the 20+ team tournament happening all weekend.
Andy Boxberger, Town Attorney:
Mr. Boxberger was not present.
Council Reports:
Mark Pepple:
Mr. Pepple had nothing to report.
Devin Keener:
Mr. Keener had nothing to report.
Nathan Van Horn:
Mr. Van Horn was not present.
Madalyn Sade-Bartl:
Ms. Sade-Bartl stated she had been attending lots of meetings for all the various projects that were happening or being planned. She reported the installation of Surf was moving forward and they would be scheduling the installation dates very soon.
Having no other business and after all the proper papers were signed, Mr. Pepple adjourned the regular meeting.
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Council President, Mark Pepple
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Council Member, Devin Keener
ATTEST:
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Clerk-Treasurer, Madalyn Sade-Bartl Council Member, Nathan Van Horn
