August 20, 2024 - Council Meeting

Council Meeting

August 20, 2024

6:00 pm

Present:          Council President: Cameron Emond, Vice President: Michael Johnson

Council Members: Darwin Miller, Betty Hoster

Clerk Treasurer: Judy Thomas, Utility Clerk: Breanna Plantenga, Deputy Clerk: Karie Holder

Water Superintendent: Robert Thomas

Street Department: Vince Hall

Town Marshal: Jared Baer

Other: Sam Pinkerton, Steve Young, Betty Hoster, Carey Jordan, Pam Jordan, Janell Hofstetter, Kenneth Burns, Jenilynne Kyburz, Janet Gross

Absent:           Council Member Rex Pearson

Council President Cameron Emond opened the Council Meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Treeva Sarles, Clerk Treasurer of Otterbein, has been helping Judy Thomas with the 2025 budget. Treeva discussed concerns with the Council, regarding the Town’s fund accounts. The public hearing for the proposed budget, is on September 17th at 6pm. The Public Hearing for the budget approval is on October 1st at 6pm.

The August 6th Council Meeting, Pre-Construction Meeting, and 7:30pm meeting was presented for approval. Council Vice President Michael Johnson made a motion to approve the meeting minutes. Council Member Darwin Miller second the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

The July 2024 Financials were presented for approval. Council member Darwin Miller made a motion to approve the financials. Council Member betty Hoster second the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Water Superintendent Robert Thomas, reported that there was a new AC put in at the Wastewater Plant. Bob also reported that the INARI water and wastewater lines are hooked up.

Mainstreet Committee: Banners will be placed on the light poles.

Judy Thomas, Clerk Treasurer, announced that residents will be able to connect to SURF Internet, once the project is completely finished, in town. In the meantime, customers can pre-register.

Council President, Cameron Emond announced that the street Paving in town will be starting soon.

Director Kyburz, from White County Area Plan, approached the Council with some changes to a flood plane ordinance. Council Vice president Michael Johnson made a motion to adopt the amendment to the ordinance. Council Member Darwin Miller second the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Director Kyburz also shared some changes to the renewable energy ordinance, prohibiting them from being within two miles of town limits. After some discussion, Council Vice President Michael Johnson made a motion to table the issue. Council Member Darwin Miller second the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Monica Dyke, introduced herself to the Council, as the new Family Engagement Liaison, at Tri County Schools. Monica’s new position will allow her to help families in the community.

Pam Jordan, resident, asked about the Town’s hiring process. Pam also expressed concern over the ditch upkeep in town.

Meeting Adjourned.

Video here