February 3, 2026 - Council Meeting

Council Meeting

February 3, 2026

6:00 pm

Present:          Council President: Betty Hoster

Council Members: Cameron Emond, Janet Gross, and Chris Dye

Clerk Treasurer: Karie Holder, Deputy Clerk: Breanna Plantenga

Town Marshal/Street Commissioner: Jared Baer

Other: Steve Young, Jenilynne Kyburz, Janell Hofstetter, Patty Stortz, Marilyn Maxwell, Kenneth Burns, Tyler Burns, Gabe Miller, Drew Foster, Nick Foster, Jacob Cleefman, and Chuck Watts.

Absent:           Council Vice President: Michael Johnson

Council President Betty Hoster opened the Council Meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Jenilynne Kyburz, White County Area Plan, presented county Amendment A87 for approval. Council Member Cameron Emond made a motion to approve Amendment A87. Council member Janet Gross second the motion. Motion carried 4-0. Jenilynne then presented county Amendment A88 for approval. Council member Janet Gross second the motion. Motion carried 4-0.

The January 20, 2026 Council Meeting minutes were presented for approval. Council member Cameron Emond made a motion to approve the minutes. Council Member Chris Dye second the motion. Motion carried 4-0. An amendment for the January 6, 2026 Council Meeting minutes was presented for approval. Council Member Cameron Emond made a motion to approve the current amendment, contingent on an additional amendment being made. Council Member Chris Dye second the motion. Motion carried 4-0. The January 28, 2026 Executive Meeting Minutes were presented for approval. Council Member Chris Dye made a motion to approve the minutes. Council Member Cameron Emond second the motion. Motion carried 4-0.

Town Marshal/Street Commissioner, Jared Baer, announced that there was a water main break, as well as issues at the water plant. Mike Hill, White County Emergency Management Director, has reached out to Jared asking the town to send any costs that have been accrued due to the cold weather. Jared also notified the Council that Deputy JR Northcutt’s truck is broken again. 

Clerk Treasurer Karie Holder presented the APV Register for approval. Council Member Cameron Emond made a motion to approve the APV Register. Council Member Janet Gross second the motion. Motion carried 4-0. Karie then announced that the Town of Wolcott is undergoing a state audit. After looking at the town books, the State Board of Accounts has deemed the Town un-auditable, due to the previous administration. Karie will be working with consultant, Treeva Sarles, to get the books in order. State Board of Accounts will check in every 30 days to ensure progress has been made.

Betty Hoster gave an Area Plan update.

Patty Stortz, Mainstreet Committee, announced that there will be a free will donation Chicken Noodle fundraiser dinner at the Café, on February 15^th 11am – 2pm. Patty also stated that the Mainstreet has handed out some more Warm Welcome Baskets to new homeowners.

Steve Young, Ambulance Director, announced that house numbers need to be put on houses in town, and sidewalks need to be clear from snow, in case of an emergency.

Kenneith Burns, Fire Chief, notified that Council that there was a frozen line at the station, that has since been repaired.

Ken Smith, town engineer, stated that he has been working closely with Jared and Justin on making adjustments at the water plant, that were needed from the most recent inspection.

Jacob Ahler, Town Attorney, has been in contact with White County about the possibility of annexing land west of town. Council Member Cameron Emond stated that he wants Jacob to see if there is any way to annex, without raising taxes for A1 property owners. Discussion ensued. Council Member Cameron Emond made a motion for Jacob to proceed with annex discussions, without increasing taxes for A1 land owners. Council Member Janet Gross second the motion. Motion carried 4-0.

Discussion over a requested donation to the Wolcott Summer Country & Gospel Music Series was brought up. Council Member Chris Dye made a motion to donate $1,250, in addition to the previous $250 donated on January 6, 2026, with the total donation being $1500. Council Member Cameron Emond second the motion. Motion carried 3-0, Council Member Janet Gross abstained.

Bids for the 2026 Community Crossing Grant were read. Town and County bid $225,575.00 for the total project. Central Paving bid $249,572.50 for the total project. D & C Paving bid $257,975.00 for the total project. American Paving bid $290,172.50 for the total project. The Council discussed not being satisfied with Town and Country’s work in the last few years. After much discussion, Council Member Cameron Emond made a motion to accept Town and Country’s bid, contingent on the company agreeing to repair mistakes on Scott St, South St, and Second St. Council Member Christ Dye second the motion. Motion carried 4-0.

The Council acknowledged and thanked all of those that helped with the water main leak and water plant issues.

Meeting adjourned.