July 1, 2025 - Council meeting

Council Meeting

July 1, 2025

6:00 pm

Present:          Council President: Cameron Emond, Council Vice President: Betty Hoster

Council Members: Michael Johnson, Darwin Miller and Janet Gross

Clerk Treasurer: Karie Holder, Deputy Clerk: Breanna Plantenga

Wastewater Superintendent: Jeff Province

Water Superintendent: Justin Bowman

Street Department: Vince Hall

Town Marshal: Jared Baer, Deputy Marshal: JR Northcutt

Other: Raymie Richards, Daryl Orns, Ben Richards, Steve Young, Michelle Earney, and Aric VanWeelden.

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

The June 17^th Council Meeting Minutes were presented for approval. Council Member Janet Gross made a motion to approve the minutes. Council Vice President Betty Hoster second the motion. Motion carried 4-0, Council Member Darwin Miller was absent for this vote.

Jeff Province, Wastewater Superintendent, announced that he is having some issues at the Wastewater Plant. Jeff is in talks with the IDEM inspector to resolve these issues. Jeff also stated that the quote for the waterline project at the Wastewater Plant will cost more than originally quoted.

Justin Bowman, Water Superintendent, reported that he is keeping an eye on a possible leak on West Johnson Street.

Jared Baer, Town Marshal, announced that he has reached out to the Railroad about cleaning up their property in town. Jared also notified the Council that the back windshield on one of the police trucks will be getting replaced.

Steve Young, Ambulance Director, stated that he should be getting the new ambulance within the next week.

Ordinance 2025-07-01 regarding a $100,000 loan from the Water checking account to the Wastewater checking account, was presented for approval. After some discussion, Council member Michael Johnson made a motion to approve Ordinance 2025-07-01. Council Vice President Betty Hoster second the motion. Motion carried 5-0.

The July 1, 2025 financials and bank recs were presented for approval. Council member Michael Johnson made a motion to approve the financials and bank reconcilement. Council Member Janet Gross second the motion. Motion carried 5-0.

Clerk Treasurer, Karie Holder, announced that the painting on the repaved streets is finished.

Michael Johnson, White County Economic Development, announced that there will be some developmental activity happening around Wolcott soon.

Michelle Earney, Wolcott Summer Festival Committee, announced that they are ready for the festival on July 4^th and 5^th.

Janet Gross, Mainstreet Committee, announced that the Bobby the Wonder Dog Festival went over well.

The Wolcott Sorority got the flowers planted in the pots around town.

The Council discussed paying the invoice for the new ambulance, since the contract states that the payment is to be given to the company when the ambulance leaves the manufacturer. Discussion was had over whether or not to pay the invoice, due to the fact that the town does not have the ambulance yet. Council Member Michael Johnson made a motion to pay the invoice, per the contract. Council Member Janet Gross second the motion. Motion carried 4-1, Council Member Darwin miller opposed.

Town Marshal, Jared Baer, notified the Council that the school has officially taken over the School Resource Officer Program, as of July 1^st. Jared stated that SRO Aaron Page would like paid out for his Personal Days, since he was unable to use them before July 1^st. After some discussion, Council Member Michael Johnson made a motion to pay out Aaron Page for his unused personal days. Council Vice President Betty Hoster second the motion. Motion carried 5-0.

Trash Bids were opened. Only one bid was submitted by OnPoint Waste. Council Vice President Betty Hoster made a motion to accepted the bid from OnPoint Waste. Council Member Michael Johnson second the motion. Motion carried 5-0.

The Council received three quotes for a new Water License Operator:

-          Besse Water Solutions: $2,700/month

-          Donald Schuh: $2,300/month

-          Standish Consulting: $3,000/month

Council Member Darwin Miller made a motion to accept the bid from Donald Schuh. Council Member Michael Johnson second the motion. Motion carried 5-0.

A resident expressed concern over Council Member Darwin Miller spraying chemicals around town. Town Marshal, Jared Baer, explained that he called the State Chemist’s office and found out that Darwin is allowed to spray weed killer in town, as long as he has permission from the property owners, as long as it’s not a chemical that he needs a license for.

The Council announced that Robert Thomas has officially separated from the Town, after 26 years. The Council then discussed doing something for Robert to thank him for his service to the town.

Changing the passcodes at the water and wastewater plant was brought up for discussion. Council Vice President Betty Hoster made a motion to not change the codes. Council Member Janet Gross second the motion. Motion carried 4-1 Council member Michael Johnson opposed.

Metting adjourned.