March 3, 2026 - Council Meeting

Council Meeting

March 3, 2026

6:00 pm

Present:          Council President: Betty Hoster, Council Vice President: Michael Johnson

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

Clerk Treasurer: Karie Holder, Deputy Clerk: Breanna Plantenga

Town Marshal/Street Commissioner: Jared Baer

Town Attorney: Jacob Ahler

Other: Daryl Orns, Steve Young, Janell Hofstetter, Brian Furrer, and Chuck Watts.  

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

The February 17, 2026 Council Meeting Minutes were presented for approval. Council member Janet Gross made a motion to approve the minutes. Council Member Cameron Emond second the motion. Motion carried 5-0.

Jared Baer, Town Marshal/Street Commissioner, reported that Jeff Province has been working with the Alliance at the Wastewater Plant. Jared then notified the Council that the dump truck is currently broken, but is being fixed by Justin Bowman. Jared also reported that Deputy Jr Northcutt’s truck is still being repaired.

Jared stated that Egglife’s 30-day testing results have come in, and they are not in compliance with IDEM or the Town of Wolcott. The town is in communication with IDEM about how to move forward.

Steve Young, Ambulance Director, announced that he is trying to purchase a new CPR device for the Ambulance Department.

Town Attorney, Jacob Ahler, notified the Council that he has been working on the jurisdiction for the two-mile buffer zone, west of town.

Clerk Treasurer, Karie Holder, recommended that the Council have official town emails, for cybersecurity purposes. Karie will work on getting the emails set up for those that want it.

Karie then presented the APV Register for approval. Council Vice President Michael Johnson made a motion to approve the APV register. Council Member Cameron Emond second the motion. Motion carried 5-0. Karie announced to the Council, that the town was denied for the stormwater grant, for the upcoming ditch project. The Council discussed reapplying for the grant. Council Member Cameron Emond made a motion to reapply for the second round of the grant. Council Member Janet Gross second the motion. Motion carried 5-0. A Public Hearing will be held for the grant, on March 24^th at 6pm.

Council Member, Janet Gross, gave a report on the latest Commissioners Meeting. Janet stated that she will be on the agenda for the next Commissioners meeting, to announce that she will be helping people get registered to vote, at the Wolcott Library throughout March.

Janell Hofstetter, Mainstreet Committee, talked about some upcoming events. Janell reported that the dinner fundraiser and painting event went over well.

Council Member, Cameron Emond, stated that he is in talks with the Windmill company about the possibility of getting a new emergency siren donated.

The Council discussed applying for a Community Cares grant. After some discussion, the Council decided that they would like to use to funds to make the Town Hall ADA compliant. Council Member Cameron Emond made a motion to move forward with applying for the grant. Council Member Janet Gross second the motion. Motion carried 5-0.

Deputy Clerk, Breanna Plantenga, asked the Council to consider waiving the sewage charge for a resident in town with a big water leak. After some discussion, the Council decided to not make a decision until the next reading.

The Council discussed having a Spring Cleanup this year. After much discussion, Council Member Cameron Emond made a motion to rent a 40-yard dumpster on May 9^th from 8am – 12pm. Council Vice President Michael Johnson second the motion. Motion carried 5-0.

Brian Furrer approached the Council, asking to give their support on a variance request that he will be making. Council member Cameron Emond made a motion to approve the 12-foot setback request. Council Member Chris Dye second the motion. Motion carried 5-0. Brian then requested that the Council consider vacating the north half of an alley splitting his properties. Town Attorney Jacob Ahler notified the Council that they will need a Resolution to vacate an existing alley. Council Vice President Michael Johnson made a motion for Jacob to write up a Resolution, vacating the alley between lot two and three, on Anderson Street. Council member Cameron Emond second the motion. Motion carried 5-0. Lastly, Brian told the Council that he is currently working with a construction manager on the downtown buildings.

Meeting adjourned.