Council Meeting
May 21, 2024
6:00 pm
Present: Council President: Cameron Emond, Vice President: Michael Johnson
Council Members: Darwin Miller, Betty Hoster, Rex Pearson
Clerk Treasurer: Judy Thomas, Utility Clerk: Breanna Plantenga, Deputy Clerk: Karie Holder
Water Superintendent: Robert Thomas
Wastewater Superintendent: Jeff Province
Street Department: Vince Hall
Town Marshal: Jared Baer
Other: Jacob Alberts, Steve Young, Pam Jordan, Carey Jordan, George Mathew, Rex Anderson, Betty Hoster, Janell Hofstetter, Timothy Brouhard, Anthony McFadden, Baylee Brooks, Jonetta Whitmire, Kenneth Burns, and Hayden Baer.
Absent: Town Attorney Jacob Ahler
Council President Cameron Emond opened the Council Meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.
The May 8th Council Meeting minutes, May 6th Executive Meeting minutes, and May 8th Special Session minutes were presented for approval. Council member Darwin Miller made a motion to approve the May 8th Council Meeting minutes, May 6th Executive Meeting minutes, and May 8th Special Session minutes. Council Member Betty Hoster second the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
The April 2024 financials were presented for approval. Council Member Rex Pearson made a motion to approve the April 2024 financials. Council Member Darwin Miller second the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
Wastewater Superintendent, Jeff Province, reported that everything is going well at the plant. Jeff has not heard any updates on fixing the UV light issue at the plant.
Water Superintendent, Robert Thomas, said that everything at the water plant is going well. Robert stated that the iron count is low in his testing, and the water is looking good. He will be flushing hydrants in the coming weeks.
Street Department employee, Vince Hall, reported that the blades have been replaced on the wood chipper.
Steve Young, Ambulance Department, stated that the ambulance will be at the school for EMS Week.
Darwin Miller, Mainstreet Committee, reported that the Ladie’s Tea event sold out. The mannequins will be put up for Memorial Day, representing the different branches of service. There will be a Memorial Day service on Memorial Day at the Wolcott House @10am. Bake Steak event in September, that will be $15/plate.
Clerk Treasurer Judy Thomas stated that it will be a state requirement that Council Meetings be recorded, starting in 2025. The Clerk Treasurer’s Office will be closed on June 23-27th due to conference. Council Vice President Michael Johnson made a motion to close the Clerk’s Office. Council Member Darwin Miller second the motion. Motion carried 4-0. Judy shared that she received a letter from SBOA stating that they will be coming to audit the town soon. Judy has been communicating with SBOA regarding some discrepancies. SBOA also recommended leaving the ARPA money in the General checking account, rather than putting it in its own account, to prevent further confusion. Council Member Darwin Miller made a motion to keep the ARPA funds in the General account. Council Member Betty Hoster second the motion. Motion carried 4-0. Judy called Stan Cook to help reconcile statements priced at $120/hour. Judy will call Stan, if needed. Judy also stated that she has been working on getting reports uploaded into Gateway, and is making good progress. Lastly, Judy brought up a resident concern about a sidewalk on South Second St. The resident was inquiring about removing the sidewalk. The sidewalk is 23 feet from the center of the road. After some discussion, the Council decided that the resident should not take the sidewalk out, as of yet.
Council President Cameron Emond announced that he would like some security cameras at the Water and Wastewater Plants, as well as the Compost Bin. Council Member Darwin Miller made a motion to get quotes on a camera system for the plants and the compost bin. Council Member Betty Hoster second the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
Ken Smith announced that the 2023 Community Crossing Grant has been closed. There will be a bid opening at 12:30pm on Thursday May 23rd for the next grant.
Marshal Jared Baer met with the School Board about the SRO position. Jared also announced that the White County Recycling trailer will be moved to a different location.
Rex Anderson, WITKO, asked for a property abatement. After much discussion, Council Vice President Michael Johnson made a motion to approve a 10-year tax abatement for WITKO. Council Member Darwin Miller second the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
The one way sign has been put up on the aally between Scott and Anderson St. A resident expressed concern over stop signs that are needed by Homer Ln.
Meeting adjourned.
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