Council Meeting
May 8, 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
Town Marshal: Jared Baer
Town Attorney: Jacob Ahler
Other: Mark Bachman, Carey Jordan, Pam Jordan, Edwin Buswell, Talaina Pinkerton, Sam Pinkerton, Janet Gross, Steve Young, Janell Hofstetter, Isabella Haas.
Council President Cameron Emond opened the Council Meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.
The April 16th Council Meeting Minutes were presented for approval. Council Member Darwin Miller made a motion to approve the April 16th Council Meeting Minutes. Council Member Betty Hoster second the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
Bids were opened for purchase of the vacant lot located on Market Street. Only one bid was received. Council Member Darwin Miller made a motion to accept a bid from Brian Furrer priced at $10,000. Council Member Rex Pearson second the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
Wastewater Superintendent Jeff Province reported that everything is going well at the Wastewater Plant. The digester at the plant was repaired. The Council discussed having Common Wealth Engineering pay the bills acquired from repairing the digester, if it’s under warranty. After much discussion, Council Member Darwin Miller made a motion to approve payment of the bills for the digester, subject to Jacob’s review of the Warranty Agreement. Council Member Betty Hoster second the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
Water Superintendent Robert Thomas reported that Street Department employee Vince Hall is doing well. Robert also reported that the drain work on the highway is now finished. There are a few hydrants in town that will need to be replaced soon. Robert stated that the dump truck has been repaired, therefore, they will be able to start chipping sticks again.
Town Marshal Jared Baer notified the Council that the School Resource Officer at Tri County is no longer employed at the school. The Wolcott Police Department has been working with School Superintendent Patrick Culp to get help with police coverage at the schools, until the end of the school year.
Sam Pinkerton, acting Ambulance Director, reported that the Ambulance Department completed 19 runs last month. Sam also stated that new tires were put on the Ambulance.
Michael Johnson, White County Economic Development, stated that the READI Grant was awarded in Indiana, and they are waiting to see how much money is disbursed to the towns on our district.
Darwin Miller, Mainstreet Committee, reported that they planted flowers in the flower pots around town. The Mainstreet Committee is getting the mannequins ready for Memorial Day. The Ladie’s Tea will be taking place on Saturday, May 18th. Tickets for this event are sold out. The Mainstreet Committee requested a donation from the Town for the flowers, Vice President Michael Johnson made a motion to donate $100 to the Mainstreet for the flowers. Council Member Betty Hoster second the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
Town Attorney, Jacob Ahler, notified the Council that he has requested an expedited audit from State Board of Accounts for the Town of Wolcott.
Clerk Treasurer Judy Thomas gave the Council the April 2024 Financials. Judy told the Council that the ARPA money is currently in the General Checking Account, but she has recently found out that the ARPA money is supposed to have its own separate bank account. Council Vice President Michael Johnson made a motion to transfer the $56,180.03 of ARPA money from the General Fund to a separate bank account. Council Member Rex Pearson second the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
Spring Cleanup will be on Saturday, May 11th from 9am to 3pm. Three Council Members agreed to volunteer during the cleanup.
Edwin Buswell, from KIRPC, stated that KIRPC has been working on applying for a grant to replace water lines in Wolcott. In order to apply for this grant, there will need to be a survey done for $3,000. Council Member Darwin Miller made a motion to pay the $3,000 for the survey to be done. Council Vice President Michael Johnson second the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
A resident expressed some concerns over not being able to see oncoming traffic from the alley between East Scott Street and East Anderson Street, due to vehicles blocking the view. The resident stated that making the alley a One Way going South would solve the issue. After much discussion, Council Member Rex Pearson made a motion to make the alley a One Way, going South. Council Member Darwin Miller second the motion. Motion carried 4-0. Robert Thomas agreed to get a “One Way” sign and a “Do Not Enter” sign.
A concerned resident asked about the status of the brown water issue in town. Water Superintendent Robert Thomas stated that he has made some more adjustments at the Water Plant and that the levels of iron in the test results are lower.
There was some discussion about the work that INDOT is doing on the highway. The total project is supposed to be finished by November 15th. The portion of work that is being done in town is estimated to be done sometime this summer.
Meeting adjourned.
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