Public Hearing/Council Meeting
October 1, 2024
6:00 pm
Present: Council President: Cameron Emond
Council Members: Darwin Miller, Betty Hoster
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
Town Attorney: Jacob Ahler
Other: Treeva Sarles, Pam Jordan, Carey Jordan, Daryl Orns, Janet Gross, Kenneth Burns, Emily Albaugh, and Janell Hofstetter
Absent: Vice President: Michael Johnson, Council Member: Rex Pearson
Council President Cameron Emond opened the Public Hearing with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Treeva Sarles presented the 2025 Budget and Ordinance 2024-1001 for approval. Council Member Darwin Miller made a motion to approve Ordinance 2024-1001 for the 2025 Budget. Council Member Betty Hoster second the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
Council President Cameron Emond closed the Public Hearing, and opened the Council Meeting.
The September 17, 2024 meeting minutes were presented for approval. Council Member Darwin Miller made a motion to approve the September 17, 2024 Council Meeting minutes. Council Member Betty Hoster second the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
Wastewater Superintendent Jeff Province reported that he has been getting false calls from the lift station. Jeff then presented the Council with a few pictures of problems at the lift station, that could be causing the calls. These issues will be getting repaired.
Water Superintendent Robert Thomas stated that he just repaired a broken water line on the corner of Fourth St and Scott St. SURF Internet hit a wastewater line on a resident’s property in town, that has been repaired.
Fire Chief Kenneth Burnes reported that the fire department will be at the schools for Fire Prevention week. Kenneth also, expressed some concerns over the location of a fire hydrant in town.
Darwin Miller, Mainstreet Committee, reported that the Mainstreet will be doing a Trunk or Treat on the night of Trick or Treat. Darwin also stated that the mannequins will be put out soon for Halloween.
Town Attorney, Jacob Ahler, stated that he had a phone call with another attorney regarding a water leak outside of town. There was discussion about how to move forward with the matter. After much discussion, Council member Darwin Miller made a motion to move forward with negotiations, with the other party involved. Council Member Betty Hoster second the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
Clerk Treasurer, Judy Thomas, stated that the Clerk’s Office took pictures of the mess that NIPSCO left behind in town. The Town is waiting from a response from NIPSCO. The Clerk’s Office also found an additional 23 properties in town that were not paying for multiple trash cans, which resulted in the Town losing money. Judy reported that she is still trying to correct the Bank Recs for 2020-2023.
Ken Smith announced that Town and Country will be coming back to town to finish their work on October 5th for the Community Crossing Grant. Ken then presented the Council with the final invoice in the amount of $27,450.00 for Municipal Civil and $216,304.69 for Town and Country. Council Member Darwin Miller made a motion to pay the final invoices for the Community Crossing Grant. Council Member Betty Hoster second the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
Emily Albaugh, KIRPC, announced that the county is wanting to partner with the town for a stormwater improvement project. This project will help improve the drainage to the ditches in town.
The Council discussed a broken grate on a sidewalk, in front of the BP gas station. After some discussion, it was decided that Bob Thomas will call INDOT to have it repaired.
Meeting Ajorned.
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