October 7, 2025 - Public Hearing/Council Meeting

Public Hearing/Council Meeting

October 7, 2025

6:00 pm

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

Council Member: Janet Gross, and Michael Johnson

Clerk Treasurer: Karie Holder, Deputy Clerk: Breanna Plantenga

Town Marshal: Jared Baer, Deputy Marshal: JR Northcutt

Wastewater Superintendent: Jeff Province

Water Superintendent: Justin Bowman

Other: Pam Jordan, Carey Jordan, Marilyn Young, Chris Dye, Bruce Meisner, Liz Meisner, Janell Hofstetter, Robin Foley, Leroy Simon, Rich Hines, Daryl Orns, Ian Orns, Steve Young, Kenneth Burns, Randy Sims, Susan Sims, Brad Ward, and Charlie Scott.

Absent:           Town Attorney: Jacob Ahler

Council President Cameron Emond opened the Public Hearing with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Edwin Buswell, KIRPC, spoke about an upcoming project grant, to redo the ditch in town. The grant must be submitted by October 24^th, and the awards will be announced in February.

The Public Hearing was closed and the Council Meeting was opened.

The September 16, 2025 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.

Ordinance 2025-10078 A, DLGF Approved Budget, was presented for approval. Council Member Michael Johnson made a motion to approve the ordinance. Council Vice President Betty Hoster second the motion. Motion carried 4-0.

Ordinance 2025-1007 B, Water Utility Budget, was presented for approval. Council Member Michael Johnson made a motion to approve the ordinance. Council Vice President Betty Hoster second the motion. Motion carried 4-0.

Ordinance 2025-1007 C, Wastewater Utility Budget, was presented for approval. Council Vice President Betty Hoster made a motion to approve the ordinance. Council Member Michael Johnson second the motion. Motion carried 4-0.

Resolution 2025-1007 D, Appropriation Reduction, was presented for approval. Council member Janet Gross made a motion to approve the resolution. Council Vice President Betty Hoster second the motion. Motion carried 4-0.

Wastewater Superintendent, Jeff Province, announced that his UV replacement for the plant has come in, and needs installed.

Town Marshal, Jared Baer, announced that they will be starting Operation Pull over. Jared also stated that White Ciounty is placing gravel on their property, to put the recycle bin on.

Clerk Treasurer Karie Holder presented the APV Register for approval. Council Vice President Betty Hoster made a motion to approve the APV Register. Council Member Janet Gross second the motion. Motion carried 4-0. Karie Holder also presented the financials for approval. Council Member Janet Gross made a motion to approve the financials. Council Member Michael Johnson second the motion. Motion carried 4-0.

Michael Johnson, White County Economic Development, stated that leads for the Commerce Park have dwindled, since there is talk of a possible data center going in.

Marilyn Young, Mainstreet Committee, announced that they will be having a Halloween Party, located at the bank for Trick or Treat. Marilyn also shared that the Mainstreet Committee filled a bus for the backpack program.

The Wolcott Sorority will be making their cheeseballs in November, and will have Angel Tree in December.

Richard Hines, White County Soil and Water District, is working on bringing the Tree City project to Wolcott. The White County Soil and Water District will pay for the first three years, to help bring more trees into town. Richard presented a Memorandum to approve the Tree City USA project. Council Member Michael Johnson made a motion to approve the memorandum. Council Vice President Betty Hoster second the motion. Motion carried 4-0.

The Council discussed hiring Marshal Jared Baer as a part time Street Commissioner. Council Member Michael Johnson made a motion to appoint Jared as the Street Commissioner. Council Vice President Betty Hoster second the motion. Motion carried 4-0.

There is a vacant Council Member seat that needs filled. The Council interviewed those who sent in letters of interest. Council Vice President Betty Hoster made a motion to appoint Chris Dye to the vacant Council seat. Council Member Michael Johnson second the motion. Motion carried 3-1 Council Member Janet Gross opposed.

Jeff Province, Wastewater Superintendent, announced that he will be having a meeting with IDEM and Egglife, regarding issues with Egglife’s sewage. Clerk Treasurer Karie Holder will ask Town Attorney Jacob Ahler to be present.

Fire Chief, Kenneth Burns, stated that the Fire Department will be doing a presentation at the schools for Fire Prevention week.

Meeting ajorned.