Town of Wolcott Council Minutes
September 5,2023
6:00 p.m.
Town Hall
101 W North St.
Present: Rex Pearson, Jerry Lietz, Pam Bennett, Jacob Ahler, Dave Loveall, Iris Loveall, Leroy Simons, Robin Foley, Sandra Gloss, Darwin Miller, Haley Dickerson, Breanna Plantenga, Bob Thomas, Jeff Province, Judy Thomas, Jarod Baer, Jake Miller, Kenny Burns, Cameron Emond, Larry Klink, Michael Johnson, Mark Bachman, Betty Hoster, Steve Young, Harrison Yelton, George Mathew. Rick Bennett, Janet Gross, Nancy Bell, Susie Minnear, Matt Hall and Janel Hoffestetter.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
PUBLIC HEARING:
Water Rates: The town was presented with a water rate increase of 68%. Everything was broken down for them to better understand. After a short discussion the ordinance was read for the first time.
Approve Budget: Council Member Michael Johnson made the motion to approve the budget. Council Member Darwin Miller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-1 with Council Member Jerry Leitz abstaining due to being out of town and not seeing the budget.
Closed Public hearing
Open Council Meeting:
Approve minutes or memoranda: August 15,2023. Council Member Darwin Miller made the motion to approve the minutes. Council Member Michael Johnson seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0
Approve the Financials:
1. Department Heads reports:
Jeff Province: Wastewater/Stormwater-Windows have been ordered for the wastewater lab. Still having issues with the clarifiers.
Robert Thomas: Water/Street- Council Member Darwin Miller asked Bob to look at the drain behind the store. The streets will be finished this week. The question was asked why the sidewalks didn’t come to the street? Bob said he didn’t know but would talk to the engineer.
Marshal Baer: Town Marshal-Car is out of the shop. Getting it ready to sell either as a police car or stripped-down public car. Monthly reports. They are starting to make more traffic stops due to the traffic in town. The Crosswalk signs are out and things are going pretty well. There is not an ordinance on poultry in town and would like to have one made so that it is clear what the residence can have in town.
Lori Bussell: Park Board- Matt Hall gave the park report. They have paved one side of the park drive and the parking lot. They are going to be installing speed bumps soon. The other half of the drive is on the agenda for the summer of 2024. Park meetings are on the 4th Wednesday of the month.
Steve Young Sr: Ambulance Director-no report
Kenneth Burns: Volunteer Fire Department-no report
Sandy Miller: RWCDC-no report
Janell Hofstetter: KIRPC-no report
Michael J Johnson: WCEDC-no report
Jerry Lietz: Area Plan Committee-finishing up the Subdivision ordinance and some little tedious things.
Michelle Earney: Summer Festival Committee- no report
Marilyn Maxwell: Main St Committee-Darwin Miller gave the report for the main st. Chicken noodle dinner September 30th at the Wolcott café. 5-8. $10.00 a plate.
Jacob Ahler: Town Attorney- no report
Pamela Bennett: Clerk-Treasurer-no report
Old Business:
Bids for storage room: There were two bids turned in for the storage room. Ron McClure Construction gave a bid of $5172.00. Kevin Sutton Construction gave a bid of $4800.00. Council Member Michael Johnson made a motion that we accept the bid from Kevin Sutton construction. Council Member Rex Pearson seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0
Air conditioner: The air conditioner has been out for two weeks. Chris Ruemler Heating and Cooling recommends that the unit be replaced. The quote was for $4800.00. Council Member Michael Johnson made the motion to replace the unit. Council Member Rex Pearson seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0
Compost Bins: There were 3 bids turned in for new compost bins. Reith-Riley had a bid of 64,000.00. Cowboy Excavating had a bid for $27,800.00 and Steve had a bid for $25,000.00. Council Member Darwin Miller made the motion to approve the bid from Steve for $25,000.00. Council Vice President seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-1 Council Member Michael Johnson said he felt it was a waste of money and unnecessary.
New Business:
Resident’s comments: Please keep it to 5 minutes.
Resident Robin Foley: They are worried about flooding with the new street being so high. It is the same way on Johnson and 4th St. Cameron is going to go and look at the issue and call the Engineer.
George Matthew: Drain on Burke and Market can’t drain because it is too high.
Susie Minnear: 4th St. When it rains it floods yards and homes. Would like the drain and pipes to be looked at and taken care of, please. Residents are upset and ready to go to the state and not pay their water bills. The Council is on the agenda for the Commissioners meeting Oct 2 at 8:30 and will have this in the proposal.
Vice President Jerry Lietz told us about forestry grants.
Resident Mark Bachman: Brought in a bottle of water to show the council. The water in the bottle was before they had flushed the hydrants. Mr. Bachman was told that he will be getting a letter from IDEM.
Adjourn
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