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PRECONSTRUCTION MEETING - SURF INTERNET August 6, 2024 at 5:00 PM Wolcott Town Hall   Present:          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 Street Department: Vince Hall Others:  Mike Kensinger, Surf Internet (over phone), Shane Gann, Director of Directline (in person), Tiffany Manges, Project Manager (over phone), Stacey Dalrymple (over phone)   Construction of Surf Internet is expected to start next week. Surf Internet signs will be put up, and flyers will be put out around town. Information will also be posted on Wolcott’s Facebook page, “Town of Wolcott-Clerk Treasurer’s Office”. If citizens have questions, they can call Shane Gann, Director of Directline at 260-409-9564. Citizens can also call Surf Internet with questions at 1-844-445-SURF, or visit: SurfInternet.com

MEETING August 6, 2024 at 7:00 PM Wolcott Town Hall   Present:          President: Cameron Emond Vice President: Michael Johnson Council Members: Darwin Miller, Betty Hoster, Rex Pearson Clerk Treasurer: Judy Thomas Water Superintendent: Robert Thomas   Water Superintendent Robert (Bob) Thomas mentioned that he is planning on possibly retiring at the end of this year.  Bob wanted the Board Members to be aware that he has been talking with Social Security, now that he has turned 65, and is reviewing his options at this time. Board Members thanked Bob for letting them know.

Council Meeting July 2, 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 Wastewater Superintendent: Jeff Province Town Marshal: Jared Baer Town Attorney Jacob Ahler Other: Chloe Dickson, George Matthew, Daryl Orns, Angel Reed, Andrew Rouley, Janet Gross, Steve Young, Patty Furrer, Marilyn Maxwell, Michelle Earney, Kenneth Burns, Sandy Miller, Janell Hofstetter Council President Cameron Emond opened the Council Meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. The June 18, 2024 Council Meeting Minutes were presented for approval. Council Member Darwin Miller made a motion to approve the minutes. Council Member Betty Hoster second the motion. Motion carried 4-0. Wastewater Superintendent, Jeff Province, notified the council that he has gotten in touch with a rep for his UV light issues, at the plant. Supplies have been ordered to fix the UV light. Town Attorney Jacob Ahler has written a letter for Commonwealth, holding them responsible for the issues at the Wastewater Pant. Town Marshal Jared Baer announced that the SRO Agreement can be signed by the council, once the School Board approves it. Jared stated that he has received seven applicants for the SRP position, so far. Fire Chief Kenneth Burns expressed thanks to those that assisted in the house fire, in town. Kenny also expressed concern over the state parking their trucks and machinery at the fire station, without permission. Sandy Miller, RWCDC, shared that the Senior Café will be on Wednesday, July 17th. Michael Johnson, WCED, said that the county has received a new lead for the Commerce Park. Michael followed up by stating that WCED’s focus has shifted to new housing. Th town is still waiting on the disbursement from the READI Grant. Michelle Earney, Wolcott Summer Festival, reported that they are ready for the festival this week. Janet Gross, Mainstreet Committee, gave a report on some events that they are planning. Mainstreet is currently in the works on planning the Holiday Bazaar. Town Attorney, Jacob Ahler, brought up the contract for SURF Internet for discussion. After some discussion, Council Vice president Michael Johnson made a motion to approve the contract for SURF Internet. Council Member Darwin Miller second the motion. Motion carried 4-0. Jacob also presented the letter to Commonwealth, asking for Commonwealth to pay for the repairs made at the Wastewater Plant. Council Vice President made a motion to approve the letter to Commonwealth. Council member Rex Pearson second the motion. Motion carried 4-0. Judy Thomas, Clerk Treasurer, announced that there will be a meeting held with SURF Internet at 11am on July 15th for the Ground Breaking Ceremony. Judy also reported that the Annual ILMCT Conference went well, and the office employees learned a lot. Wessler Engineering wants to schedule a meeting with the Council to speak with them about possibly working together in the future. After some brief discussion, it was decided that the meeting will be held on July 15th at 9am. Judy brought to the Council’s attention that two of the Town’s HIFI accounts have become dormant. Judy and the Council discussed making the General checking, Water checking, and Wastewater checking accounts, HIFI accounts. Judy also discussed how the Wastewater checking account is very low in funds. After much discussion, Council Vice President Michael Johnson made a motion to transfer $32,955.53 from the Wastewater HIFI account, into the Wastewater Checking account. Council Member Darwin Miller second the motion. Motion carried 4-0. Council Member Darwin Miller also made a motion to make the General checking, Water checking, and Wastewater checking into HIFI accounts. Council Vice President Michael Johnson second the motion. Motion carried 4-0. Wastewater Superintendent Jeff Province told the Council that he starts his classes on July 25th, for his Wastewater License test. Town Marshal Jared Baer notified the Council that he will need to work on making a salary ordinance for the SRO position. Ken Smith stated that the money from the Community Crossing Grant will be in the town’s account at the end of July. Paving will start at the beginning of August. Ken said that he is wanting to send a survey out to all of the town residents. All survey responses may be dropped off at the Town Hall. Council Vice President Michael Johnson made a motion for Ken to send out a survey. Council member Betty Hoster second the motion. Motion carried 4-0. Resident, Angel Reed, expressed concerns over drainage issues on the North West side of town. These issues are stemming from a previous project in town, that was not done correctly. Resident, Brian Dowell, confronted Council Member Darwin Miller about edging his sidewalk, without his permission, and not cleaning up the mess left behind. Andrew Rouley, TriTech Construction, approached the Council about supplying water to INARI. INARI would be paying to run the water line out to the business. After much discussion, Council President Cameron Emond told Andrew that he will speak to Water Superintendent Robert Thomas about the issue. Resident, George Matthew expressed appreciation for the stop signs that have been placed at the Homer Land intersections. Meeting adjourned. Click here to watch the meeting

Council Meeting June 18, 2024 6:00 pm Present:          Vice President: Michael Johnson Council Members: Darwin Miller, Betty Hoster, Rex Pearson Clerk Treasurer: Judy Thomas, Utility Clerk: Breanna Plantenga, Deputy Clerk: Karie Holder Street Department: Vince Hall Deputy Marshal: JR Northcutt Town Attorney: Jacob Ahler Other: George Mathew, Steve Young, Larry Klink, Janet Gross, Marilyn Maxwell, Janell Hofstetter, Kenneth Burns. Absent:  Council President: Cameron Emond Council Vice President Michael Johnson opened the Council Meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. The June 4, 2024 meeting minutes were presented for approval. Council Member Darwin Miller made a motion to approve the minutes. Council Member Betty Hoster second the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The May 2024 financials were presented for approval. Council Member Darwin Miller made a motion to approve the financials. Council Member Rex Pearson second the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Jeff Province sent in a report stating that he is having some bagging issues at the Wastewater Plant. Vince Hall, Street Department, reported that everything is going well. Robert Thomas sent in a report stating that IDEM did their inspection at the Water Plant. Robert received good reviews on the water output. IDEM made some recommendations of improvements to be made at the plant. Marilyn Maxwell, Mainstreet Committee, announced that they will be selling water at the Summer Festival. Darwin Miller stated that he is talking with someone about getting banners for the festival. The Wolcott Mainstreet is in the process of selling their building on the North side of town. Judy Thomas, Clerk Treasurer, presented the Council with the finalized contract for SURF Internet. Town Attorney Jacob Ahler is working on a letter to Commonwealth regarding the Wastewater Plant issues. Utility Clerk Breanna Plantenga and Clerk Treasurer Judy Thomas expressed concern over a leaking water line. The line doe not belong to the town, but has not been repaired by the property owner. The customers are not paying for the water being used, but the town is unable to turn their meter off, due to it affecting other paying customers. There is a loss of money and product. Breanna and Judy told the Council that they believe that the rest of the ARPA money should be used on providing a new line that the town has control over, rather than using the money to pave around the fire station. After much discussion, Council Member Darwin Miller made a motion to get bids for the job. Council Member Betty Hoster second the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Judy also reported that the ARPA money used, has never been reported to the government within the last few years.  A bid was presented to the Council for the paving at the fire station. Bids for this job were never advertised for bid. Council member Darwin Miller made a motion to advertise bids for the paving at the fire station. Council member Betty Hoster second the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Judy Thomas stated that the Clerk’s Office received two complaints about Darwin Miller and George Mathew spraying weed killer around town, in people’s yards, and along the highway. The contract for SURF Internet was brought up for approval. After some discussion, Council member Betty Hoster made a motion to table the issue. Council member Darwin Miller second the motion.  Motion carried 3-0. A resident expressed some concern for overflowing grease traps in town. Meeting adjourned. Watch meeting here

Council Meeting June 4, 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: Jerry Lietz, Daryl Orns, Marilyn Maxwell, Steve Young, Janet Gross, George Mathew, and Kenneth Burns. Council President Cameron Emond opened the Council Meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. The March 27, 2024 Executive Meeting minutes, May 21, 2024 Council meeting minutes, and May 29, 2024 Executive Meeting minutes were presented for approval. Council Member Darwin Miller made a motion to approve the March 27, 2024 Executive Meeting minutes, May 21, 2024 Council meeting minutes, and May 29, 2024 Executive Meeting minutes. Council Member Betty Hoster second the motion. Motion carried 4-0. Wastewater Superintendent Jeff Province reported that everything is going alright at the plant. Jeff stated that he is still waiting on the UV wipers to be repaired. Council President Cameron Emond brought up the bills that are pending payment, for the repair of the Digester at the Wastewater Plant. The Council feels that Commonwealth should pay for the repairs, under the Warranty Agreement. Town Attorney Jacob Ahler expressed concern over the fact that it does not seem like Common Wealth will pay for the repairs. After much discussion, Council Vice President Michael Johnson made a motion to pay the bills that are due, and try to get Commonwealth to reimburse the Town for the repair cost. Council Member Darwin Miller second the motion. Motion carried 4-0. Town attorney Jacob Ahler will write a letter to Commonwealth. Vince Hall, Street Department employee, reported that everything is going well. Town Marshal Jared Baer reported that he will be doing a walk through at the water and wastewater plants, to discuss putting up cameras at the plants and compost bin. Jared also stated that the Wolcott Police Department were very present at the schools during the last few weeks of school, and participated in Operation Pull Over. There was some discussion over the Wolcott Police Department hiring an officer, to act as the Tri County School Resource Officer. Council Vice President Michael Johnson made a motion to hire an officer for the School Resource Officer position. Council Member Darwin Miller second the motion. Motion carried 4-0. Michael Johnson stated that he attended a lunch for White County Economic Development, and learned about restoring old buildings in town. Marilyn Maxwell, Mainstreet Committee, reported that the Mainstreet planted flowers around town. The Mainstreet Committee will be selling water at the Summer Festival, in July, and will also be hosting a Bake Steak in September. Town Attorney Jacob Ahler is working on a lawsuit filed against the Wolcott Police Department. Clerk Treasurer Judy Thomas received an email from SBOA stating that they will not be auditing Wolcott until at least September. Judy reported that there are many discrepancies that need fixed, going all the way back to 2019. Judy provided the Council with a fund report, and discussed how the Wastewater Checking account is getting low. After some discussion about transferring some money, it was decided to hold off until a later date. The Council discussed some requirements for the contract with SURF Internet, who will be installing fiberoptic internet in Wolcott. The contract will require SURF Internet to agree to the following terms: Max depth of digging will be 2ft. All damages must be repaired within a week of being damaged. The company must relocate within two weeks if they are in the way of any town repairs that need done, otherwise SURF Internet will have to pay a $10,000 fine/day. The company must provide proof of insurance, before beginning their installation process. Each phase of the project is subject to approval by the Council. Council President Cameron Emond opened the following bids for the 2024 Community Crossing Grant: ·         Central Paving for $276,329.00. ·         Town & Country for $247,830.50. ·         Milestone for $297,645.60. This is a 75%-25% grant. This project will be for paving parts of Fourth St, Second ST, Third St, E Johnson St, Fox St, and Raymond St. After little discussion, Council Member Darwin Miller made a motion to accept the lowest bid, Town & County for $247,830.50. Council Member Rex Pearson second the motion. Motion carried 4-0. Council Member Darwin Miller announced that INDOT will not be resurfacing the highway until after the Fourth of July. The Council also talked about some complaints received from residents regarding the sidewalk ramps, installed by INDOT. A resident expressed concern over slick sidewalks, due to plastic coverings left on some. The Town Marshal was asked if there was a curfew in town, because there has been a report of kids being out at 3:30am. Multiple residents complained about people speeding on E North St and Homer Ln. Stop signs are being placed at the intersections to help the issue. A concerned resident reported to the Council that it is hard to turn on to E North St from the highway, while there are cars parked on the corner, in front of the library. After some discussion, the curb will be painted yellow, to resolve the issue. Meeting Adjourned.

EXECUTIVE MEETING Wednesday May 29, 2024 @ 6:00 PM WOLCOTT TOWN HALL 101 W NORTH ST Present:  Cameron Emond, President Mike Johnson, Vice President Darwin Miller, Council Member Rex Pearson, Council Member Betty Hoster, Council Member Judy Thomas, Clerk-Treasurer Jared Baer, Marshal Patrick Culp Discussion about hiring a SRO, School Resource Officer for Tri County School System.

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.

Fiber Optic Meeting March 8, 2024 5:00 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 Wastewater Superintendent: Jeff Province Water Superintendent: Robert Thomas Other:             Jim Morris from SURF Internet Subject: Discussion over installing Fiber Optic Internet in town. Jim Morris, from SURF Internet, had a meeting with the Council to discuss the possibility of installing Fiber Optic Internet. Most of the wiring will be buried below ground. Some areas will be above ground, such as downtown. SURF Internet will work with Robert Thomas on getting locates done, for lines underground. Jim also stated that they would be able to serve some homes on the highway between Remington and Wolcott. The fibers will run through “flower pots” that will be buried in the ground. Each pot will serve between 2-3 homes. SURF Internet will reach out to all of the residents regarding any information about the Fiber Optic internet. The company will put signage out with their information, to make it easy for residents to het ahold of them with any questions. All of the crew will be in marked vehicles and marked uniforms while installing the fibers. The cost of the internet is estimated to be $55 - $95 per household, every month. Monthly price will depend on which speed of internet each resident chooses. Jim stated that SURF Internet does not have any contracts or installation fees. Any resident that chooses to tap into the Fiber Optic internet, will have a locked in monthly rate, for life. The three-month build could start as soon as mid-June – September. Anything that SURF Internet breaks during installation, they will repair. This project comes at no price to the Town of Wolcott. Residents will have the option to choose whether or not they would like to tap in to the service. When construction is set to begin. SURF Internet will communicate with residents. The Town of Wolcott will also send out alerts with more information.

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.

Executive Session May 6, 2024 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 The Council and Clerk Treasurer, Judy Thomas, discussed financial and bank account information.

We are now offering auto pay for your water bills! For more information, please contact the Clerk Treasurer's Office!

Council Meeting April 16, 2024 Present:          Council Vice President: Michael Johnson Council Members: Darwin Miller, Betty Hoster, Rex Pearson Clerk Treasurer: Judy Thomas,  Deputy Clerk: Karie Holder Water Superintendent: Robert Thomas Street Department: Vince Hall Other: Pam Jordan, Carey Jordan, Steve Young, Lori Bussell, Kenneth Burns, Ken Smith, Janell Hofstetter, Larry Klink, Susie Minnear. Absent:           Council President: Cameron Emond, Waste Water Superintendent: Jeff P Province, Utility Clerk: Breanna Plantenga, Town Marshal: Jared Baer Council Vice President Michael Johnson opened the council meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. The April, 2 2024 meeting minutes were presented for approval. Council Member Darwin Miller made a motion to approve the Council Meeting minutes for April 2. Council Member Betty Hoster second the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The April 2024 financials were presented for approval. Council Member Darwin Miller made a motion to approve the April 2024 financials. Council Member Betty Hoster second the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Wastewater Superintendent Jeff Province was absent Robert Thomas reported that the digester has been drained, and Jeff has ordered 12 new diffusers for the plant. Water Superintendent Robert Thomas reported that there were some electric issues with generator kicking off mid process, Robert had Greg Schneider electric come and fix the generator. A resident discussed their concerns with brown water.  Robert reported that he is backwashing on Tuesday’s and Friday’s between 8:00 am and 11:00am. Lori Bussell, Park Board, reported the restrooms are now open every day 7:00 am – 10:00 pm. They are getting lights fixed at the restrooms with motion lights on inside and new outside security light. Lori reported they will be doing some work on the north open shelter to fix it up. The windmill company is helping with dirt and gravel around the new asphalt at the park. Council member Rex Person arrived at this time. Kenneth Burns, fire chief, reported that he had a high-pressure hose 530ft replaced on unit#5. Kenny reported there were no major issues during the solar eclipse. Robert Thomas reported that he would like to thank Kenny and the fire department for coming to the waste plant and spraying down the digester. Vice President Michael Johnson reported that senior café will be April 17 and they will be serving pulled pork and playing bingo. Janell Hofstetter, Mainstreet Committee, reported there will be a Ladie’s Tea on May 18th, at 2pm. Tickets are available for purchase. Town wide garage sales will be May 3rd and 4th. Blessing of the bikes will be May 4th at 1:00 pm at the Methodist Church. Summer festival committee will be having the fish fry at the community building on April, 19. Clerk Treasurer, Judy Thomas, announced that she has received complaints of cats running loose. Judy announced that newsletters were sent out. Judy, Breanna, and Karie will be meeting tomorrow with KIRPC to discuss the grant process. Judy mentioned concerns of trash pick-up along the highway with the construction going on, she will contact the trash company to inform them of the issue. Judy requested an executive meeting to discuss financials from previous administration, she was advised that Council President Cameron Emond would have to call for the executive meeting. Pam Jordan asked if Council Vice President Michael Johnson went to the drainage board meeting to bring up concerns over a ditch in town. Michael did tell them at the drainage board meeting about the concerns with the ditch. It was stated that concerns and complaints regarding the ditch can be faxed to the Commissioner’s office and the drainage board. Another resident expressed concern about corn getting into the ditch and has nowhere to go. A resident also spoke about concerns with the recycling being near the ditch and cardboard ends up in the ditch. We are working on getting recycling moved to a different location. Michael Johnson said he will inquire further into the concerns over the ditch. Ken Smith presented the Council with the grant for paving project, the total project cost will be $453,727.00 the grant will be for $340,295.25 and The town of Wolcott’s share is $113,431.75. The proposed fee to facilitate the grant process is 5% fixed fee not to exceed $25,000. Council Member Darwin Miller made a motion to approve the grant for the streets. Council Member Rex Pearson second the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Janell Hofstetter asked if there was a closing date for bids on the pocket park. She stated that the add placed in the paper did not include a closing date. It was decided that the closing date for bids would be May, 6 before the next Council meeting. Karie will make sure the add in the paper gets updated to include the closing date. Meeting adjourned.