LAPEL TOWN COUNCIL MEETING

JUNE 17, 2021

In attendance in person: Chad Blake, Lindsay Washmuth, Jason Kleinbub, Teresa Retherford, Paula Lee

In attendance virtually: Tom Marvel and Ashley Hopper attorney for the Town

7pm meeting called to order at the Lapel Eagles 110 E 9^th Street, Lapel, Indiana meeting was also available online through a GoTo Meeting link on the Town of Lapel Facebook page.

Blake opened the floor to Public Comment: Ken DeLaBastide asked the Council for permission to close Main Street to 12^th Street for the July 10^th Car Show to be sponsored by Daybreak Church.  Motion to add the closure of Main Street to 12^th Street from 8am to 4pm on July 10 to the agenda made by Retherford, 2^nd by Blake and all were in favor.  Motion to approve the closure of Main Street to 12^th Street from 8am to 4pm on July 10^th made by Retherford, 2^nd by Washmuth and all were in favor.

Motion to ratify all actions and purchases with regard to the June 4 2021 Emergency Declaration due to water main break at 7^th Street & Brookside Road made by Retherford, 2^nd by Washmuth and all were in favor.

Motion to ratify all actions and purchases with regard to the June 8 2021 Emergency Declaration due to water main break at 9^th & Ford Street made by Washmuth, 2^nd by Retherford and all were in favor.

Rob Bellucci from Commonwealth gave an update on the upcoming water project, the draft final design is done, plans and specs were given to Bellucci earlier this week so the next step would be to reach out to Mary Aramacost Utility Superintendent to schedule a review meeting to make sure Commonwealth has captured everything that she believes we need.  Once that’s good to go Bellucci will circle back to the Council to speak with them and the grant administrator to discuss advertising projects. 

Blake asked Bellucci to discuss the SWIF funds with the Council, Bellucci reported that The Indiana General Assembly via HEA 1001 (2021), has allocated $100 Million of federal Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to the Indiana Finance Authority (IFA) to provide grant funding to Indiana utilities for wastewater, drinking water and storm water projects that either protect or improve public health or water quality.  This new program is called the State Water Infrastructure Fund or "SWIF" program.

The goal of the program will be to finance projects that protect and improve public health and water quality, satisfy a regional solution, and provide substantial rate relief to Indiana utility customers most in need. The funds will be provided in the form of co-funded grants to communities. Funds on hand, a community’s allocation of their own American Rescue Plan Act funds, or a State Revolving Fund loan may be used to co-fund an awarded SWIF Grant.

The IFA is accepting applications for SWIF grants until July 15, 2021.  There is a single application for all project types. SWIF applications should be submitted by email to SWIF@ifa.in.gov Links to the SWIF application and SWIF FAQs are below.

If your project is already on the DW or WW SRF Project Priority Lists (or you submitted a DW/WW SRF application within the last 60 days), you do not have to submit a SWIF application for that same project to be considered for a SWIF grant.

Bellucci advised that Council that it was his suggestion that we go ahead and submit an application for funds based on our current approval for an OCRA grant for the water project.

Drew Wolfred addressed the current 2020 round 2 projects going to construction, ROE agreements for 10^th Street have been signed there is however an additional ROE we need to obtain from Sears Apartments.  Wolfred also reached out to Madison County Surveyor and the box car on the north side of 500 S is to be removed soon. 

2021 round 1 projects just got authorized for design and surveying has begun Council will see plans next month on those projects. 

Wolfred addressed the Council regarding the lingering question on the existing right of way along 200 S.  Dodd Title Corporation can provide a title report on the parcels to the south of 200 S and east of the Lapel Fire Station.  Since this property which is owned by Amy Gwinn, is split into two parcels between the Town and County tax districts, we should get information on both parcels which would be $1,100.00 total.  Drew recommended to the Council to pay Dodd directly for the service instead of using Kimley Horn as the middle man.  Motion to authorize Dodd Title for the surveying and title work on 200 S made by Kleinbub, 2^nd by Retherford and all were in favor. 

Wolfred then addressed the State Road 32 Detour Assessment INDOT is saying that the detour was only in place for 6 weeks total last year and they do not feel like resurfacing and patching for all of the roads is warranted.  They aren’t providing any black/white guidance on what is accepted for unofficial detours but rather suggested that we revise our reimbursement request (make a counter offer).  INDOT believes patching work is required not a full resurfacing.  Council advised Wolfred to go for maximum funds that INDOT would approve. 

Before Wolfred presented the proposal for professional consulting services for the Town Parks & Recreation Master Plan and Thoroughfare Plan Lee informed the Council that Hopper requests that the Park Board meet with Wolfred and go over that portion before presenting plan to Council.  Blake stated that this proposal is informational only at this point and no vote would be taken tonight. 

Motion to approve the claims as presented made by Kleinbub, 2^nd by Washmuth and all were in favor. 

Motion to approve Resolution 4-2021 a Resolution for the Small Purchase Policy for the Town of Lapel made by Blake, 2^nd by Kleinbub and all were in favor.

The draft of Resolution 5-2020 Capital Asset plan for the Town of Lapel will be forwarded to Reedy Financial for review before being voted on by Council per Hopper’s request.

Motion to approve the 2^nd reading of Ordinance 10-2021 Fireworks Ordinance made by Retherford, 2^nd by Blake, voting yes Retherford, Blake and Kleinbub (all present) voting no Washmuth (present) and Marvel (virtual).

Motion to approve the 3^rd and final reading of Ordinance 10-2021 Fireworks Ordinance made by Blake, 2^nd by Retherford voting yes Retherford, Blake and Kleinbub (all present) voting no Washmuth (present) and Marvel (virtual).

Motion to approve Ordinance 11-2021 an Ordinance of the Town of Lapel Creating a Non-Reverting Fund for the Community Development Block Grant Award made by Retherford, 2^nd by Kleinbub and all were in favor.

Motion to approve Resolution 6-2021 A Resolution of the Town of Lapel Authorizing the Transfer of Funds from the Cascadden Account to the Sidewalk Repair Project made by Kleinbub, 2^nd by Retherford and all were in favor. Resolution authorizes transfer of $7000.00 from Cascadden Fund to Sidewalk Repair/Replacement fund to bring the account positive.

Motion to approve closure of Hawthorn Drive from noon to midnight on July 4 for the annual neighborhood block party made by Blake, 2^nd by Washmuth and all were in favor.  Amanda Paddock requested closure.

Armacost gave an update regarding the utility department.  Helisieve at WWTP has broken Armacost has estimate for repairs and will consult with Commonwealth Engineering regarding the repairs/cost.  Due to the system being proprietary we will not be required to obtain 3 quotes for the repair.  She also reported that due to the helisieve being broken we have burned up a pump at the WWTP.  Armacost has verbal prices for the repair/rebuild of the pump $4900 to $5500.  Verbal prices on two pumps one is a direct replacement at $9240 and the other is a liberty pump at $7590.  Blake stated that we cannot approve a price from a vendor with the actual written quote in front of the Council. Motion to approve the rebuild of the broken pump and purchase of a new pump at WWTP not to exceed $20,000 made by Blake, 2^nd by Kleinbub and all were in favor.  Motion to approve the helisieve repair at WWTP not to exceed $20,000 made by Blake, 2^nd by Washmuth and all were in favor. 

Armacost also requested an amendment to the Salary Ordinance requesting that when an employee receives full gas certification their pay is increased 75 cents an hour.  This will be presented at the July meeting after discussion with legal. 

Planning Commission met and approved building permits, Paul Sheller will be coming in with plans for the home he’s building.

Office Update-Blake Lee & Hopper are working on an issue regarding an invoice for roofing done due to the Hail Storm Memorial Day weekend of 2019.  Lee also advised that any department head with items for the agenda need to have them into the office no later than Monday afternoon at 4pm otherwise they will not be added to the agenda.

Katie Hutchison gave the Park Update-the Splash Pad has been struck by lightning and is being turned into insurance and the part has been ordered for the repair. 

Kleinbub requested Macy Beeson’s signs be added to the Welcome to Lapel signage Blake to work on project. 

Washmuth spoke on a Chamber of Commerce for the Town of Lapel.  Washmuth to speak with Daniel Paull to update website to highlight/spotlight businesses within the Town.   Lee and Washmuth to work together on project.

Being no further business to discuss the meeting was adjourned.

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