LAPEL TOWN COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING

APRIL 26, 2023

In attendance: Noah Bozell, Chad Blake, Brian Robertson, Jason Kleinbub, Lindsay Washmuth, Paula Lee and Town Attorney Evan McMullen.

6pm meeting called to order.

Motion to amend agenda to add MS Consultants contract made by Bozell 2^nd by Kleinbub and all were in favor.

Discussion was held on MS Consultants and the proposal given to the Town for Planning Services and Municipal and Economic Development Services.  Bozell stated MS Consultants offers Town Manager services for Towns that cannot currently afford Town Manager services.  Kleinbub stated that we don’t have it in the budget right now to pay a Town Manager. Bozell and Lee went over the budget for possible funds that MS Consultants could be paid out of for services provided to the Town.  Robertson stated that this is lieu of hiring a Town Manager right now.  Kleinbub stated that we should be hiring a Town Manager as well as MS Consultants.  Blake stated the budget needed to be reviewed before hiring a Town Manager and MS Consultants needs to right the ship and get the Town on the right path before hiring a Town Manager. Kleinbub disagreed and stated we need a Town Manager to work with our Utility Superintendent once they are hired.  Robertson stated we would need 80 to 90 thousand plus benefits to hire a Town Manager. Bozell quoted that the agreement stated they would work with the utility department as an advisor as needed including employee organization and writing SOPs for the department.  McMullen brought up the aspect that the agreement was also for legal services, Robertson stated he wished to retain Graham Farrer as Town attorneys.

Motion to accept MS Consultants agreement for services contingent upon negotiations to lower the price not to exceed $40,000.00 made by Bozell, 2^nd by Kleinbub and all were in favor.

Discussion held on Team Lead position, internal hire, modification of payment with new duties and extra expectations.  One person, one position Team Lead to assist Utility Supervisor.  Changes to document requested at previous meeting were made. 

6:44pm Kleinbub resigned from his position as Council member and then offered to be the Town Manager at a rate of pay of $55,000.00 per year with no health benefits or insurance of any kind.  Klienbub stated that he was going to apply for the position of Town Manager when it became open but wanted to go ahead and offer his services to the Town at this reduced rate of pay and benefits.  Bozell and Blake thanked Kleinbub for his service as Council member to the Town.  Kleinbub stated he would turn in his resignation in writing.

Motion to approve Team Lead job description made by Blake, 2^nd by Bozell and all were in favor, Kleinbub having resigned did not vote.

Motion to pass Ordinance #2-2023 an amendment to Ordinance #9-2022 with a maximum hourly compensation not to exceed $5.00 per hour for Team Lead position made by Bozell, 2^nd by Blake and all were in favor, Kleinbub having resigned did not vote.

Motion to adopt Ordinance #3-2023 the first reading of an Ordinance of the Town of Lapel Madison County Indiana Amending the Official Zone Map as to Certain Real Estate Within the Town of Lapel Indiana the official rezone of Weihe Construction made by Bozell, 2^nd by Washmuth and all were in favor Kleinbub having resigned did not vote.

Motion to waive 2^nd and 3^rd reading of Ordinance #2-2023 and adopt on first reading made by Blake, 2^nd by Robertson and all were in favor, Kleinbub having resigned did not vote.

Call center was again briefly discussed some municipalities put calls thru their police dispatch that was not a favorable idea. Council to ask MS Consultants for guidance.

Job description of Town Manager to be given to MS Consultants for review.

Being no further business to discuss Motion to adjourn made by Bozell, 2^nd by Washmuth and all were in favor.

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