- On 9/19/2024
- In Town
LAPEL TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
SEPTEMBER 19, 2024
IN ATTENDANCE: Chad Blake, Brian Robertson, Lindsey Washmuth, Roger Fouse, Gary Shuck, Teresa Retherford, Clerk-Treasurer, Town Attorney, Evan McMullen
7p.m. meeting called to order at the Lapel Lion's Club
PUBLIC COMMENTS AND CONCERNS:
Glen Smart had questions about whether the town has inspectors for the street repairs and water project.
PRESENTATIONS:
Oksana presented a proposal for Comprehensive Plan Update.
Motion made by Blake to Table the Comprehensive Plan Update Proposal until next month, 2nd by Robertson. All in favor.
Scott Noel from Braun Property Development requested to sign off on their improvements in Phase 4 of Montgomery Farms single-family subdivision. Oksana requested that this goes through, while Attorney McMullen suggested that it gets tabled until next meeting. Blake suggests that before this gets signed off on a conversation about drainage needs to happen.
Motion made by Fouse to table the Montgomery Farms Section 4 sign-off, 2nd by Blake. Blake, Robertson and Fouse all in favor. Washmuth and Shuck, no.
Jake Huntzinger regarding golf cart ordinance. He would like the hours to have golf carts out on the streets to be extended or abolished due to the cart being street legal. Blake will have Chief Naselroad check into it and have a discussion if this is possible due to the laws.
NEW BUSINESS:
MS Consultants Sewer Flow Data
Dan Cutshaw presented to the town an update since the study that was done. He explained all the meters and how they were affected during the time that there was rain. If some of the smaller problems could get fixed in the next year, it will help with the capacity at the sewer plant.
MS Consultants Gas Utility Appraisals
Blake explains how the town owns the gas utility which is very uncommon for towns to do anymore. There have been multiple larger gas companies expressing interest in buying our gas utility from us. Two appraisal contracts have been submitted, one for $20,000.00 and the other for $7,500.00. Funds for the appraisals will be paid out of the Cash Operating funds.
Motion to approve the two appraisals to be done for $27,500.00 made by Shuck, 2nd by Fouse. All in favor.
South Madison Community Foundation Donation
Retherford just needs to know where the donation needs to go to. Washmuth will contact the school to find out what organization they would like to have the funds donated to.
Motion to have the South Madison Community Foundation Donation tabled until next month made by Blake, 2nd by Robertson. All in favor.
Ordinance 2024-10 Extension to Water Project
Blake says this for the portion of the water project for the removal of the contaminated soil found under State Road 13. State loan with zero interest for $300,000.00 to pay for this.
Motion made by Blake to approve Ordinance 2024-10 as presented, 2nd by Washmuth. All in favor.
Motion made by Shuck to suspend the rules and approve Ordinance 2024-10 on first reading, 2nd by Robertson. All in favor.
Leaf Pickup
Retherford speaks about how parts are not available to get for the leaf machine motor. Runyon's no longer has their leaf machine for us to rent. To purchase a new machine, it will cost around $20,000.00. Shuck suggests contacting Best Way to see if they pick up leaves along with the trash service if they are bagged or getting an outside contractor to do it. The council will try to get different options as quickly as possible and potentially have a special meeting on what is going to happen. An update will be given as soon as possible.
CLERK-TREASURER REPORT:
Claims
Retherford sent all the council members the bank statement balance for August. Also, an updated fund and appropriation report. Retherford is doing interviews this week. There is a memorandum for an executive session for the 28th that the council needs to vote on. October 8,9,10th Retherford will be at the AIM conference in Fort Wayne.
Blake suspends regular town council meeting to open public hearing to discuss 2025 budget.
PUBLIC HEARING: 2025 BUDGET HEARING:
Retherford sent out an updated budget from the last meeting with changes the council wanted. The adoption hearing will be at the Lion's Club on October 1 7th at 7:00pm. Blake asks for public questions on the proposed budget for the town for 2025.
Blake closes the Public Hearing and opens the regular Town Council Meeting.
Motion to approve the budget estimates as submitted on Form 1 made by Robertson,2nd by Washmuth. All in favor except Washmuth.
Memorandum of Executive Session needs to be approved.
Motion to approve the Memorandum of the Executive Session made by Blake, 2nd by Washmuth. All in favor.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Tree Removal
Retherford says the council has received 3 more quotes. Shuck explains who the 3 quotes came from and how much they are for.
Motion made by Shuck to approve to have Sutton's remove the eight trees for $9,000.00, 2nd by Blake. All in favor.
DEPARTMENT OF REPORTS:
Police:
Chief Naselroad reports there are two new reserve officers waiting on background checks to come back. Tahoe is currently awaiting emergency equipment. Durango has been cleaned and posted for sale. Graphics for SRO explorer and Tahoe have been ordered and waiting installation date. Ordered new rifles and old rifles have been accepted for trade in. Police department's AC unit is completely done. Absolute Comfort is coming tomorrow to give quotes on the unit. Responded to 506 service calls this month, 3,663 calls as of services today. Thirty criminal charges have been filed this month. Increase of drunk driving and illegal drugs this month. Department had to file work comp claim due to police officer being stuck by a needle. Simmerman Farm Fest is this weekend, and officers will be out there for that.
Planning:
Robertson says how Weihe has been approved and they have started moving dirt. The legal team has provided the council with tools on ordinance violations.
Utilities:
The water meter at the Fire Station is not working well, a new meter is going to be needed there.
Parks:
Review of the Park lease agreements are finalized and will be approved at the next meeting.
RDC:
No update
Office/Administration:
No update
COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS AND CONCERNS:
Motion made by Shuck to authorize the legal council to deny and pursue any and all avenues and remedies allowed by law to settle this dispute, 2nd by Washmuth. All in favor.
Robertson gives update on the water project with Atlas.
APPROVAL OF CLAIMS:
Motion to approve claims as presented made by Washmuth, 2nd by Shuck. All in favor, Robertson abstained.
APPROVAL OF ALLOWANCE DOCKET:
Motion to approve August docket as presented made by Shuck, 2nd by Fouse. All in favor.
ADJOURN:
Motion to adjourn the meeting made by Blake, 2nd by Robertson. All in favor.
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