Town Council 03-17-2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Torch Discussion — Dave Moore came before the council to discuss the malfunctioning of the bicentennial torches. A person from Light Source believes that due to inferior construction or materials water appears to be getting in the electrical boxes. An estimated cost of repairs is going to be submitted to the council by Light Source. Councilman Warthen motioned that as soon as the estimate is in that it is forwarded to RDC to determine the cause of the failure and determine recourse. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Hester. Motion carried 5-0. Sewer Bad Debt Write off - An annual housekeeping matter to write off $1,196.86 as a bad debt. Town Attorney Lee mentioned a program called TRECS run by the Indiana Association of Counties the program takes certain debts and runs it against the department of revenue if there is a bad debt the return can be captured and the debt paid off. Councilman Warthen motioned to write off the bad debt. Motion was seconded by Councilman Stanley. Motion carried 5-0. Department Head Reports - Dave Moore from the Department of Public Works gave an update that there is plenty of work to keep employees busy. Brent Callahan from the Parks Department presented a letter from the park board stating that when the schools closed 43 part time employees in the REC program would receive a onetime stipend averaging 1 week's pay. In following with the recommendations of the CDC to limit gatherings of 10 or more people effective immediately the Parks and Recreation district is cancelling any event or gathering that potentially exceeds people until May 10th- and may be extended. At this time, it has not been determined how this may impact any events planned for the Summer. The work on the aquatic center is still being done in anticipation of it being open. Chou-il Lee town attorney ask for clarification on how stipend would be paid. Kevin Julian from the Police Department came before the Council to explain the Police academy has been shut down for 2 weeks and there is no chance of getting the 2 new hires in. He asked for a clarification to implement a reserve officer. It was determined that the Police Commission would oversee the issue. Legal — Resolution notice was recommended. Governor of Indiana has issued a recommendation'to not congregate with 10 or more people in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19. As such there needs to be a plan in place for electronic meetings so that there can be one person present to run the meeting with all other members joining by electronic means. The resolution also recommends the closing of the Town Hall and all of the government buildings to the public. Employees will still be working and handling all necessary Town business, but the building would be closed to the general public except for when there is an open-door meeting. Councilman Warthen mentioned that the Lion's Den is scheduled to be used by the public over the next couple of months, and he suggested that the Council take the time to proactively cancel those events to stay in line of the Governor's executive order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Attorney Lee suggested making sure that the resolution read the way it needed to in order to have a proactive approach rather than a reactive approach. Councilman Warthen voiced his faith in the Clerk -Treasurer to run her department in the best interest of the citizens of Mooresville regarding the decision to close the Clerk's office in order to abide by the Governor's Order. Council President also expressed similar faith in the Police Department and other department heads to be able to make the proper call in regards to the Executive order to assist in preventing the spread of COVID-19. There was no action taken on the resolution at this time. Councilman Warthen made a motion to cancel all events and meetings scheduled for the Lion's Den until May 2nd. Seconded by Councilman Cook. Motion Carried 5-0 ET Agreement — On the Merriman Rd. expansion there is a need to obtain the right of way to complete this expansion. An easement has been issued; however, the agreement does state this does not give up the right to compensation under the constitution. The understanding of rights needs to be considered by the Council, and the Town Attorney is already working towards determining the financial value of the