Town Council 11-21-2023 - Laserfiche WebLink

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1904 Ordinance 13-2023, concerning the Central Indiana Regional Development Authority, the town must pass an ordinance to join CIRDA. The appointed representative for the Town will be Mike Dellinger with Morgan Couty Economic Development Corporation. Councilman Williams motioned to suspend the rules to join the Central Indiana Regional Development Authority. Councilman Swinney seconded. Motion carried 5-0. Councilman Williams motioned to approve Ordinance 13-2023. Councilman Swinney seconded. Motion carried 5-0. The first reading of ARPA Ordinance 15-2023 proposes a one-time bonus for full-time employees. Duringthe discussion, Council President Warthen expressed his supportforthe employees and nonprofits while hesitating to allocate $500,000 due to the potential for another town project. Councilman Williams expressed frustration over the funds awarded to the town that have not been used for their intended purposes. Councilman Willams motioned to approve the first reading of Ordinance 15, 2023, which pertains to employee bonuses of $2,200 for the year 2023. Councilman Cook seconded. Motion carried 4-1. Councilman Warthen opposed it. The first reading of ARPA Ordinance 16-2023 to assist eligible nonprofit organizations. Councilman Williams motioned to approve the first reading of Ordinance 16-2023. Councilman Cook seconded. Motion failed 2-3. Councilman Swinney, Councilman Brown, and Councilman Warthen opposed it. Department Head Reports — Park Superintendent Phil Cornelius noted the Halloween hike was the most attended hike ever, indicating a high level of community participation and interest. He also mentioned working on the camping arrangements for the upcoming Eclipse weekend. Chief Buckner reminded everyone of Christmas with kids on December 16th. He also brought attention to the need for hiring crossing guards, as it falls under the town's responsibility to provide this service to the schools located in town. Furthermore, Chief Buckner highlighted the effectiveness of the flock cameras installed throughout the town. These cameras have led to successful apprehensions, including the recovery of stolen firearms. Street Superintendent Moore informed the council that the leaf pick-up is progressing well. The long- awaited sewer lining project is nearing completion. He shared thatthe new truck ordered earlier will arrive in early December. The Christmas tree for Bicentennial Park will be picked up on Monday. There was a discussion among council members regarding the excessive street department overtime costs incurred during street fairs and the impact on their budget. Councilman Cook and Councilman Williams emphasized the need for the street department to work with Chief Buckner to continue providing the services. Councilman Williams motioned for David Moore to work with public safety to block the streets for Victorian Christmas, and Councilman Brown seconded. Motion carried 5-0. Wastewater Treatment Plant Calvin Boultbee mentioned the clean-out of the sewer plant common outfall 001A should be completed by the end of November or the first week of December. Legal — There were none. Public Comments — Rob Samuels wanted to voice his support for investing and the choice that was made in choosing a new IT provider.