The meeting began at 7:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Kelsey, Clerk-Treasurer Cummins, Superintendent Walls, Chief Duhamell as well as Councilmen Watts, Voirol, Gerig, Renner, and Martin were in attendance. Captain Caston was also present.
The public hearing portion of the meeting began at 7:15 p.m. regarding the 2019 budget. There were no comments from the audience. After hearing all discussion on the topic from the council, the mayor closed the public hearing at 7:25 p.m.
Police Chief’s Report: The Woodburn Police Reserves are going forward with their hiring process. We are still getting estimates on the new squad for next year, and the reserve squad car had the fan motor replaced which solved a problem with the air conditioner. Captain Caston presented information about the new reserves as well as a spreadsheet showing year to date information for the reserves.
Superintendent’s Report: The Superintendent gave a report on the update to the work being done on the mechanical plant. The hydrant off of Hetrick will be addressed in the near future. Fred has been running the tests that typically have been sent out for examination. He is producing similar results as the tests that the city sends out for examination. Given this situation, certain tests will be run in house at the superintendent’s discretion, unless the Board of Works would like to direct this process, rather than continuing to pay for these results to an outside firm.
Mayor’s Report: The mayor described the potential road upgrades to be accomplished in 2019 as part of the 2018 submission of the Community Crossings Grant through INDOT. The mayor discussed the progress of the Industrial Park feasibility study. There was an article in the News Sentinel in which the CIB approved spending of up to $500,000 to be used in Woodburn’s Industrial Park development. The cameras for the plaza have been ordered and should arrive to be placed within the next several weeks.
Clerk-Treasurer’s Report: The meeting minutes were presented from the September 4th meeting. After discussion, Councilman Watts moved to accept the minutes from the meeting on September 4th as corrected, second by Councilman Voirol, all in favor. Warrants were presented. After inspection, Councilman Watts moved to pay the warrants as presented, second by Councilman Voirol, all in favor. The clerk-treasurer asked if there were any recommended changes to implement for the 2019 budget or amendments to the 2019 salary ordinances as presented. After discussion, Councilman Renner moved to increase Chief Duhamell’s wage by $5,000 annually, effective the first pay of 2019, second by Councilman Watts, all in favor. Councilman Renner moved to increase Officer Yates’ wage by $1,500 annually, effective the first pay of 2019, second by Councilman Martin, all in favor. Councilman Renner moved that the City provide $10,000 term life with accidental death and dismemberment coverage to all full and part time employees, excluding Board of Works and Council members, effective 2019, second by Councilman Gerig, all in favor. Consideration of a 10% raise to Board of Works members’ wage was already written into the appropriate salary ordinance for inspection this evening. All of the aforementioned budget related motions have been incorporated into the 2019 budget and 2019 salary ordinances. Councilman Watts moved to read Ord. 18-1366 (2019 Budget) in full, second by Councilman Renner, all in favor. Councilman Watts moved to accept the first reading of Ord. 18-1366 as presented, second by Councilman Voirol, all in favor. Councilman Renner moved to read Ord. 18-1367 (2019 Elected Salaries) in full, second by Councilman Watts, all in favor. Councilman Watts moved to accept the first reading of Ord. 18-1367 as presented, second by Councilman Renner, all in favor. Councilman Gerig moved to read Ord. 18-1368 (2019 Appointed Salaries) in full, second by Councilman Renner, all in favor. Councilman Watts moved to accept the first reading of Ord. 18-1368 as presented, second by Councilman Voirol, all in favor. The Clerk-Treasurer asked the Council to consider a motion to destroy all records that have gone past their retention cycle from years 1995-2004 in accordance with Allen County’s current procedures. After discussion, Councilman Renner moved as proposed, second by Councilman Martin, all in favor. The clerk-treasurer reported that the month of July was corrected for a total of $33.49.
Councilmen’s Report: Councilman Martin was approached by someone on behalf of the Christ Lutheran Church who would like to put up signage. After discussion, it was determined to investigate into alternative possibilities at this point before agreeing to their proposal. He also wanted a few known properties that have been in disrepair to be investigated into. The mayor explained that all known properties have been encouraged to clean up their properties with the upcoming fall cleanup scheduled after the city-wide garage sales. Any properties that are still in need after that time, will be processed formally per the city’s nuisance ordinance. Councilman Renner asked about placing signage on Hetrick to deter through truck traffic on that road. The mayor described a potential strategy that he intends to confirm with INDOT regarding this issue. Councilman Gerig appreciates the work done on Carl Street. Councilman Watts mentioned that API addressed an issue in Homestead Addition. He asked about the time-frame of the new Hickory Street completion but there is no known timetable currently.
Audience: A resident had a request for the City to consider declaring the week of October 8th, 2018 as “We Love Downtown Week”. The group wants to show footsteps with chalk on the sidewalks. On the 11th, there would be a pumpkin carving contest. They are hoping to have Indiana Wild show animals during this time. She was asking the city council to be judges for the pumpkin carving. There will also be one for businesses as well. Prizes will be handed out. This will help the city receive points towards the Stellar Designation as well. She is asking the city to consider spending up to $550 in an effort to support these activities. After discussion, Councilman Renner moved to spend up to $550 as described, second by Councilman Martin, all in favor. A potential resident couple wanted the city to consider rezoning a parcel within the limits that is currently zoned industrial in order that they may build a home on that site. After discussion, no formal answer was determined at this time but the outlook seemed positive. A resident wanted another resident to address the condition of his yard. He also wanted a particular light that is out of the city limits addressed, which was determined to be at the discretion of Allen County Highway, as well as a boat ramp that is located outside of the limits as well. The resident was encouraged to bring these items to the county. The resident that was referenced has been informed and has pledged to address the situation in the near future.
Councilman Watts moved to adjourn the meeting, second by Councilman Voirol, all in favor. Meeting was adjourned at 8:44 p.m.
