The regular meeting of the Woodburn City Council began at 7:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Acting Mayor Kelsey, Clerk-Treasurer Cummins, Superintendent Walls, Chief Duhamell as well as Councilmen Watts, Voirol, Gerig, Renner, and Martin were in attendance.
Police Chief’s Report: The Woodburn Police Department worked 97 incidents in October. The reserve applicants are being processed and we are hoping to have them finalized by the end of the year. One quote has been received for the new squad purchase, 2 more quotes should be received by the end of November. The full time hire list has been compiled. It consists of several applications with the background investigations to be performed later this month. The Board of Works determined that notice of the police clerk position will be written up and published at the end of November.
Superintendent’s Report: Leaf pickup has been going for a few weeks but the leaves have really started to fall this week. The Board approved taking down the 5 trees on Center Street that need addressed. In the Spring, replacement trees will be planted for these 5 as well as the trees that were taken down on Carl Street for the Community Crossings project. The Board approved the purchase of needed testing supplies for in house testing. They also approved a change order involving an electrical ductbank that will allow for easy access for future needs.
Acting Mayor’s Report: The acting mayor asked the police chief to monitor speeding within Reichhart Addition due to recent complaints. The acting mayor informed the superintendent that the city is sorry for his loss and that we grieve with his family. Captain Caston submitted a resignation to the city via a letter that was read aloud by the acting mayor. The city is thankful for the time that he worked alongside our community.
Clerk-Treasurer’s Report: The meeting minutes were presented from the October 15th meeting. After discussion, Councilman Martin moved to accept the minutes from the meeting on October 15th as presented, second by Councilman Voirol, all in favor. Warrants were presented. After inspection, Councilman Voirol moved to pay the warrants as presented, second by Councilman Watts, all in favor. The clerk-treasurer presented updated information regarding Title VI requirements and asked that the council approve this information as supplemental to the previously approved resolution making Councilman Martin the Title VI coordinator. After discussion, Councilman Renner moved to approve as presented, second by Councilman Gerig, all in favor. The clerk-treasurer presented a request to financially support the upcoming Woodburn Comedy Night that is put on by the Fire Department. After discussion, Councilman Renner moved to approve spending on invoices of up to $300 for the Woodburn Comedy Night, second by Councilman Voirol, all in favor except Councilman Watts who abstains. On Saturday, November 17th from 9-12p.m. there will be a shredding service on site at City Hall.
Councilmen’s Report: Councilman Renner asked for a larger police presence in Reichhart Addition but he understands that it cannot be constantly enforced. His concern is also for truck traffic down Hetrick. He also thanked the police chief for getting the guardrail in place that saved an individual from suffering more damage than they did. Councilman Gerig asked about a new light pole that is needed on Stockman Way. There are currently people letting out air from tires and the residents would like a well lit area to deter these activities. On Carl Street, there is new cement to be poured on Thursday. He wants to make sure that the Superintendent understands what NIPSCO is planning on doing and coordinate with them as needed. Councilman Voirol asked about Ash Street for potential work next year and what that entails.
Audience: A resident presented information regarding the lighted parade that will take place on December 2nd at 6:00 p.m. This will start here at City Hall and will go through the city. She also asked if the city would be willing to put money towards the event in some capacity. After discussion, Councilman Gerig moved to spend up to $500 towards invoices for the event, second by Councilman Renner, all in favor. Jan presented a letter from a resident, as they had put in a new lawn and because she could not attend. Councilman Gerig moved to credit the sewer based on the average use for all affected months, second by Councilman Renner, all in favor. She also presented a letter from a resident due to watering a lawn and because she could not attend. Councilman Renner moved to credit the sewer based on the average use for all affected months, second by Councilman Voirol, all in favor. A resident asked if his sewer bill could be credited for planting grass. Councilman Gerig moved to credit the sewer based on the average use for all affected months, second by Councilman Renner, all in favor. A resident asked about an extension on his bill. After discussion, Councilman Renner moved that the current outstanding balance be paid by end of day November 19th, second by Councilman Gerig, all in favor. A member of Christ Lutheran Church had replaced an old church sign and showed an example of the sign that they would like to place in other locations. She would like to see their sign added to the Lloy Ball sign on Bull Rapids that is at the edge of the city limits. After discussion, the council determined that, at this time, the church would be able to place this sign on personal property of a willing owner but not where other signs currently are located.
Councilman Voirol moved to adjourn the meeting, second by Councilman Watts, all in favor. Meeting was adjourned at 8:12 p.m.
