February 28, 2005

The Ellettsville, Indiana, Town Council met in regular session on Monday, February 28, 2005, at the Fire Department Training and Conference Room. Patrick Stoffers called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Sandra Hash led in prayer and William Evans led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call: Patrick Stoffers asked for roll call of the Council Members. Patrick Stoffers, President; William Evans, Vice-President; Lisa Creech, Philip Rogers and Dennis Williamson were present. Also present were Sandra Hash, Clerk-Treasurer; Mike Spencer, Attorney and Frank Nierzwicki, Director of Planning Services.

Supervisors Present: Jim Davis, Ron McGlocklin, Jay Humphrey, Rick Coppock, Mike Farmer and Jeff Farmer were present.

Approval of the minutes

Lisa Creech moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting from February 14, 2005. William Evans seconded. Motion carried.

Action to Pay Accounts Payable Vouchers

Lisa Creech made a motion to pay the Accounts Payable Vouchers. William Evans seconded. Motion carried.

Ordinances on Second Reading

Ordinance 05-04 rearranging and modifying sections 34 and 36 of Title III of the Code of Ordinances for the Town of Ellettsville

Patrick Stoffers explained this is nearly a year long project to update the personnel policy for the town. Jim Davis stated he was available to answer any questions. There were none. Lisa Creech made a motion to adopt Ordinance 05-04. William Evans seconded. Motion carried.

New Business

Discussion for consolidation of Northern Richland Sewer

Jeff Farmer, Ellettsville Utilities, stated the Town of Ellettsville has been asked by Northern Richland Sewer Corporation (NRSC) customers to consider consolidation into the Town’s sewer system. Jeff asked the board if an informational meeting could be held at 6:30 p.m. on March 28, 2005 at the Ellettsville Fire Department Training and Conference Room. A letter will be sent to all NRSC customers to attend this question and answer session. Lisa Creech agreed the meeting would be fine. Patrick Stoffers stated the Board, in general, favors this proceeding. The Utility office will be sending informational packets to all customers before the meeting with phone numbers to call with any questions.

Privilege of the Floor – Non Agenda Items

Ed Bitner, Main Street resident, advised it is the time of the year to research the practicality of the tax abatements especially on the Eagle’s Landing property in the old Ellettsville Elementary School. The previous board authorized tax abatement for this property. He wanted to know if anyone has followed up to see if Eagle’s Landing upheld their agreement. If not, that should be done in March of this year. Patrick Stoffers responded that he thinks this body has a 30 day window, beginning on the anniversary date of the abatement, to review any abatement granted in the past and make decisions on them. No council members have indicated anything in that direction at this time.

Also, Ed Bitner commented on the new street lights going through Ellettsville. They are visible from the air, light up the sidewalk and light up his house. He feels they are quite blinding while driving at night and wants to know if a lower wattage could be used or a hood be placed on them so the lights will shine only on the sidewalks. The lights are very

pretty but annoying. Other people have approached him to approach the Council about the lights.

Supervisor’s comments

Sandra Hash said the Statement of Benefits has been filed and she will put a copy in Council mailboxes for review.

Frank Nierzwicki, Director of Planning Services, reviewed a memo he has been tracking on the legislation’s Proposed Monroe County Food and Beverage Tax in Indianapolis. A bill introduced by Representative Peggy Welch died because it didn’t have a hearing in committee but an element came back in another bill (1299). This bill has been passed by the House Ways and Means and is going to the full house with the vote of 19-4. Some of the items on House Bill 1299 would impose a 1% tax on food and beverage consumed. This would allow a county ordinance to be passed by Monroe County Council allowing each month receipts be distributed into two accounts (City of Bloomington and Monroe County). The type of projects eligible under this bill in its present form would be a convention center, conference center, auditorium facility, public safety facility, park and recreation facilities, tourism or economic development projects and parking facilities. According to House Bill 1299 in present form, the Mayor of Bloomington would make these decisions with the input from the Monroe County Food and Beverage Tax Authority. This board would be made up of a nine member group with the following designation: The Mayor of Bloomington would appoint two members, Bloomington City Council would appoint two members, the Monroe County Commissioners would have 3 appointees and two members would be appointed by County Council ( one of which must reside in Ellettsville). The amount of money forecasted by the legislative services out of Indianapolis was for the year 2006 if this bill was implemented. The first full year of its operation would net 2.247 million and the second year (2007 calendar year) would net 2.357 million. The proposal at it stands would give the City of Bloomington 1.123 million dollars the first year and 1.178 the second year. Ellettsville would be eligible for projects through the Monroe County element by submitting requests and going into the bidding process.

William Evans asked what percentage Ellettsville would be getting. Frank responded there is no guaranteed amount listed in House Bill 1299. Approximately 6,000 people live in Ellettsville which is only 5% of the overall Monroe County population.

Lisa Creech stated this would be a great thing and could benefit a lot of projects down the road.

Frank will continue to monitor any interaction with Representative Welch or Senator Simpson.

Sandra Hash mentioned that she and Amber will be out of the office March 7-11 attending the Clerk’s Academy at Ball State University. The office will be closed.

Dennis Williamson stated the Governor has proclaimed the week of March 6-12 as Severe Weather Week. March 9^th has been picked to have the statewide tornado drill. If severe weather is happening that day, the drill will take place March 10 or when the weather clears up. The tests will involve two different times. The first drill will occur between 10 and 11 a.m. primarily for schools and work places to participate in the drill. The second drill will occur between 7 and 8 p.m. so we can practice while at home. Also, the Monroe County Emergency Management Advisory Committee has put out the new Comprehensive Management Plan that will be delivered to all the agencies involved with this plan.

Lisa Creech working with Carol Gardner, of the Edgewood Primary school, secured funding on the CAPE III project, a great program that helps parents and children both. The Ellettsville Chamber of Commerce had their annual meeting last week. Wendy Pritchard gave a wonderful talk on Fraud and Identity Theft. Please support the Chamber and local businesses as we work together on economic development. Our next step is meeting with Frank on some grants and to get the ball rolling on the trail and items for downtown beautification. She will also call Joe Peden concerning the Fall Festival.

Adjournment

Lisa Creech made a motion to adjourn. Phil Rogers seconded. Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.