November 10, 2008

The Ellettsville, Indiana, Town Council met in Executive Session at 6:30 p.m., Monday, November 10, 2008. The meeting was held at the Fire Department Conference and Training Center, 5080 West State Road 46, Bloomington, Indiana. Members present were Dan Swafford, President: Dianna S. Bastin, Vice-President; David Drake, Scott Oldham and Phillip Smith. Sandra Hash, Clerk-Treasurer; Mike Spencer, Town Attorney and Rick Coppock, Town Engineer were also in attendance. Supervisors present were Mike Farmer and Jeff Farmer.

The Council discussed information in accordance to: IC 5-14-1.5-6.1 (b) (2) (B)

(B) Initiation of litigation or litigation that is either pending or has been threatened specifically in writing.

No other matters were discussed.

The meeting adjourned at 7:22 p.m.

November 10, 2008

The Ellettsville, Indiana, Town Council met in Regular Session on Monday, November 10, 2008, at the Fire Department Training and Conference Room. Dan Swafford called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Dianna Bastin led the Pledge of Allegiance and Phillip Smith led in prayer.

Roll Call: Members present were Dan Swafford, President; Dianna Bastin, Vice-President, David Drake, Scott Oldham and Phillip Smith. Sandra Hash, Clerk-Treasurer; Mike Spencer, Town Attorney and Rick Coppock, Town Engineer were also present.

Supervisors Present: Jim Davis, Jim Ragle, Tony Bowlen, Mike Farmer, Jeff Farmer and Frank Nierzwicki were present.

Approval of the Minutes

Dan Swafford entertained a motion to approve minutes for the Special Session October 20, 2008, the Executive Session and Regular Meeting October 27, 2008. Dianna Bastin made the motion. Phillip Smith seconded. Motion carried.

Action to Pay Accounts Payable Vouchers

Dan Swafford entertained a motion to approve Accounts Payable Vouchers. David Drake so moved. Scott Oldham seconded. Motion carried.

Plan Commission Appointment – Term Ending 2011

Dan Swafford appointed Ron Wayt to the Plan Commission and his term will be over in 2011. Ron Wayt had family obligations and could not attend the meeting.

Resolutions

Resolution 19-08 Grant Reimbursement Additional Appropriations

Sandra Hash stated a Code Inspector Official position was approved for the Planning Department during the last Council meeting. This additional appropriation is a “local” appropriation and does not need approval from the State. The town was awarded a $50,000 I-69 Planning Grant and $6,400 from the Metropolitan Planning Organization. Some of the money needs to be reimbursed into certain salary lines.

Fund Name: General Fund, Planning and Motor Vehicle Highway

1-2-112 Planning/Zoning Administrator I-69 $1,448.57

1-2-118 Administrative Assistant MPO $3,069.00

Total for General Fund: $4,507.57

2-1-112 Street Employees Salaries MPO $ 196.42

Total for Motor Vehicle Highway $ 196.42

A Resolution will be presented at the next Council meeting to transfer this money as needed into the new position.

Phillip Smith made the motion we approve Resolution 19-08. David Drake seconded. Roll call vote: Dan Swafford – yes; Dianna Bastin – yes; David Drake – yes; Scott Oldham – yes; Phillip Smith – yes. Motion carried 5-0.

Ordinances on First Reading

Ordinance 08-09 to amend the 2008 Salary Ordinance 07-14

Sandra Hash explained this ordinance is to establish the budget line for the Code Inspection Officer. The salary range will be set at between $10.00 and $12.00 per hour. Scott Oldham asked for clarification that this position will end when the money appropriated through the grant ends. Sandra pointed out the wording in the Ordinance “the position will end when the reimbursements are expended”. There will be an additional reimbursement next year; the money listed on the above Resolution will be money received this year. Sandra reiterated the I-69 Planning Grant is $50,000 and the MPO Grant is $6,400. The grants will not be paying 100% of the Code Inspector position; some of the grant money ($4,507.57) will be used to pay the Planning Department Administrative Assistant.

New Business

Fire Protection Agreement with Richland Township

Jim Davis explained this is an annual Fire Protection Contract with Richland Township. The content is the same as last year with the exception of the dates and the amount (4% higher than last year). Jim Davis submitted a letter to Don Lewis, Richland Township Trustee, prior to his budget process; requesting the 4% increase and Don has advertised for the amount listed ($503,318.41) in his budget.

David Drake made the motion we approve the supplement Fire Service Agreement with Richland Township. Scott Oldham seconded. Roll call vote: Dan Swafford – yes; Dianna Bastin – yes; David Drake – yes; Scott Oldham – yes; Phillip Smith – yes. Motion carried 5-0.

Wastewater Rate Study recommendation

Jeff Farmer has met with two wholesale customers (Northern Richland Sewer Corporation and Eastern Richland) and they reviewed the rate studies. They all agreed to recommend moving forward with the rate increase. The Town Council will need to vote on whether or not to ask Mike Spencer to write an ordinance concerning this rate increase. The Utilities Department would like to implement it over a two year period due to the economic times. Dan asked how long it will take before the rate payers see an increase. Jeff explained there needs to be two public hearings; maybe in a couple of months. Mike Spencer said new contracts will need to be signed by both wholesale customers. Jeff stated a time line will be available at the next meeting. Dan asked if this will be advertised in the paper and will the customers be notified in their bills? Jeff said yes.

Dianna Bastin made a motion that we have Mike Spencer write a Wastewater Rate Ordinance based upon the July 28^th study from H.J. Umbaugh. David Drake seconded. Roll call vote: Dan Swafford – yes; Dianna Bastin – yes; David Drake – yes; Scott Oldham – yes; Phillip Smith – yes. Motion carried 5-0.

Supervisors Comments

Sandra Hash attended the County Council meeting early in the evening. House Bill 1001 requires the County Council review all the taxing unit budgets in their county. They questioned Ellettsville’s levy appeal and what it was for. They then voted to recommend, to the Department of Local Government Finance, the Town budget be approved with the 4% increase that everyone is allowed this year plus the $60,000 levy appeal. Marty Hawk further instructed Sandra to have Ellettsville look deep into their budget and understand the town on an annual bases is spending more than is coming in. The Town of Ellettsville is depleting their operating balance. It is down substantially on the 2009 budget.

Council Comments

Dianna Bastin stated Sam Baker, 8 years old, approached the Council last year and asked for a Christmas tree lighting ceremony. She announced the trees have been planted in the park next to the Street Department. They are not huge and like Ellettsville, will grow into themselves. Dianna thanked Mike Farmer for overseeing the planting. The lighting ceremony will be December 6^th at dusk. She announced all the people who have been involved in this; Mike Farmer, Utilities Department and Ron Wayt, from the community.

Dan Swafford thanked Jim Ragle for getting the leaves picked up. The Street Department is doing a great job.

Scott Oldham announced the Edgewood Marching Band has been very successful this year. They are trying to raise money for a trip to Ireland during Spring Break and would enjoy the support of the community. This would be a worthy investment.

Scott congratulated the football team on their very good year.

Scott spoke with Marshal Bowlen and it was brought forth there are some officers with medical problems. The Board is aware of what is going on and their thoughts and prayers go out to them.

Adjournment

David Drake made a motion we adjourn. Dianna Bastin seconded. Motion carried. Dan Swafford adjourned the meeting at 7:51 p.m.