Town Council Minutes - 12-23-02

Robert Majdak called the regular meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

A motion was made by Robert Majdak to table the minutes for December 9th, 2002 so Council member Greg Baumgartner can review them, as President Majdak was absent for that meeting and Council member Baumgartner was absent for this meeting. The motion was seconded by Max Miller and carried by a voice vote.

• Etta Miller a resident who lives at 323 N. Jefferson Street would like to address the Council about the water meter that was thrown away when her house was first beginning to be remodeled. The Town charged her for a new meter and a setter in the amount of $197.40 and fells she should not have to pay for the items. After much discussion the Council agreed that there were no procedures in place for such a remodeling project. Robert Majdak made the motion to defer the cost of the meter and setter Max Miller seconded and motion was carried by a voice vote. Mr. Miller did not like where the outside meter was placed as it will interfere with the new deck he’s building so the Council instructed the Superintendent to move the meter (5) foot north of the position it is in now.
• Paul Miller developer of the Roger Heights 6th Addition was present and asked the Council for a letter stating that the Town signs off the subdivision concerning the street, water and sewer connections. A letter had been sent to the town from the Elkhart County Highway with four (5) items that needed confirmed that Mr. Miller had completed.

1. An invoice needed to be sent for street signs.

2. A three-year Maintenance Surety is purchased for the street and drainage.

3. A nuclear strain gauge and asphalt test is done.

4. A four foot concrete island be placed at the entrance of Blessing Street at Larimer Street.

5. That the drainage areas be seeded.

All items had been addressed and a letter was signed by the Council with initial approval of the subdivision except for the four (4) ft island, which Mr. Miller promised to finish in the spring of 2003. Mr. Miller asked if his subdivision could be advertised in the new brochure. The Council suggest that the Clerk check with the printer and see if there is room to add a spot about the subdivision and report back.

I. Park

II. Water Superintendent
• TRIAD-discuss iron filters. Mr. Jim Frazell was present and answered the Council’s question and concerns about the ozone filtration system that is planned. Mr. Frazell answered a concern Council member Greg Baumgartner had about whether ozone needed to be monitored. Mr. Frazell explained that ozone is a natural compound and is not a controlled product. Mr. Frazell suggested that the Council make a physical plant visit where a plan reviewer will be on site. The closest plant is in Dunkirk Indiana south of Indianapolis, Indiana. Mr. Frazell informed the Council that the deadline for a grant application for the filtration system is August of 2003. The Clerk/Treasurer informed the Council that financially the Town won’t be ready for a couple of years yet.
• Backflow device for Checker’s Café. Superintendent Eldridge informed the Council that the backflow device has been installed and tested at the restaurant and the water has been turned on. The restaurant plans to be open for business by the end of January 2003.
• Superintendent Eldridge informed the Council that he has finished amending the water use ordinance 2002-2 section (2) the backflow device portion and is waiting on the Clerk/Treasurer to type the ordinance up and present for reading and adoption.

III. Wastewater Superintendent

IV. Maintenance Director

V. Marshal
• Discuss animal control. See attached letter. The Marshal has checked with the Syracuse Police Chief and there may be an opportunity to draw up a contract and use their animal control people. The Police Chief said he would present the proposal at the Town meeting in January 2003 and get back to the Marshal with the Council’s decision.

VI. Clerk/Treasurer
• Review and sign proposal for ACM Environmental, Inc. to do an air quality monitoring survey for the town hall at a cost of $3,500.00. Robert Majdak made the motion to let ACM do the survey Max Miller seconded and motion was carried by a voice vote.
• Read, discuss and adopt Ordinance 2002-18 an ordinance to change the town election from a caucus to a primary election status. Robert Majdak made the motion to adopt Ordinance 2002-18 Max Miller seconded and motion was carried by a voice vote.
• Resolution 2002-19 end of year transfers to balance funds. Robert Majdak made the motion to approve Max Miller seconded and motion was carried by a voice vote.
VII. New Business

Robert Majdak made the motion to pay bills. The motion was seconded by Max Miller and was carried by a voice vote.