December 3, 2024 - Council Meeting

Council Meeting

December 3, 2024

6:00 pm

Present:          Council President: Cameron Emond, Council Vice President: Michael Johnson

Council Members: Darwin Miller, Betty Hoster, Rex Pearson

Clerk Treasurer: Judy Thomas, Utility Clerk: Breanna Plantenga, Deputy Clerk: Karie Holder

Wastewater Superintendent: Jeff Province

Water Superintendent: Robert Thomas, Water Operator: Justin Bowman

Street Department: Vince Hall

Town Marshal: Jared Baer, Deputy Marshal: JR Northcutt

Town Attorney: Jacob Ahler

Other: Ken Smith, Pam Jordan, Carey Jordan, Steve Young, Janet Gross, Sandy Miller, Kenneth Burns, and Janell Hofstetter.

Council President Cameron Emond opened the Council Meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.

The November 19, 2024 Public Hearing/Council Meeting Minutes were presented for approval. Council Member Darwin Miller made a motion to approve the minutes. Council Member Betty Hoster second the motion. Motion carried 5-0.

Wastewater Superintendent, Jeff Province, reported that the bearings went out on one of the rotors. The sludge at the Wastewater Plant will be emptied soon. IDEM is currently reviewing the Wastewater Pre-Treatment Ordinance. Jeff also stated that he has applied to take the state test for his wastewater license.

Clerk Treasurer Judy Thomas stated that she spoke with Rob from Commonwealth. Commonwealth has offered to settle on paying the Town of Wolcott $6,900 in reimbursement for Wastewater Plant repairs. Commonwealth is also offering to provide special training for the town employees, on the Wastewater Plant. After much discussion, Council Member Darwin Miller made a motion to accept Commonwealth’s offer of $6,900 and training. Council Vice President Michael Johnson second the motion. Motion carried 4-1, President Cameron Emond opposed.

Water Superintendent Robert Thomas reported that he is working on getting one of the service pumps repaired at the Water Plant.

Vince Hall, Street Department, reported that the leaf vac is still broken. Parts for the repair are on backorder.

Town Marshal Jared Baer spoke to the Council about adopting a per diem rate for the Town’s travel policy in the handbook. Jared will be working with the Clerk Treasurer to draft something up. Jared also announced that he has been thinking about getting a K-9 for the Wolcott Police Department. The K-9 will be purchased by donations. After much discussion, the Council gave Jared permission to move forward with the process.

Fire Chief Kenneth Burns announced that Santa will be at the Fire Department on December 21st from 3pm – 7pm.

Sandy Miller, RWCDC, reported that the Senior Café is doing well.

Janell Hoffstetter announced that the Farmer’s Market had their 2024 closeout meeting, and decided that they will be doing the Farmer’s Market again in 2025.

Michael Johnson, WCED, stated that the White County Economic Development spoke on new housing, at their meeting.

Darwin Miller, Mainstreet Committee, reported that the Christmas decorations have been put up around town.

Town Attorney Jacob Ahler stated that he is continuing to work on the ongoing broken waterline issue, outside of town. Jacob has also been talking with Brightspeed about a possible fiberoptic project in town.

Clerk Treasurer Judy Thomas announced that NIPSCO is offering aid to qualifies residents.

Council President Cameron Emond read the first reading of the 2025 Salary Ordinance. The Council discussed changing the amount of the clothing allowance.

Town Marshal Jared Baer discussed with the Council about getting security cameras at the Water Plant, Wastewater Plant, and the compost bin.

Water Operator, Justin Bowman, asked that the Town furnish him a phone, rather than receiving a phone stipend.

The Council voted to appoint a 2025 representative for Whit County Area Plan. Council Vice President Michael Johnson made a motion to appoint Betty Hoster as the representative. Council Member Darwin Miller second the motion. Motion carried 5-0.

Ken Smith notified the Council that they can pay the final invoice to close out the 2024 Community Crossing Grant.

Meeting adjourned.