Council Meeting
June 4, 2024
6:00 pm
Present: Council President: Cameron Emond, Vice President: Michael Johnson
Council Members: Darwin Miller, Betty Hoster, Rex Pearson
Clerk Treasurer: Judy Thomas, Utility Clerk: Breanna Plantenga, Deputy Clerk: Karie Holder
Water Superintendent: Robert Thomas
Wastewater Superintendent: Jeff Province
Town Marshal: Jared Baer
Town Attorney: Jacob Ahler
Other: Jerry Lietz, Daryl Orns, Marilyn Maxwell, Steve Young, Janet Gross, George Mathew, and Kenneth Burns.
Council President Cameron Emond opened the Council Meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.
The March 27, 2024 Executive Meeting minutes, May 21, 2024 Council meeting minutes, and May 29, 2024 Executive Meeting minutes were presented for approval. Council Member Darwin Miller made a motion to approve the March 27, 2024 Executive Meeting minutes, May 21, 2024 Council meeting minutes, and May 29, 2024 Executive Meeting minutes. Council Member Betty Hoster second the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
Wastewater Superintendent Jeff Province reported that everything is going alright at the plant. Jeff stated that he is still waiting on the UV wipers to be repaired. Council President Cameron Emond brought up the bills that are pending payment, for the repair of the Digester at the Wastewater Plant. The Council feels that Commonwealth should pay for the repairs, under the Warranty Agreement. Town Attorney Jacob Ahler expressed concern over the fact that it does not seem like Common Wealth will pay for the repairs. After much discussion, Council Vice President Michael Johnson made a motion to pay the bills that are due, and try to get Commonwealth to reimburse the Town for the repair cost. Council Member Darwin Miller second the motion. Motion carried 4-0. Town attorney Jacob Ahler will write a letter to Commonwealth.
Vince Hall, Street Department employee, reported that everything is going well.
Town Marshal Jared Baer reported that he will be doing a walk through at the water and wastewater plants, to discuss putting up cameras at the plants and compost bin. Jared also stated that the Wolcott Police Department were very present at the schools during the last few weeks of school, and participated in Operation Pull Over. There was some discussion over the Wolcott Police Department hiring an officer, to act as the Tri County School Resource Officer. Council Vice President Michael Johnson made a motion to hire an officer for the School Resource Officer position. Council Member Darwin Miller second the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
Michael Johnson stated that he attended a lunch for White County Economic Development, and learned about restoring old buildings in town.
Marilyn Maxwell, Mainstreet Committee, reported that the Mainstreet planted flowers around town. The Mainstreet Committee will be selling water at the Summer Festival, in July, and will also be hosting a Bake Steak in September.
Town Attorney Jacob Ahler is working on a lawsuit filed against the Wolcott Police Department.
Clerk Treasurer Judy Thomas received an email from SBOA stating that they will not be auditing Wolcott until at least September. Judy reported that there are many discrepancies that need fixed, going all the way back to 2019. Judy provided the Council with a fund report, and discussed how the Wastewater Checking account is getting low. After some discussion about transferring some money, it was decided to hold off until a later date.
The Council discussed some requirements for the contract with SURF Internet, who will be installing fiberoptic internet in Wolcott. The contract will require SURF Internet to agree to the following terms: Max depth of digging will be 2ft. All damages must be repaired within a week of being damaged. The company must relocate within two weeks if they are in the way of any town repairs that need done, otherwise SURF Internet will have to pay a $10,000 fine/day. The company must provide proof of insurance, before beginning their installation process. Each phase of the project is subject to approval by the Council.
Council President Cameron Emond opened the following bids for the 2024 Community Crossing Grant:
· Central Paving for $276,329.00.
· Town & Country for $247,830.50.
· Milestone for $297,645.60.
This is a 75%-25% grant. This project will be for paving parts of Fourth St, Second ST, Third St, E Johnson St, Fox St, and Raymond St. After little discussion, Council Member Darwin Miller made a motion to accept the lowest bid, Town & County for $247,830.50. Council Member Rex Pearson second the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
Council Member Darwin Miller announced that INDOT will not be resurfacing the highway until after the Fourth of July. The Council also talked about some complaints received from residents regarding the sidewalk ramps, installed by INDOT.
A resident expressed concern over slick sidewalks, due to plastic coverings left on some.
The Town Marshal was asked if there was a curfew in town, because there has been a report of kids being out at 3:30am.
Multiple residents complained about people speeding on E North St and Homer Ln. Stop signs are being placed at the intersections to help the issue.
A concerned resident reported to the Council that it is hard to turn on to E North St from the highway, while there are cars parked on the corner, in front of the library. After some discussion, the curb will be painted yellow, to resolve the issue.
Meeting Adjourned.
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