The most recent minutes will be added to the website after they have been approved and signed at a Council meeting. "Draft" copies will be available for viewing or purchase at the Santa Claus Town Hall, 90 N. Holiday, Santa Claus IN eight (8) days after a scheduled meeting date.
JULY 9, 2008
The Santa Claus Town Council met in special session on July 9, 2008 at the Town Hall. The meeting was called to order by Council President Smith at 5:30 p.m.
Present: Kevin Burke, Ron Smith, Dennis Della Morta, Elmer Dilger and Mike Johannes
Also present were Clerk-Treasurer, Kim Christensen; Lisa O’Brien, Dean Merder and Joe Asbury, representing the Park Board; Town Marshal, Joey Brown; Fire Chief, Ed Hagedorn and Assistant Fire Chief Max Meyer; and Utilities Superintendent Russ Luthy.
First order of business was discussion concerning the 2009 budget:
Christensen explained that she had received budget requests from the department heads. She had already meet with the representative from the Department of Local Government Finance(DLGF). Since there have been legislative changes made to property tax no one is really sure what is going to be happening over the next few years as far as how much the towns will be receiving.
Community Center No changes were made to the presented budget. The Parks & Recreation Board representatives mentioned the need for a new fire alarm system, new doors, a new sign and the floors needing repairs in the day care. The Council asked if there was grant money available for any of these repairs. The exercise room at the Community Center is required by law to have a defibrillator. Johannes suggested contacting Jane Stout to check and see if there was money available for this purchase.
Parks & Recreation Christensen stated that this budget is the one that usually requires cutting. In two previous years the Parks and Recreation Fund had ended the year in the negative. Now there is never a cushion left at the end of the year so the fund is not building up. Merder stated that the Parks is not supposed to be profitable. Christensen stated that it is not supporting itself either. After meeting with the DLGF they suggested advertising as is and then leave it up to the Council when the 1782 Notice is received as to where the cuts are made. DLGF will show a cut in one or more funds, but the Council can suggest that it be made elsewhere. The total tax rate is figured on a combination of the rates from each fund that is funded by property taxes. The Council would have to decide if one budget is cut or if the reduction is spread over multiple budgets. The Council stated that the Parks had grown and that there just was not enough money available for upkeep. Merder stated that the group would have to find some way to fund the Parks. Need to budget for a new tractor, with ½ being paid out of Parks and the other out of the Community Center. Christensen stated that the amount budgeted in Parks could be taken out at budgeted in one of the cumulative funds. Burke said he didn’t want to do that until he saw the budgets for the cumulative funds. After discussion it was decided to take the tractor out of the Parks budget and leave the rest of the budget as is.
Police Department Only change to the budget presented was raising the gasoline budget from $11,000.00 to $14,000.00. J. Brown stated that at Burke’s request he had looked into the cost of a carrier for the speed sign and trailer hitches. The money to fund these expenditures is included in the equipment line item.
Town Marshal No changes were made to the presented budget. Christensen explained that the raises in payroll where calculated using the formula that has been used for the last two years. Burke asked where the money went that was received from doing traffic at Holiday World. J. Brown and Johannes explained that the officers worked on their own time and were paid directly. Burke asked about the use of the Town’s vehicles and if the Town was receiving compensation. J. Brown stated that this was something that was always done and the Town was not reimbursed. He stated that if there is something going on in Town while they are doing traffic they do leave to take care of business. Johannes explained that in other places the Town was responsible for budgeting to control the traffic and would have to pay the officers, plus use the Town’s vehicles. Burke asked what would keep a utility worker from using a town vehicle for their own gain. Christensen stated that this was not allowed per Town ordinance. Johannes stated that the roads are public roads so the Town is responsible for keeping them safe and un-congested.
Law Continuing Ed No changes were made to the presented budget.
Planning & Dev No changes were made to what was presented. Christensen stated that P. Brown was going to be requesting a raise during the renewal of his Building Inspector contract. If the Council chooses to allow the raise there would be no need to raise the amount of money budgeted in that line item.
Fire Department Hagedorn presented the Fire Department budget. He stated that they have filed for a grant from FEMA for a new truck and new turnout gear. The first responder truck needs upgraded. Hagedorn asked about the new fire station. Smith stated that he could not say for sure, but that he didn’t expect anything for at least a couple of years. Christensen stated that she needed to check on the hydrant rental since the ordinance has changed the rate paid per hydrant.
Clerk -Treasurer Christensen stated that the raises were calculated using same formula as the last two years. She asked what the Council wanted to do with their pay. It was decided to budget $2,500/year for the Council members and $3,000/year for the Council President. Natural gas was changed from $6,500.00 to $9,000.00.
EDIT No changes were made to the presented budget.
Unsafe Bldg. No changes being made to the presented budget.
Rainy Day No changes being made to the presented budget. Christensen stated that this money could be used to cover ½ of the tractor for the Parks and also help fund the new police vehicle. 1/3 of the donation to the Humane Society will come out of this fund.
Riverboat No changes being made to the presented budget. Christensen stated that this money could also be used to cover ½ of the tractor for the Parks and also help fund the new police vehicle. 1/3 of the donation to the Humane Society will come out of this fund.
CCI No changes were made to the presented budget. Christensen stated that the money budgeted in this account for 2008 was to cover the new lights and ceiling repair at Town Hall. Luthy has received lighting quotes and will present those later in the meeting.
CCD No changes were made to the presented budget.
CCB No changes were made to the presented budget. New carpeting in the police department will be funded out of here.
CCF No changes were made to the presented budget.
MVH
Luthy stated that he had budgeted for a new backhoe, which will be funded
10% out of MVH. Christensen stated
that she had budgeted to pay part of Knies’ insurance out of this fund since he
works about 50% of the time in this department and currently none of his
insurance comes out of this fund.
Luthy stated that he had received an estimate on the cost to chip and seal from
the main gate south over by Holiday World.
The estimate that he had received was $61,000.00.
Luthy mentioned that
Christensen stated that she and Patmore had been mistaken about the need for no action regarding the Compliance with Statement of Benefits form that had been received from Kimball International. The Council need to decide if they are in substantial compliance or not. After reviewing the information received from Kimball, Johannes moved that Kimball was in substantial compliance and authorized the Council President to sign the form. Della Morta seconded.
Ayes: Johannes, Della Morta, Smith, Dilger
Abstained: Burke
Motion passed.
The meeting for July 10, 2008 will be noticed as cancelled since all business was addressed at this meeting. With no further business to come before the Council, Johannes moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 p.m. Dilger seconded.
Ayes: Unanimous
Motion passed.
SANTA CLAUS TOWN COUNCIL
Ron Smith, Council President
Kevin Burke, Council Vice-President
Dennis Della Morta, Council Member
Elmer Dilger, Council Member
Michael Johannes, Council Member
ATTEST:
Kim Christensen, Clerk-Treasurer
JULY 14, 2008
The Santa Claus Town Council met in executive session on July 14, 2008 at the Santa Claus Town Hall. The meeting was called to order at 6:10 p.m. by Council Vice-President Kevin Burke.
Present: Kevin Burke, Dennis Della Morta, Elmer Dilger and Michael Johannes.
Absent: Ron Smith
Also present were Town Attorney, Kevin Patmore; Clerk-Treasurer, Kim Christensen; Town Marshal, Joey Brown and Deputy Matt Keller.
The meeting was called to discuss the initiation of litigation or litigation which is either pending or has been threatened specifically in writing.
ADJOURMENT:
With no further business to discuss the meeting was adjourned.
SANTA CLAUS TOWN COUNCIL
Kevin Burke, Council Vice-President
Dennis Della Morta, Council Member
Elmer Dilger, Council Member
Michael Johannes, Council Member
ATTEST:
Kim Christensen, Clerk-Treasurer
JULY 14, 2008
The Santa Claus Town Council met in regular session on July 14, 2008 at the Town Hall.
The meeting was called to order by Council Vice-President Burke at 5:30 P.M.
Present: Kevin Burke, Dennis Della Morta, Elmer Dilger and Michael Johannes.
Absent: Ron Smith
Also present were Town Attorney, Kevin Patmore; Clerk-Treasurer, Kim Christensen; Utilities Superintendent Russ Luthy, and Police Chief, Joey Brown.
MINUTES:
Johannes moved to approve the minutes from June 9, 2008 (regular session). Della Morta seconded.
Ayes: Unanimous
Motion passed.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Entertainment Tax Committee: Don Vogel stated that Jim Treat and himself had meet with Russ Stillwell and basically were told it would be an uphill battle. There is really nothing more that the Committee can do to move forward. Burke asked if there were any other suggestions. Vogel said that any tax would have to go through state legislation for approval. Committee decided to wait and see what happens with the cost of service study. Dilger thanked the Committee for all their work.
PARKS AND RECREATION:
No business to come before the Council.
COMMUNITY CENTER:
Christensen stated that the paving was completed at the Community Center. One of the concerns had been drainage and it appears that the paving has alleviated this problem.
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT:
Monthly Report: P. Brown presented his monthly report to the Council. He stated that he had meet with ISO’s rate adjustor. They are requesting maps showing streets, fire hydrants and water/wastewater lines. Luthy stated that AWWA had cautioned against giving this information out due to security concerns. This information has not been asked for before. Luthy stated he will contact the adjustor and explain the concern. Patmore stated that the signing of a confidentially agreement might address the concern. Luthy stated that you don’t where their files will be located at and who will be allowed access to them.
POLICE DEPARTMENT:
J. Brown stated that there were a lot of people in town, but not much going on.
Christensen stated that she had received a request from the Heritage Hills Band Boosters to have a car wash in the Town Hall parking lot. Last year the request had been denied due to concerns about blocking the fire department. She stated that she had asked Hagedorn and he raised concerns about people being in the way. The Council decided to deny the request.
STREET DEPARTMENT:
Cedar Crest Subdivision: Luthy stated that he had spoken with J. Brown and Hagedorn regarding the parking at Cedar Crest Subdivision. He had not spoken with legal counsel yet concerning any concerns but will meet with Patmore this week
Russ Winkler’s Condo Area – Street Lights: Winkler is wanting to put street lights in and is asking if the Town will draft a letter stating that the Town will take control of the lights after a year warrantee period. Vectren will put the lights in at no cost. Johannes moved to authorize Patmore to draft a letter stating the Town will take over the lights after the area is completed and the warrantee period has lapsed and that Winkler will be responsible for the bills until the Town’s take the lights over. Dilger seconded.
Ayes: Unanimous
Motion passed.
Burke asked if bids had been
received for the road repairs in
UTILITIES – WASTEWATER:
PMR Report: Luthy gave the Council an update.
INDUSTRIAL PARK:
No business to come before the Council.
TOWN ATTORNEY:
No business to come before the Council.
CLERK TREASURER:
No business to come before the Council.
MISCELLANEOUS:
VOUCHERS AND ADJOURNMENT:
With no further business to come before the Council, vouchers were signed and Johannes moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:55 P.M. Dilger seconded.
Ayes: Unanimous
Motion passed.
SANTA CLAUS TOWN COUNCIL
Kevin Burke, Council Vice-President
Dennis Della Morta, Council Member
Elmer Dilger, Council Member
Michael Johannes, Council Member
ATTEST:
Kim Christensen, Clerk-Treasurer
AUGUST 11, 2008
The Santa Claus Town Council met in regular session on August 11, 2008 at the Town Hall. The meeting was called to order by Council President Smith at 5:30 P.M.
Present: Ron Smith, Kevin Burke, Dennis Della Morta, Elmer Dilger and Michael Johannes.
Also present were Town Attorney, Kevin Patmore; Clerk-Treasurer, Kim Christensen; Utilities Superintendent Russ Luthy, and Police Chief, Joey Brown.
PUBLIC HEARING: Ordinance 2008-04, 2009 Budget – Smith opened the public hearing. Christensen informed those present that the hearing had been properly advertised and notice given. She then proceeded to read Ordinance 2008-04. Smith asked for comments concerning Ordinance 2008-04. With no comments forthcoming Smith closed the public hearing. Johannes moved to approve the first reading of Ordinance 2008-04. Dilger seconded.
Ayes: Unanimous
Motion passed.
MINUTES: Burke moved to approve the minutes from July 9, 2008 (special session), July 14, 2008 (executive session), and July 14, 2008 (regular session). Johannes seconded.
Ayes: Unanimous
Motion passed.
COMMENTS FROM THE FLOOR: No business to come before the Council.
PARKS AND RECREATION/COMMUNITY CENTER:
O’Brien stated that everything was
going good at the Park and Community Center.
Smith asked if they recycled down at
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT:
Monthly report: P. Brown presented his monthly report to the Council.
POLICE DEPARTMENT:
J. Brown stated that he had lost two reserves because they could not participate as much as was needed. He would like to put James Faulkenburg on as a reserve officer, pending a background check. Faulkenburg has already been through 40 hour pre-basic. Burke moved to give J. Brown permission to put Faulkenburg on as a reserve officer if he meets the department specifications and passes his background check.
Dilger asked about the neighborhood watch program. J. Brown stated that he had been meeting with the people from Dale. People need to want to put the time into the program. He will be doing another meeting in Santa Claus with speakers.
FIRE DEPARTMENT: No business to come before the Council.
STREET DEPARTMENT:
Cedar Crest Subdivision: Johannes moved to give J. Brown and Luthy authority to put up signs and mark the road in Cedar Crest Subdivision to control parking. Dilger seconded.
Ayes: Unanimous
Motion passed.
Policy for street repair: Burke stated that he thought the Town needed a road repair policy. He presented a handout to the Council with some policy ideas. He said he could meet with Luthy to discuss and have something for the September meeting. Patmore stated that it would be a good idea to have a policy in place.
Quotes for road repair:
Luthy stated that he had solicited quotes
from three companies for repairs to
five locations in
Ayes: Unanimous
Motion passed.
UTILITIES – WASTEWATER:
Holiday World wastewater flow monitor: This was tabled until the September meeting.
PMR Report: Luthy presented his monthly report to the Council. Smith asked if quotes had been requested for I & I work. Luthy stated that he had a list, but nothing had been requested yet.
Probationary raises: Luthy stated that he had completed probationary reviews for Ivan Reed, Chris Glenn, Stephanie Fuchs and Jeremy Wargel and would like to recommend them all for a $.25 raise. Reed’s would be effective July 23 and the rest would be effective August 5. Johannes moved to approve the recommended raises retroactive to the specified dates. Dilger seconded.
Ayes: Unanimous
Motion passed.
Ordinance amendment regarding summer sewage credit months: The Council requested that the Town Attorney proceed with amending the ordinance relating to summer sewage credit to include the month of June to be effective January 1, 2009.
INDUSTRIAL PARK:
No business to come before the Council.
TOWN ATTORNEY:
Cell phone usage: Patmore explained that the IRS was requiring cell phone usage to be documented when the Town’s owns the cell phone. Personal use needs to be documented and paid for by the employee. After discussion this was tabled until a later date.
Resolution 2008-04, concerning
Water Project:
Patmore presented a resolution approving the
construction and installation of certain improvements to the waterworks system
and the issuance of water works revenue bonds by the Town of
Ayes: Unanimous
Motion passed.
CLERK TREASURER:
Resolution 2008-03, utility accounts to be written off: Christensen presented the Council with Resolution 2008-03 utility accounts to be written off. She explained that either the properties have been sold, can’t locate previous owner or were bankruptcies. The total she was requesting to write off was $785.01. Burke asked about having a collection agency deal with the accounts. Patmore and Christensen stated that the amounts were not large enough to justify the use of a collection agency. Burke then asked about having business representative personally guaranteeing the business accounts. The Council asked that the Town Attorney draft an ordinance to that affect. Patmore stated that the Waterworks Board would have to approve having this for the water side of the billing. Christensen asked if this would only be for new accounts or if the Council was going to request that every business to supply the documents.
Census 2010: Christensen stated that everything had been submitted for the Census and that she would be meeting with a census representative in October to get everything organized to notify the Town residents.
Health Insurance: Employee insurance was mentioned. Christensen asked if the Council wanted her to approach other agents for quotes. They instructed her to ask the Town’s current agent to shop around early enough for the Council to have time to review and make a decision.
MISCELLANEOUS: No business to come before the Council.
VOUCHERS AND ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to come before the Council, vouchers were signed and Johannes moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:40 P.M. Dilger seconded.
Ayes: Unanimous
Motion passed.
SANTA CLAUS TOWN COUNCIL
Ron Smith, Council President
Kevin Burke, Council Vice-President
Dennis Della Morta, Council Member
Elmer Dilger, Council Member
Michael Johannes, Council Member
ATTEST:
Kim Christensen, Clerk-Treasurer
September 8, 2008
The Santa Claus Town Council met in regular session on September 8, 2008 at the Town Hall. The meeting was called to order by Council President Smith at 5:30 P.M.
Present: Ron Smith, Kevin Burke, Dennis Della Morta, Elmer Dilger and Michael Johannes.
Also present were Town Attorney, Kevin Patmore; Clerk-Treasurer, Kim Christensen; Utilities Superintendent Russ Luthy, and Police Chief, Joey Brown.
MINUTES: Burke moved to approve the minutes from the August 11, 2008 regular session as presented. Dilger seconded.
Ayes: Unanimous
Motion passed.
PUBLIC HEARING:
Council President Smith opened the public
hearing regarding the vacation of
Ayes: Unanimous
Motion passed.
COMMENTS FROM THE FLOOR:
Another issue was raised as to the additional lights that Holiday World would be placing in their parking lot. The residence raised concerns about the additional lighting making the area too bright late in the evenings.
Martin asked about the zoning of the area that had previously been owned by his family. He said that before the annexation it had been agriculture, but now shows amusement. Patmore stated that during the annexation process notification had been given as to any changes that would be done with zoning.
PARKS AND RECREATION/COMMUNITY CENTER:
Update:
Dean Merder, representing the Parks Board,
Lisa O’Brien, Parks Director and Kenny Mulzer, representing Minutemen Football
were in attendance to get the Council’s approval to proceed with putting in
another field at
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT:
Monthly report: P. Brown presented his monthly report to the Council.
POLICE DEPARTMENT:
Ayes: Unanimous
Motion passed.
J. Brown informed the Council that Grindstaff would be leaving for the academy and would be gone 12 weeks. His final day at the academy will be December 8, 2008.
FIRE DEPARTMENT: No business to come before the Council.
STREET DEPARTMENT:
Policy for street repair: The item was tabled until a later meeting.
Cedar Crest subdivision: Luthy stated that the changes had been made with the parking at Cedar Crest subdivision. Council stated that J. Brown can decide when they are going to start ticketing for noncompliance.
Road Salt: Luthy stated that road salt is very scarce this year. He does have a line on a possible supplier but the cost will be at least twice what we were paying a ton.
Road repairs: Luthy stated that there will have to be some patching done for weather related cracking in the roads. Also during the repairing that had been bid out there where a couple of repairs that had been missed being put on the bid and these are being added. One of the repair that had been done ended up costing more than was bid because rock had to be added. Burke asked if this was something that the Town could go back on Koch Development for since the roads were to be at Town specifications before they are turned over to the Town.
UTILITIES – WASTEWATER:
Holiday World issues: This item was tabled until a later meeting.
PMR Report: Luthy presented his monthly report to the Council.
Sewer system repairs:
Luthy stated that he had received quotes for
Ayes: Unanimous
Motion passed.
INDUSTRIAL PARK:
No business to come before the Council.
TOWN ATTORNEY:
Cell phone usage: Patmore stated that it has been confirmed that a policy needs to be in place to deal with cell phone usage. He presented Ordinance 2008-05 which was read by title. Johannes moved to approve the first reading of Ordinance 2008-05, cell phone usage. Dilger seconded.
Ayes: Unanimous
Motion passed.
Summer sewage credit: Patmore stated that the Council had requested a revision of the Ordinance dealing with summer sewage credit. The request had been to add an additional month of credit. He presented Ordinance 2008-06 which was read by title. Dilger moved to approve the first reading of Ordinance 2008-06. Burke seconded.
Ayes: Unanimous
Motion passed.
Sewer accounts: The Town Attorney presented Ordinance 2008-08 to the Council which would require the owner of a company to sign a guarantee regarding their business sewer accounts. The Waterworks Board declined on the idea to require a guarantee on the water side of the account. Patmore did not recommend that this be done since it would be hard to get a guarantee from an owner. Smith asked for a motion on the Ordinance. No motion was forthcoming.
TIF: Patmore informed the Council that they might want to think about pursuing TIF (Tax Increment Financing) in order to capture economic growth. The money would be used to further enhance the area. The only problem with the idea is that it Holiday World’s property is probably 75% personal property and cannot be used to calculate TIF. There would have to be a change in the statute to allow personal property. The Council instructed Patmore to come up with language to submit to Stillwell and Young requesting the change be made to the statute regulation TIF.
CLERK TREASURER:
2009 Budget: Christensen stated that the public hearing had been held on August 11 for the 2009 Budget along with the first reading and approval of Ordinance 2008-04. Christensen read by title Ordinance 2008-04. Johannes moved to approve Ordinance 2008-04, Town of Santa Claus 2009 Budget. Della Morta seconded.
Ayes: Unanimous
Motion passed.
Probationary raise request: Christensen stated that Carol Severson had her last probationary review and she would like to recommend a raise of $.25 per hour retroactive to August 19. Johannes moved to approve the requested raise for Carol Severson of $.25 per hour effective August 19. Dilger seconded.
Ayes: Unanimous
Motion passed.
Window Cleaning: Christensen stated that she had requested quotes for window cleaning at Town Hall. Two had been received: Bright Star for $444.00 yearly and Cleaning Concepts for $691.08 yearly. Burke moved to accept the quote from Bright Star for $444.00 yearly. Dilger seconded.
Ayes: Unanimous
Motion passed.
Keystone Software Systems: Christensen stated that the yearly maintenance agreement renewal had been received from Keystone Software Systems. The cost if $5,600.00 which is $150.00 less than previously. Johannes moved to approve the signed of the maintenance agreement renewal with Keystone Software Systems. Della Morta seconded.
Ayes: Unanimous
Motion passed.
2008 Dinner Meeting: Christensen stated that an invitation had been received from Indiana 15 Regional Planning Commission for their 2008 Dinner Meeting. Because of a previous commitment she will not be able to attend and she wanted to know if any of the Councilmen wanted to attend. No one responded that they would be attending.
MISCELLANEOUS: No business to come before the Council.
VOUCHERS AND ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to come before the Council, vouchers were signed and Johannes moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 P.M. Burke seconded.
Ayes: Unanimous
Motion passed.
SANTA CLAUS TOWN COUNCIL
Ron Smith, Council President
Kevin Burke, Council Vice-President
Dennis Della Morta, Council Member
Elmer Dilger, Council Member
Michael Johannes, Council Member
ATTEST:
Kim Christensen, Clerk-Treasurer
September 18, 2008
The Santa Claus Town Council met in special session on September 18, 2008 at the Town Hall. The meeting was called to order by Council President Smith at 5:30 p.m.
Present: Kevin Burke, Ron Smith, Elmer Dilger and Michael Johannes.
Absent: Dennis Della Morta
Also present were Clerk-Treasurer, Kim Christensen and Utilities Superintendent, Russ Luthy.
Dale Fatland from BMC Contracting presented the Council with an alternative called Ultra Bond 2000. The Council thanked Fatland for his presentation but decided not to go with the alternative.
Patmore explained that if a project is over $50,000 quotes need to be obtained or the Council needs to declare an emergency in order to accept the bids. Johannes moved to declare the resurfacing of Holiday Blvd. and emergency due to the letter received from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. Dilger seconded.
Ayes: Unanimous
Motion passed.
Dilger moved to accept the proposal from J.H. Rudolph, with $50,000 coming from the Motor Vehicle Highway Fund and the balance to come from the Cumulative Capital Development Fund. Johannes seconded.
Ayes: Smith, Dilger, Johannes
Nays: Burke
Keith Blair thanked the Board for their consideration of the project. He stated that the residents see the project as an emergency.
The need to slow down the traffic on Holiday Blvd was discussed. Changing the speed limit, installing speed bumps and additional patrolling was discussed.
Industrial Park:
Patmore explained that he had been checking
into the shovel ready program. There
are currently no shovel ready sites in
Ayes: Unanimous
Motion passed.
Gravel parking lots: Burke brought up the need to review the ordinance dealing with parking lots in the Town. Either the amusement district needed to be added or the ordinance needs to be done away with. Johannes stated that there are about 20 areas of the Town that are not paved and some of those are the Town’s property. Patmore explained that this would have to go to the Planning Commission and there would have to be a public hearing. There would then be an ordinance presented to the Council. The Council requested that the Planning Commission be instructed to review the ordinance with regard to paving parking lots in Town limits.
ADJOURMENT:
With no further business to come before the Council Johannes moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:17 p.m. Dilger seconded.
Ayes: Unanimous
Motion passed.
SANTA CLAUS TOWN COUNCIL
Ron Smith, Council President
Kevin Burke, Council Vice-President
Elmer Dilger, Council Member
Michael Johannes, Council Member
ATTEST:
Kim Christensen, Clerk-Treasurer
October 13, 2008
The Santa Claus Town Council met in regular session on October 13, 2008 at the Town Hall. The meeting was called to order by Council President Smith at 5:30 P.M.
Present: Ron Smith, Kevin Burke, Dennis Della Morta, Elmer Dilger and Michael Johannes.
Also present were Town Attorney, Kevin Patmore; Clerk-Treasurer, Kim Christensen; Police Chief, Joey Brown and Tom Goldsberry.
MINUTES:
Johannes moved to approve the minutes from the September 8, 2008 regular session and September 18, 2008 special session as presented. Dilger seconded.
Ayes: Unanimous
Motion passed.
COMMENTS FROM THE FLOOR:
Chris Middleton and Danita Grosvenor: Grosvenor stated that they would not have the pricing on the employee health insurance until after November 1st. They will present at the November regular session. Burke mentioned putting everyone on notice that the Town would welcome anyone to present costs. Smith stated that Business and Insurance Solutions could come back in November and present. Middleton stated that Santa Claus had actually faired better than a lot of other municipalities during the wind storm. The Town has not experienced a good loss year. One good thing is that the current insurance provider uses a 5 year average instead of 3 year. A loss ratio of 10-20% is usual, with the Town having a loss ratio of 151%. Middleton stated that she would have information for the Town for the November meeting.
Jarrod Nord:
Nord
attended the meeting to request a break on his billing due to watering of his
new lawn. The Council explained that
there were summer sewage breaks given in July and August and that they could not
give breaks for watering outside of the police period.
Nord asked that the Council think about his request and he would call to
get their decision. After Nord left
the meeting the Council once again stated that they could not give breaks for
watering outside of the summer sewage policy period.
PARKS AND RECREATION:
O’Brien presented the new Yellig Park Rules and asked for their approval of the rules. Patmore stated that the Park Board didn’t need the Council’s approval to implement. O’Brien asked what could be done if the rules are not followed. Patmore stated they would be asked to leave and if they don’t they could be charged with criminal trespassing. O’Brien asked about the overnight parking. Patmore stated that is already in place within another parking ordinance.
O’Brien stated that the new field should be done within the next week.
COMMUNITY CENTER:
O’Brien stated that there will be an open house (Twis’ the Week Before Christmas Festival) at the Community Center December 23rd from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm. It will be a joint effort between the Park Board, Day Care and Senior Citizens.
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT:
Monthly report: P. Brown presented his monthly report to the Council.
Smith asked if Holiday World needed to receive permission from the Council for their new construction. Patmore stated that with the new zoning ordinance it only needed to be approved by the Advisory Planning Commission.
P. Brown stated that he had
attended the Debris Management meeting and had been the only town representative
in attendance. May need to get
FIRE DEPARTMENT: No business to come before the Council.
STREET DEPARTMENT:
Policy for street repair: The item was tabled until a later meeting.
Crack Sealing quotes:
Christensen stated that quotes had been
requested for sealing of cracks on the roadways.
Only one quote had been received from Hunter Asphalt in the amount of
$34,450.00. Christensen stated that
there was not enough in
Ayes: Unanimous
Motion passed.
UTILITIES – WASTEWATER:
Holiday World issues: This item was tabled until a later meeting.
PMR Report: Luthy presented his monthly report to the Council.
Lift station panel rehab:
Goldsberry stated that quotes had been
requested for rehabilitation of Lift Station #1 and #5.
Quotes had been received from CED,
Ayes: Unanimous
Motion passed