Town of Osgood Minutes

Regular Meeting
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
7:00 P.M.

Present at the meeting were Tammy Wilhoit, Toby Church, Arlene Knudson, Norman Kappes, Shawn Negangard, Alex Brison, John Ertel, DeDee Holliday, Holley Rose, Larry Rice, Tony Wood, Lisa Cramer, Cory Brinson, Gerald Hackman, Charles and Crystal Raison, and Erin Thomas.

Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call - all present

Old Business:

At last month’s meeting, Christina DeWitt with Umbaugh and Associates was present and gave a presentation on the refinance of the Sewer Bonds. It was taken under advisement. Council would like to hold off on this for now.

Also, Tad Brinson from the Ripley County Area Planning and Building Department did an inspection on 206 N. Elm Street. It was his opinion that the manufactured residence sustained severe damage due to a fire and is not fit for human habitation. The structure should be deemed un-safe and notice given to the owners to remove said structure from the premises. John Ertel will send a letter and prepare the required documentation.

Lifetime Resources - Erin Thomas was present and requested funding for 2017. Our past support has helped them maintain their services in Osgood. Lifetime Resources offers an abundance of services for the older adult population, those with disabilities and transportation for all. Services available are: Aging and Disability Resource Center, Case Management, Nursing Home Pre-Admission Screening, Nursing Home Ombudsman, Nutrition, In-Home Services, Legal Aid, Guardianship, Health and Wellness Programs, and Public Transportation. Matching funds of $1,000 was requested.

Motion was made to approve Lifetime Resources request for $1,000 from the 2017 Budget. DeDee 1^st, Holley 2^nd

3 - ayes

Commonwealth Engineers - Toby Church was present and wanted to discuss two items. First, the bids for the next Sidewalk Project had been received and Johannigman Excavating was the lowest responsible bidder at $217,906.15. Recommendation was made to award the project to Johannigman Excavating and sign the contracts. All the necessary documentation was present. Second, the Water Department Preliminary Engineering Report has come up with some savings and has noted some items that will need to be taken care of at the plant. The Water Department has incurred a deficit due to Holton Water no longer purchasing water from Osgood. Chemical savings have been noted and they are

still working on getting approval to eliminate the 3^rd shift. Commonwealth has been speaking with Umbaugh and Associates concerning the rates and feel that some type temporary rate increase should

be done while they are looking into the project. They are also watching interest rates with USDA to help with this project and possible grant funding. Toby requested Council’s approval to proceed with the Water PER and get documentation to USDA.

Motion was made to have Commonwealth proceed with the Water Project. DeDee 1^st, Holley 2^nd

3 - ayes

Ordinance 2016-2 was presented to establish Fund 257 in connection to the LOIT Special Distribution from the State. On May 24, 2016 the Clerk-Treasurer received a one-time special distribution in the amount of $31,902.70 (SEA 67). By direction given by the State Board of Accounts, 75% is to be placed in Fund 257 and the other 25% is to be placed in the Rainy Day Fund. Fund 257 can be used for engineering, land acquisition, construction, resurfacing, maintenance, restoration, or rehabilitation of both local and arterial road and street systems.

Motion was made to approve Ordinance 2016-2. Holley 1^st, DeDee 2^nd

3 - ayes

Ordinance 2016-3 was presented which requires all Indiana political subdivision to adopt the minimum level of internal control standards to promote government accountability and transparency by the State Board of Accounts. It is the policy of the Town of Osgood, Indiana that its employees uphold the highest standards of ethical, professional behavior. To that end, these employees shall dedicate themselves to carrying out the mission of the Town.

Motion was made to adopt Ordinance 2016-3. Holley 1^st, DeDee 2^nd

3 - ayes

Retroactive to June 13, 2016: Motion was made to hire Garrett Mosier as a part-time employee. Holley 1^st, DeDee 2^nd

3 - ayes

The probationary period is coming to an end for Deputy Marshall Larry Bewley. Council needs to decide if Officer Bewley will be retained as a regular employee.

Motion was made to release Larry Bewley from the Deputy Marshall position. DeDee 1^st, Holley 2^nd

3 - ayes

Sewer Department - Tony Wood was present and stated they have gotten the fertilizer out, the main bearing drive on the ditch went out and had to be repaired, all compliance has been met, and they are looking at replacing 2 sections of sewer main on West Eckert before the road gets new paving.

Police Department - Eric Roush gave Council the monthly stats.

Fire Department - Shawn Negangard stated they had 15 runs: 9 first response, 2 fire, 1 auto, 1 lightning strike, 1 mutual aid, and 1 disregard.

Lisa Cramer was present and requested permission for the Legion Riders to be at the stoplight on July 9^th from 9:00 to 1:00.

Motion was made to approve the Legion Riders request. Holley 1^st, DeDee 2^nd

3 - ayes

Gerald Hackman was present and stated he had some serious issues that needed to be addressed. A neighbor’s pit bull came after him on his property and he stated they are very dangerous animals. If they would get ahold of a child, it would cause death. He would like to see the Council address the issue of dangerous animals and ban them from being inside the town limits. He also stated that he had a signed statement from an individual that was told by this same neighbor not to walk their dog down his street because he would release his pit bull on him. Mr. Hackman stated that he would give that information and letter to Officer Roush. Another concern that was mentioned was that he would like to see the speed limit reduced on Columbia Avenue, he stated cars are doing 50mph up and down that street. Mr. Hackman also questioned the salary of the Town’s law enforcement. He stated that our law enforcement was way below Milan and Versailles. He stated the Town should be proud and lucky to have the enforcement we have. He would like to see them receive a fair wage.

Alex Brison asked what the reason was for releasing Officer Bewley. Council President stated that it’s a personnel matter and it will not be discussed in a public meeting.

Charles Raison was present and asked who would take Officer Bewley’s place? Council President stated they did not know that yet. He told of an incident that happened to him when Officer Roush was on vacation and the Ripley County Sheriff’s Department had to come from Cross Plains to his house. When the Ripley County Deputy arrived, he told him it wasn’t his job to be there. He stated that 2 police officers are not enough with the drugs and stupidity in town. He stated that Osgood should have at least 3 officers. He felt it was absurd to release an officer when we actually needed to hire another one. He thanked the Council for listening.

Larry Rice was present and asked if anything could be done with the junk trailer in Fairview Village Trailer Park. He stated kids have been going in it. Clerk-Treasurer stated that a letter had been issued to the owners and the date will be checked before proceeding. He also stated that people are not mowing their grass on Wilmer Street and that there are junk cars and campers that don’t have plates on them. He tries to keep his place nice and other people don’t care.

Claims and Sidewalk Contract were signed.

Motion was made to adjourn the meeting. Holley 1^st, DeDee 2^nd

3 - ayes

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