Town of Osgood Minutes

Regular Meeting
Tuesday, March 16, 2021
7:00 P.M.

Present at the meeting were Tammy Wilhoit, Norman Kappes, Holley Rose, Chris Kuhn, Jeremy Schmitt, Melanie Douglas, Will Wallace, Jodi Comer, and Jerry Vollmer.

Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call - all present

Motion to waive the reading and adopt the pre-read minutes. Holley 1^st, Chris 2^nd
3 - ayes

Old Business:

Transferring real estate to OBC - Council will need to pass an oral resolution to publish the donation of the properties (and terms of the donation if any) and to schedule the public hearing. Steve and Tony did the appraisals of the properties: 223 N. Elm value - $16,000, 531 Leslie Street - $8,500, and 523 Leslie - $10,500. Chris would like Council to be able to review the plans.

Jodi Comer was present and asked who will take care of the lawns once the property is transferred. Council agreed that once the properties were deeded over, the Town would no longer have any responsibility. OBC will need to take care of the mowing. Town employees are overwhelmed with other projects.

Public hearing will be scheduled for next month's meeting (April 20^th). OBC will need to amend their bylaws to meet the current criteria. Lynn Fledderman will contact OBC's attorney and speak with him. Plans will need to be reviewed before transfer.

A complaint was sent to the Ripley County Area Plan Commission concerning an existing building in the General Business District that is being renovated for apartment use. Tad Brinson advised the Town that he believes there are three violations of the zone code at 110 Railroad Avenue by James Betz. In Mr. Brinson’s opinion, the Town of Osgood needs to address these violations with the property owner. Lynn Fledderman stated a letter will be issued requiring this property to be brought into compliance.

Motion was made to have Lynn Fledderman proceed with the letter. Chris 1^st, Holley 2^nd
3 - ayes

Motion was made to declare 4 abandoned iPads as surplus property and to be sold at public auction. Chris 1^st, Holley 2^nd
3 - ayes

Presenting Resolution 2021-6: A resolution authorizing the Town Marshal to appoint a contractor to assist in enforcement with animals running at large. Council wishes to contract with Rusty Fields of Rusty's Animal Control to assist with assessing the animal control problem and resolving any identified issues in the Town of Osgood.

Motion to approve Resolution 2021-6. Holley 1^st, Chris 2^nd
3- ayes,

Commonwealth Engineers - Jeremy Schmitt was present and gave a project update. Water Improvements Project is on track to resubmit in round 1 of the 2021 OCRA submissions. Proposals are due April 29^th and applications are due by June 25^th. At the next Council meeting, a proposal letter will be prepared and ready to be signed. 2021 Community Crossing Project is currently bidding, pre bid meeting was held March 9^th. There were 4 contractors that showed up. Bids are due March 26^th by 4:00 P.M. A Special Meeting will be held March 30^th at 6:00 PM to award the bid in order to meet INDOT's grant schedule. Deadline to be under contract with the contractor is April 8, 2021. Quotes will be asked from contractors for the storm water line on Ripley Street and the Culvert Project has a few minor things left to be completed, such as grass, paving, and erosion control.

2019 Culvert Project claims:

Commonwealth Engineers - $4,140.66 for construction/commissioning, and RPR

Motion to approve Commonwealth Engineers claim. Holley 1^st, Chris 2^nd
3- ayes

Ordinance 2021-3 was presented for review: Sewage Works Revenue Bonds of 1997 and 2011.

Clerk-Treasurer spoke to Doug Baldessari with Baker Tilly yesterday, he said the market has increased 1/2% since we've started this process, but there are still savings to be had. He is requesting that the ordinance be adopted under the suspension of the rules. If we wait until April's meeting for the second reading and adoption, it could push the closing back. Lynn has reviewed the ordinance.

Motion was made to proceed under suspension of the rules. Norman 1^st, Chris 2^nd
3 - ayes

First reading of Ordinance 2021-3: An ordinance of the Town of Osgood authorizing the current refunding by the Town of its Sewage Works Revenue Bonds of 1997 and Sewage Works Revenue Bonds of 2011; authorizing the issuance of sewage works refunding revenue bonds for such purpose; providing for the collection, segregation and distribution of revenues of the sewage works; the safeguarding of the interests of the owners of the sewage works refund revenue bonds authorized herein; other matters connected therewith, and repealing ordinance inconsistent herewith.

Motion was made to approve the 1^st reading of Ordinance 2021-3. Holley 1^st, Chris 2^nd
3 - ayes

Second reading of Ordinance 2021-3: An ordinance of the Town of Osgood authorizing the current refunding by the Town of its Sewage Works Revenue Bonds of 1997 and Sewage Works Revenue Bonds of 2011; authorizing the issuance of sewage works refunding revenue bonds for such purpose; providing for the collection, segregation and distribution of revenues of the sewage works; the safeguarding of the interests of the owners of the sewage works refund revenue bonds authorized herein; other matters connected therewith, and repealing ordinance inconsistent herewith.

Motion was made to approve the 2^nd reading of Ordinance 2021-3. Holley 1^st, Chris 2^nd
3 - ayes

Ordinance 2021-3 has been so duly passed.

Reynolds Grant Award Agreements: the Town was awarded $148,500 for the 2021 Community Crossing Project, $5,000 for the expense of annual tree and mulch maintenance, and $3,560.08 for the expense of trail maintenance. Council will sign Grant Award Agreements.

Board of Zoning Appeals has sent legal notice of a public hearing for Rocco's Beverage at 3191 N U.S. 421 for a variance from the maximum sign height of 6ft. to 18ft. and from the sign face size of maximum 32 sq. ft. to 96.54 sq. ft. in the LB district. A public hearing will be held April 6, 2021 at 7:30 P.M. in the meeting room in the Ripley County Courthouse Annex, Versailles, IN.

American Legion Auxiliary is requesting to be at the stoplight on May 15^th.

Motion to approve American Legion Auxiliary request. Holley 1^st, Chris 2^nd
3- ayes,

Jodi Comer was present and stated the Town will be getting funds from Covid Relief Bill. If the Water Project is awarded and under contract, we can go after a grant for a Comprehensive Plan. She believes the grants are for $50,000 with 10% match. Comprehensive plans are good for communities because it gives them direction for the future.

Jerry Vollmer was present. Stated that he has been sending the OBC minutes via email and if anyone had questions they could reach out. He stated that Neil Comer is OBC's attorney and that Lynn could speak to him about getting OBC's bylaws changed before transfer of property. They have a plan for a building project for housing and for the vocational school to build it. Neil Comer will also be attending one of their meetings to speak about community foundations. OBC is enquiring about forming a foundation for donations on an annual basis or people can will their estates. The OBC has been discussing several ideas and concepts. They are also looking at a theatre project to bring culture to the community besides film. Currently working on several things.

Police - Will Wallace gave Council his monthly statistical report.

Claims were signed.

Motion was made to adjourn the meeting. Norman 1^st, Chris 2^nd
3 - ayes

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