Town of Osgood Minutes

Town of Osgood
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
7:00 P.M.

Present at the meeting were DeDee Holliday, Norman Kappes, Tammy Wilhoit, Linda Krinop, Mary Ann Gay, Sue Beasley, Gary Norman, Dawn Landwehr, Jerry Vollmer, Brenda Wetzler, Bob Vollmer, John Vollmer, Chuck Gill, Don Stork, Janet Stork, and Eric Roush.

Motion was made to waive the reading and adopt the pre-read minutes. DeDee 1^st, Norman 2^nd

3 - ayes

Ordinance 2013-6 was presented. An ordinance of the Town Council of the Town of Osgood, Indiana, authorizing the Town of Osgood to issue its “Taxable Economic Development Revenue Bonds of 2013 (Solarzentrum North America, Inc. Project)”, and approving other actions with respect thereto. Town Council has received a recommendation from the Osgood Economic Development Commission.

Motion was made to adopt Ordinance 2013-6. Norman 1^st, DeDee 2^nd

3 - ayes

Mary Ann Gay presented 4 unsafe building orders.

Motion was made for Linda to sign. Norman 1^st, DeDee 2^nd

3 - ayes

Ordinance 2013-7 was presented. Town of Osgood authorizing Clerk-Treasurer to pay from the gas fund the expenses of the purchase of gas and transmission fees prior to the regular monthly meeting of the Town Council, to avoid late fees and penalties.

Motion was made to approve Ordinance 2013-7. DeDee 1^st, Norman 2^nd

3 - ayes

It is becoming a major problem of people mowing their grass and blowing it into the street. The clippings are getting washed down into the storm drains clogging them up. If this problem continues, it may need to be addressed with an Ordinance prohibiting it.

Sticks that are set out for pick up need to be cut in 5 foot lengths with the branches removed.

Motion was made to hire Tyler French as the part-time student employee. DeDee 1^st, Norman 2^nd

3 - ayes

Lifetime Resources – Dawn Landwehr was present requesting they be included in the Town of Osgood’s 2014 budget for $1,000.

Motion was made to approve Lifetime Resources request. DeDee 1^st, Norman 2^nd

3 - ayes

Jerry Vollmer was present and wanted to tell the Council about the good employees the Town has.

Brenda Wetzler (property owner) addressed Council about the ramifications of the Holton Water Board signing a contract with Hoosier Hills Regional Water, resulting in lost revenue for the Town of Osgood and the increase in water rates. Holton Water Board did not accept this offer. Hoosier Hills Regional Water will be laying their water lines in our community and Mrs. Wetzler explained that her husband had received a phone call from Hoosier Hills Regional Water asking him to sign an easement and right of way and accept money for this easement. Wetzler had told them no because they were never told what the plan was or where lines would be ran on their property. They then received a certified letter stating that Hoosier Hills Water would condemn their property, and either sign it or be sued. Wetzler also knew that Hoosier Hills Regional Water contract with Holton would result in a hardship for the people of Osgood and the Holton community due to increased rates. Wetzler refused to sign the easement/right- of- way and is now being sued. Council explained to Mrs. Wetzler that the Town had attempted many negotiations with Holton Water to no avail. During negotiations with the Holton Water Board, the Town of Osgood offered to sell water for $3.32 per 1000 gallon. The Town of Versailles was contacted to see if they would be interested in hooking on to Osgood. They were not. The Town was required by IDEM to upgrade their water plant and the Town considered not doing the water project and hooking to Hoosier Hills Water if it would have saved money. But according to a study that was done by Umbaugh, if Osgood would have switched to Hoosier Hills Water it would have increased our rates by 164%. Council told her that with the lost revenue from Holton Water, Osgood’s water rates will increase.

Don and Janet Stork were present and stated they were being sued by Hoosier Hills also.

John, Bob, and Jerry Vollmer were present and stated that they have been contending with Hoosier Hills Water for some time. They are trying to defend themselves against what they perceive as unfair negotiations with Hoosier Hills and their attorney, Pete King. They asked if Hoosier Hills Water was going to be tearing up the new trails by the quarries. Town Board president, Linda Krinop stated, “The Town has never been notified, therefore, we are not aware of where they will be laying lines”.

The Vollmers stated that they don’t want to hurt their own town by selling property and giving right- of -ways to Hoosier Hills which will ultimately result in an increase in our water rates. Osgood, Napoleon, and Holton have good water. They wanted to know if Osgood was still supplying water to Holton. Council stated they were at a non-contractual rate.

Hoosier Hills will not specify where the lines will be laid and they are suing for more than they are entitled to.

Don Stork stated, “So if you have 100 acres they can put their lines anywhere on the property that they want”. Mary Ann Gay stated that you have to specify where the easement will be.

Police Department – Eric Roush stated that Adam’s car has been in the shop for repairs. He also gave Council an estimate on an Anti lock Brake System of $1063. He gave his monthly statistical report. Also, he wanted to thank the Ripley County Community Foundation for the grant they received on summer uniforms.

Motion was made to transfer money to the Osgood Development Commission upon certain contingencies. DeDee 1^st, Norman 2^nd

3 - ayes

Osgood Development Commission will meet on Friday, May 24 at 4:00 P.M.

Rosemary Newhart sent in a request to see if sidewalks would be put between Buckeye Village and her business.

Claims signed

Meeting adjourned

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