Council Meeting - May 19, 2026

Attendance and Call to Order

Regular meeting, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 5:00 p.m.

Present at the meeting were Tammy Wilhoit, Chris Kuhn, Bill Roberts, Lynn Fledderman, Dustin Payne, Stephanie Back, Alex Wilhelm, Hailey Roark, Susan Black, Steve Wilhoit, Fred Neal, Cheryl Kuhn, Rachel Runge, Jason Smith, Travis Neal, Jodi Comer, and Stephanie Narwold.

Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call: Holley Rose was not present.

Approval of Minutes

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

Public Hearing: Proposed Gas Rate

Opened the public hearing for the proposed gas rate: at last month's council meeting a rate increase was proposed to the metered rate phased in over a 3 year period. This is the 2nd reading of Ordinance 2026-3, an Ordinance Amending §52.17 Metered Consumption.

Year 1, July 1, 2026:

• (A) First 800 cubic feet: $8.13 per 1,000 cubic feet;
• (B) Next 1,200 cubic feet: $6.68 per 1,000 cubic feet;
• (C) Next 98,000 cubic feet: $6.28 per 1,000 cubic feet; and
• (D) Over 100,000 cubic feet: $6.02 per 1,000 cubic feet.

Year 2, July 1, 2027:

• (A) First 800 cubic feet: $8.83 per 1,000 cubic feet;
• (B) Next 1,200 cubic feet: $7.38 per 1,000 cubic feet;
• (C) Next 98,000 cubic feet: $6.97 per 1,000 cubic feet; and
• (D) Over 100,000 cubic feet: $6.72 per 1,000 cubic feet.

Year 3, July 1, 2028:

• (A) First 800 cubic feet: $9.52 per 1,000 cubic feet;
• (B) Next 1,200 cubic feet: $8.07 per 1,000 cubic feet;
• (C) Next 98,000 cubic feet: $7.67 per 1,000 cubic feet; and
• (D) Over 100,000 cubic feet: $7.41 per 1,000 cubic feet.

Steve Wilhoit, Gas Superintendent, gave a presentation for the need of the increase.

No one had questions.

Public hearing was closed.

Motion to approve the final adoption of Ordinance 2026-3. Bill 1st, Chris 2nd. 2 ayes.

Ordinance 2026-4, Second Reading

Presenting Ordinance 2026-4 for the second reading: An Ordinance Establishing Right-of-Way Excavation, Road Cuts, and Bore Permits. The Town of Osgood has determined that it is in the best interest of the town to update their ordinance providing for the method and manner of construction, repair, replacement, of utilities and driveways within the streets or street ROW's of the town and provide for the method and manner of allocating the cost.

Motion to approve the final adoption of Ordinance 2026-4. Bill 1st, Chris 2nd. 2 ayes.

Comprehensive Plan

HWC Engineering

Hailey Roark with HWC Engineering was present to discuss the Ripley County Comp Plan adoption and the contract for the new comp plan. Ripley County Draft Resolution 2026-7 was tabled until after further review. Hailey submitted a draft contract for the OCRA comprehensive plan for the Town of Osgood.

Motion was made to approve HWC Engineering Agreement for Professional Services. Bill 1st, Chris 2nd. 2 ayes.

SIRPC Contract for Services

Jodi Comer was present with SIRPC to discuss their Contract for Services for the Comp Plan. The $50,000 grant was awarded. The first draft is due by the end of this year. The final plan is due next March. After it's submitted and reviewed by OCRA, we will have another meeting where a resolution will be passed. Total close out will be June 28, 2027.

Motion to approve SIRPC's Contract for Services. Bill 1st, Chris 2nd. 2 ayes.

Commonwealth Engineers Project Update Memo

2025 CCMG Project

The 2025 CCMG project is substantially complete with the conclusion of milling and paving last week. Additional asphalt patching was required due to minimal depth of existing asphalt discovered during milling operations on Beech Street, Cravens Street, and Railroad Street. These areas were excavated and paved with base asphalt resulting in a stronger street than previously existed. We anticipate full closeout within a month.

Motion to approve Commonwealth's claim of $3,512.29 for Construction Engineering. Bill 1st, Chris 2nd. 2 ayes.

Motion to approve Johannigman Excavating's Pay Application #4 for $250,777.23. Bill 1st, Chris 2nd. 2 ayes.

Motion to approve Lee Supply Corp claims for $13,672.47. Bill 1st, Chris 2nd. 2 ayes.

2026 CCMG Project

The 2026 project was awarded at the last council meeting, and the contractor has commenced work. Layout work by contractor's survey crew has begun. The contractor is providing submittals for review by Commonwealth before ordering materials and components.

This project is scheduled to be substantially complete by the end of July.

Motion to approve Commonwealth's claim of $20,952.73 for Bidding Assistance. Bill 1st, Chris 2nd. 2 ayes.

2027 CCMG Project

Commonwealth Engineers has submitted a proposal for work on the 2027 Community Crossing Matching Grant and is on the Town Council Meeting Agenda for discussion and approval.

The 2027 project will include the following streets:

• Sycamore St (from Cherry St to Railroad Ave), 1,665 LF
• Cherry St (from Sycamore St to Maple St), 315 LF
• Beech St (from Sycamore St to Maple St), 325 LF
• Cravens St (from Sycamore St to Maple St), 330 LF
• Western Ave (from Sycamore St to Maple St), 330 LF
• Railroad Ave (from Sycamore St to Maple St), 450 LF

Motion to approve Commonwealth's Task Order No. 2026-04 for the 2027 CCMG Project. Bill 1st, Chris 2nd. 2 ayes.

Wastewater Utility Preliminary Engineering Report and Asset Management Plan

The WWTP improvements project recommended in the PER report was presented in the public hearing on April 21st. The public comment period was open through April 24th and no additional public comments were received. The PER Acceptance Resolution was signed by the Town and was submitted to SRF along with the public hearing minutes and sign-in sheet. We should hear something at the end of the month or beginning of next.

Water Improvements and Lead Service Line Projects

38 right-of-entry forms have been received, and 4 has been refused. The current ROE List attached. ROE forms can still be accepted throughout construction on a first come first served basis.

A final round of letters were mailed to homeowners on April 1st. These letters included ROE forms and a last call for LSL inspections.

The Contractor continues submittals and will assemble a schedule upon ordering long lead materials when delivery dates are set. Construction is expected to begin in May.

The next construction meeting for this project has been scheduled for May 27th at Town Hall. We still need schedule from the contractor.

Project Expenditure Tracking

Town of Osgood Lead Service Line Replacement Project W25126.

Note: Table updated through IFA Disbursement form #11.

Motion to approve Commonwealth's claim of $8,683.32 for Construction and Commissioning, Additional Construction and Commissioning, Easement Assistance, Regulatory Assistance, Legal/Financial Assistance, Service Line Evaluation, and Post Bid Doc Assembly for the LSLR Project. Bill 1st, Chris 2nd. 2 ayes.

Motion to approve Commonwealth's claim of $8,742.02 for Construction and Commissioning, Bidding or Negotiation, Legal/Financial Assistance, and Post Bid Doc Assembly for the Water Improvements Project. Bill 1st, Chris 2nd. 2 ayes.

N. Buckeye Street Water Main Replacement

Rachel Runge was present to discuss the N. Buckeye Street Water Main replacement. She walked it today. She stated that it is not going to be easy. She will check with the contractor to see if it can get in the water project and see if it can be change ordered in or a separate project. It doesn't appear to be in the road. INDOT has gotten picky about closing roads and sidewalks. Need to make sure we have separation distances with the other utilities.

Buckeye Village Proposed Site Plan

Travis Neal was present to discuss a proposed site plan for Buckeye Village (rental properties). He entered into an agreement 2 years ago where he transitioned Buckeye Village from a government owned facility to a private owned entity. Part of what he is proposing is to add 2 more buildings with approximately 16 to 24 additional apartment units in it. It will consist of 1 to 2 bedroom units. In addition, they will re-landscape Buckeye Village and update the exterior signage, new LED lights, secure trash area, and correct heating/air problem. He stated that multi-family housing is vital to the community and placement is critical. His intent is to provide a safe environment. Contrary to public perception, they are not serving low income renters. They are turning down an average of 5 renters per week. Residents range from 18 to 90 years old. They are not looking to move young people in to this, more of a retirement community. They will include all utilities if they go with natural gas. They will do topography's, water run offs, and all those studies. Before they spend the money, they need to know if the Town will support an addition like this. They will be asking for zero variances. Jeff French will pin every building, everything will be up to code, and the fire marshal is aware.

Chris Kuhn asked how many units will be in each building. Mr. Neal stated that right now top units would be 20 and the bottom units would be 14. Mr. Kuhn stated that the fire department and utilities have done a review and they have identified some concerns. There is a gas line where the buildings will be built. Mr. Neal will pay to move it. Chris asked if this was a start of something, Mr. Neal stated this is the end of the multi family, but not the end of the project. He would like to put a business in the lot to the south.

Bill Roberts stated that there are some issues with the sewer being ran, gas line would have to be moved. There is no gravity sewer in front of the property and use of the existing infrastructure is not advised. He would need to apply and absorb all costs for the proposed sewer extension. Bill asked about water runoff, you're going to have a lot of roof space and quite a few parking spaces. Are you going to build a retention pond? Mr. Neal stated he would have to hire an engineer. Bill asked if Mr. Neal's statement was that he was envisioning this being an extension of Buckeye Village. Mr. Neal stated absolutely. Mr. Neal is not asking for the Town to spend a nickel. Bill stated that some red flags have been put up from the superintendents.

Chris stated the sewer extension will depend on whether or not it's a 14 unit development or a 24 unit development. Chris stated at this time the council cannot support it. Lynn stated that he needs to square things away with the fire department and the utility superintendents, to re-present it. Chris is concerned that this is a start of something, is it going to blow up like the south end of town. Mr. Neal stated that he is willing to sign a document saying this is the end. Chris stated they have received a lot of complaints about the development at the south end of town. The complaint is that it's not very appealing. Chris requested further detailed plans.

Stephanie Back asked about the community and the surrounding residents. Stephanie Narwold said ask them what they think because they are in the room. Susan Black stated that she didn't want it, she doesn't want it in her back yard. Mr. Neal stated they are staying in their setbacks and will do landscaping. Susan Black said it's going to drive her home value down and every house down that road and across the street. Stephanie Narwold stated that he owns property down the way by where he lives, put them down there. Mr. Neal stated he needs city sewer. She stated that you are going to have to pay to put it in here anyway, you can put it in there. The rental house he has down there is on a septic system and you cannot have multifamily dwellings on a septic system. Mrs. Narwold stated that he says people don't come to him to complain how things look, there are people in this room to tell you they don't like it. She hears people complain all the time. She stated that she is confused about what you are saying when you refer to the ones you already have to the current ones. You are back and forth on the age limits. You say it's going to be an older community, then you say 2 bedrooms for families. Mr. Neal stated there is not a solid age restriction. Another patron stated they are concerned with the water runoff and parking because Shook Street already has issues. Chris Kuhn stated they can have a public meeting if they want, but that we need to get through our meeting.

Bricktoberfest

Fred Neal was present to discuss Bricktoberfest. He doesn't want to see it go away. He would like to keep it going. He has already reached out to people in the community and currently has 7 people for the committee. September 19th would be the date. He met with the Reynolds Foundation last week, their meeting is next Tuesday. He will find out if he will be receiving a grant for Bricktoberfest. He is requesting $10,000 from the town to try and keep this going. Fred does not know that he can guarantee 100% that it will happen, but he will start reaching out to people.

Motion was made to approve $10,000 for Bricktoberfest. Bill 1st, Chris 2nd. 2 ayes.

Area Plan Commission

Zoning Amendment Public Hearing Notice

Notice was given that the Area Plan Commission of Ripley County will hold a public hearing on June 2, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. for a proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance of Ripley County. Rezone from (I-1) Enclosed Industrial District to (GB) General Business District at 1014 E Beech Street.

Planning Director Position

Dustin Payne was present to update Council on the planning director position. County Council had a meeting last night and a couple members of the planning commission were feeling them out to see how much they would put toward this position. They did approve a salary of $80,000 contingent upon if the town's combined come up with $15,000 to put toward this salary. There was a paper that went around to break it down per capita. That is also contingent on a 5 year commitments from the towns. This person would have a degree and would be able to do grant writing as well. We should receive some information from the county attorney. There should be some type of contract between the towns and county. Lynn Fledderman stated that hopefully we can put some language in there before we commit to anything. Dustin stated with a higher salary we will attract more qualified candidates.

Motion to approve Lynn to negotiate with the county attorney for this agreement. Bill 1st, Chris 2nd. 2 ayes.

Stephanie Back had a question on how it works if Travis Neal comes back with approval from the utilities, is this just a box that gets checked off. Lynn cannot give anyone legal advice, since they are not her clients. She stated she needs to follow along on a county level and a town level. Contact an attorney and follow their advice.

Other Business

Sewer Department Grant Application

Sewer Department would like to apply to the Reynolds Foundation for a Dissolved Oxygen Probe Replacement at $30,302.98.

Motion to approve and sign the grant application. Bill 1st, Chris 2nd. 2 ayes.

Personnel

Retroactive to April 20, 2026: Motion to approve a pay raise for Trey Einhaus for completing the testing and evaluation to be on call for the gas utility. Bill 1st, Chris 2nd. 2 ayes.

Department Reports

Police Department

Alex Wilhelm gave his monthly report. He has final locations for speed signs, waiting on INDOT to put up.

Adjournment

Motion was made to adjourn the meeting. Bill 1st, Chris 2nd. 2 ayes.

Claims were signed.

Signatures

Clerk-Treasurer

President, Chris Kuhn

Member, William Roberts