JUNE 2021 BOARD MINUTES

MAY 2021 BOARD MEETING MINUTES

MINUTES OF TOWN OF NORTH SALEM COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 1, 2021

CALL MEETING TO ORDER:  The April 1, 2021 Council Meeting was called to order by Council President Becky Fancher at 6:00 pm.   Becky led with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a prayer from Jimmy Roberts.

ROLL CALL:  Becky Fancher, President – Present, Jimmy Roberts, Vice President – Present, Bill Compton, Member  – Present

MINUTES:  Becky asked if there were any additions or corrections to the March minutes.  There being none, the minutes were approved as written.

OLD ITEMS:  Filter Plant/Water Tower Project – Mark reported that parts of the tower have been delivered. Once it is assembled we will need to hire an inspector to climb up and inspect it.  Becky mentioned that she would like to take a tour of the facility next week now that the plant itself is complete.

NEW ITEMS:  a) Ordinance 2021-1 – Renters, Landlords & Deposits.  This is an Ordinance to move utilities back into the renters name as well as increase the water and waste water deposits required of both renters and home owners.  Jimmy made a motion to pass as written; Becky seconded.  Second read will be next month.  b) Ordinance 2021-2 – Prohibiting Private Wells. This is an Ordinance that prohibits private wells used for potable water within the town limits.  After much discussion, it was decided that it was in the best interest of the Town and the Residents of the Town that this Ordinance be passed tonight.  Therefore, Bill made a motion to pass on first read; Jimmy seconded; motion passed unanimously.  Rules were suspended and Bill made a motion to pass on second read; Jimmy seconded; motion passed unanimously.  Finally, Bill made a motion to pass on third and final read; Jimmy seconded; motion passed unanimously.  Beth will advertise next week as required. c) Ordinance 2021-3 – Chickens. This Ordinance upon passage will allow property owners within the town limits to have chickens.  Becky made a motion to pass as written; Bill seconded; motion passed unanimously.  Second read will be next month.

REPORTS: a) Mark let the Council know that the owner of the house in town that had the huge leak in February is wanting us to take payments from her renter.  After much discussion, it was decided that since she has a new renter now and we are unable to create a second account for the property, the property owner should pay the outstanding amount and take payments from her renter.   Kevin let the Council know that clean up after the tornado was moving along; they had lots of volunteers.  It was decided that gift cards would be given to the guys and their helpers.  b) NSPD – Marshal Kneeland was on vacation and not present.  c) Council Members – Bill asked Mark when he planned to move the 25 MPH sign on Ladoga.  Mark said they’d look at it next week.  Also, Bill asked about the property behind Dan Koopman’s property and if the Town owned it.  Mark told him the Town did not own that property.  Becky mentioned that we needed to be thinking about which sidewalks to repair/replace this spring and summer.  Also, she has concerns about a resident parking their vehicle on a sidewalk and close to a fire hydrant on McKinley Street.  If they park on the street, it makes for a tight turn onto the street.  After much discussion, it was decided that we could install NO PARKING SIGNS on each street that say NO PARKING FROM HERE TO CORNER.  d) Harold Blake – Let Council know that he and Beth would be gathering information on the American Rescue Plan and the monies that would be coming to the Town of North Salem. Information is beginning to come in from AIM as far as directives and such. We will need an Ordinance to allocate the monies.  We need to be thinking about our biggest NEEDS for this money.  Kevin mentioned that our clarifiers at the WWTP need updated.  e) Beth – None

PUBLIC: None

ADJOURNMENT:  There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:09 pm.  The next Council Meeting will be May 6th at 6:00 pm.

Attest:  Beth Russell, Clerk-Treasurer

MINUTES OF TOWN OF NORTH SALEM COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 4, 2021

CALL MEETING TO ORDER:  The March 4, 2021 Council Meeting was called to order by Council President Becky Fancher at 6:00 pm.   Becky led with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a prayer from Marshal Kneeland.

ROLL CALL:  Becky Fancher, President – Present, Jimmy Roberts, Vice President – Present, Bill Compton, Member  – Present

MINUTES:  Becky asked if there were any additions or corrections to the February minutes.  There being none, the minutes were approved as written.

OLD ITEMS:  Filter Plant/Water Tower Project – Mark mentioned that they may be adding a plug in or hardwire for a generator if we ever purchase or rent one. Also, Phoenix will be coming in the next few weeks, but it needs to dry out a lot because it is muddy and very wet.  Mark also said that we will need to add at least two tri axles of stone to the drive.  In addition, Mark said that we had to repair a tile that was bad close to the project and he also shut off three lines by the Dollar General that he had no idea what they were.

NEW ITEMS:  None

REPORTS:  NSPD – Marshal Kneeland let Council know that he thinks the new radar sign is helping with speeding into town.  He has met with the staff of the Dollar General and obtained contact numbers.  He is also working on the radar signs;  Council Members – Jimmy mentioned the lights out downtown.  We now have four or five.  Mark was waiting on LED bulbs, but will go ahead and purchase light bulbs and put them in for now.  Jimmy also asked Ron to speak to his neighbors on Nebraska about speeding.  There was also discussion about adding a 25 MPH speed limit sign on Ladoga Avenue at the edge of the woods by the Baptist church as you are coming into town;  Harold Blake – Mentioned that the State is supposed to be getting a lot of money from the Government and to keep an eye out for emails that might mention that some of this money could be going to cities and towns;  Beth – Asked Harold and the Board if we could go back to collecting deposits from renters.  Harold said to put our thoughts in writing and he will do some research.

PUBLIC  Jay Thompson, Communications Advisory Board Member with the County, was in attendance.  He stated that they are thinking of encrypting radio transmissions.  He is against this and told them so.  They will be meeting in an Executive Session to discuss.  He will keep us posted;  Kristi Vaughn was in attendance on behalf of the North Salem Revitalization Committee.  They will be having a
“Color Fun Run” in conjunction with the Strawberry Festival Fathers’ Day Weekend.  Map My Run takes care of everything and absorbs all of the liability.  We will put flyers in the water bills in May.

ADJOURNMENT:  There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:44 pm.  The next Council Meeting will be April 1st at 6:00 pm.

Attest: Beth Russell, Clerk-Treasurer

MINUTES OF TOWN OF NORTH SALEM COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 4, 2021

CALL MEETING TO ORDER:  The February 4, 2021 Council Meeting was called to order by Council President Becky Fancher at 6:00 pm.   Becky led with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a prayer from Marshal Kneeland.

ROLL CALL:  Becky Fancher, President – Present, Jimmy Roberts, Vice President – Absent, Bill Compton, Member  – Present.

MINUTES: Becky asked if there were any additions or corrections to the January minutes.  There being none, the minutes were approved as written.

OLD ITEMS:  None

NEW ITEMS:  None

REPORTS:   a) Mark – let Council know that the water project was moving along; electricity was going in; we are waiting on the big overhead door to come in; Kevin reiterated what Mark spoke about.  Not much that can be done at this time because of the weather.  They are still waiting on the steel for the tower.  They also mentioned that because of the cold weather predicted for this weekend, they will open a hydrant on Center Street and have the water run into the creek behind Kevin’s house.  This will prevent the tower from freezing.  b) NSPD – Marshal Kneeland let Council know that he has met with the staff of the Dollar General and obtained contact numbers. He is also working on the radar signs.  c) Council Members –  None  d) Harold Blake – None.  Beth –  None.

PUBLIC:  None

ADJOURNMENT:  There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:13 pm.  The next Council Meeting will be March 4th at 6:00 pm.

Attest:  Beth Russell, Clerk-Treasurer

MINUTES OF TOWN OF NORTH SALEM COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 7, 2021

CALL MEETING TO ORDER:  The January 7, 2021 Council Meeting was called to order by Council President Becky Fancher at 6:00 pm.   Becky led with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a prayer from Jimmy Roberts.

ROLL CALL:  Becky Fancher, President – Present, Jimmy Roberts, Vice President – Present, Bill Compton, Member.

Becky took a moment to congratulate and welcome new Board Member Bill Compton, and also congratulated Jimmy on his re-election.

MINUTES:  Becky asked if there were any additions or corrections to the December minutes.  There being none, the minutes were approved as written.

OLD ITEMS:  None

NEW ITEMS:  None

REPORTS: a) Mark – let Council know that he and Kevin met with and IDEM State Inspector this week.  Because our water loss ratio is too high, we are non-compliant.  He would like Mark to monitor water usage for January, February and March of this year and compare to those months in 2020 and go from there.  He also let Council know that they met with Duke Energy regarding the electricity for the new plant.  The building is almost done; filter should be here in 2-3 weeks.  We are now waiting on steel for the tower.  We will need to send out notices and post on social media now in order to prepare customers for the switch over once the tower is up.  He also let Council know that we purchased a utility vehicle which is a nice addition Street Department.  b) NSPD – Marshal Kneeland let Council know that the radar signs are in; he is now waiting on permits from the State. Marshal Kneeland stated that his brother will help him put them up and set up the software.  c) Council Members – Jimmy wanted to ask if we could contact Rays and let them know that the recycle bins are sometimes placed too close together and cannot be utilized correctly.  Beth will contact Rays.  He also asked Mark about the street lights that are out downtown.  Mark told him that we are in the process of replacing those bulbs.  d) Becky let Council know that they need to schedule a workshop to discuss the Marshal’s contract.  Becky will be available after next Monday; Beth will coordinate schedules.  d) Harold Blake – None.  e) Beth – Presented Council with the annual Nepotism forms for their completion.

PUBLIC:  None

ADJOURNMENT:  There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:38 pm.  The next Council Meeting will be February 4th at 6:00 pm.

Attest:  Beth Russell, Clerk-Treasurer

MINUTES OF TOWN OF NORTH SALEM COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 3, 2020

CALL MEETING TO ORDER:  The December 3, 2020 Council Meeting was called to order by Council President Becky Fancher at 6:00 pm.   Becky led with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a prayer from Jimmy Roberts.

ROLL CALL:  Becky Fancher, President – Present, Jimmy Roberts, Vice President – Present, Mike Russell, Member-Present

Becky took a moment to recognize Doug Clodfelter for his long standing service to the Town of North Salem as our Waste Water Operator.  The Board thanked Doug for his 31 years of service (so far!) and presented him with a gift from the Town.

MINUTES:  Becky asked if there were any additions or corrections to the November minutes.  There being none, the minutes were approved as written.

OLD ITEMS:  None

NEW ITEMS:  a) Resolution for 2021 Trash Rate – Ray’s Trash Service increased our monthly rate in September of this year and will raise it again effective January 1, 2021, this after not increasing our rates for the last 20 years.   After much discussion, it was decided to increase the monthly rate from $8.00 to $12.00.  It was suggested that the increase be lower, however, in order to afford a heavy trash pickup each year, this increase was necessary.  Mike Russell made a motion to accept; Becky seconded.  Motion passed unanimously.  The new rate will be effective beginning in January, 2021.  b) Resolution for Declaring Old Dixie Chopper as Salvage – Mark explained to the Council that the old Dixie Chopper was not repairable. He could trade it in as is for a working used cub cadet mower.  Mike Russell made a motion to accept; Jimmy seconded.  Motion passed unanimously.  c) 2021 Board Meeting Dates – Becky made a motion to accept; Jimmy seconded. Motion passed unanimously. d) 2021 Holiday Dates – Becky made a motion to accept; Jimmy seconded. Motion passed unanimously.  Beth will advertise both schedules in the Republican this month.

REPORTS:  a)Mark – let Council know that the water project is on hold at the moment as they are awaiting the steel package.  Progress is being made.  He also wanted to thank Mike Russell for his years of service on the Council as this is his last meeting.  Bill Compton will be sworn in as a new Council member in January.  b) NSPD – Becky thanked Marshal Kneeland for his monthly report. Ron also discussed radar speed limit signs that he would like to see placed at various locations around town. The quote received came in at just over $22,000.00 for five signs which include software, etc.  After much discussion, it was decided to purchase two this year and hopefully be able to purchase additional signs next year.  Harold suggested that Marshal Kneeland look into finding some grant money to offset the cost of these signs. c) Council Members – Jimmy wanted to thank the Garden Gate for decorating the flower pots for the holidays.  He also thanked Mike for his years of service on the Town Council.  Jimmy also wanted to again thank everyone for their well wishes and continued prayers for his daughter Jamieson.  Becky also thanked Mike for his service on the Town Council.  d) Harold Blake – Thanked Mike for his years of service and helping him “hold down” their end of the table for all those years. e) Beth – none.

PUBLIC  Bill Compton was in attendance on behalf of the Revitalization Committee.  He stated that they will not be having in person festivities for Christmas this year, but they are however sponsoring a coloring contest for ALL ages and also a decorating contest.  He asked if we could put a flyer up in the window at the Town Hall.  He also asked if the Council members would be willing to be judges for the decorating contest.

ADJOURNMENT:  There being no further business, the last meeting of 2020 adjourned at 6:45 pm.  The next Council Meeting will be January 7th at 6:00 pm.

Attest:  Beth Russell, Clerk-Treasurer

MINUTES OF TOWN OF NORTH SALEM COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 5, 2020

CALL MEETING TO ORDER:  The November 5, 2020 Council Meeting was called to order by Council President Becky Fancher at 6:00 pm.   Becky led with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a prayer from Jimmy Roberts.

ROLL CALL:  Becky Fancher, President – Present, Jimmy Roberts, Vice President – Present, Mike Russell, Member – Present

MINUTES:  Becky asked if there were any additions or corrections to the October minutes.  There being none, the minutes were approved as written.

PUBLIC HEARING – BZA MEETING – DOLLAR GENERAL SIGN VARIANCE:  William Baumgardner with Hutchison Signs was in attendance requesting a variance to install a pole sign for the Dollar General.  The sign will be a standard Dollar General signs as in all of their locations, however, this special variance is requested because Hendricks County does not issue permits for pole signs.  After much discussion, Mike Russell made a motion to grant the variance; Jimmy Roberts seconded.  Beth will send notification to Hendricks County Planning and Building.

OLD ITEMS:  Bond Closing – Beth let the Council know that we have officially closed our loan with the State Revolving Fund and the Bond Anticipation Note with North Salem State Bank has been paid in full. Beth also let Council know that the first loan payment to SRF was wired for the October payment and a check was mailed Wednesday for the November payment.

NEW ITEMS:  1)Rhonda Beck – Daughters of the American Revolution was in attendance to propose a project for veterans which entails putting photos of veterans on banners and hanging them throughout the town.  This project has been very successful in Danville, Plainfield and Avon.  The only expense to the town would be the brackets to hold the banners on the poles and of course Mark and Kevin putting them up and taking them down.  They would like to see the banners hanging from Memorial Day to Memorial Day.  Rhonda mentioned that she already has four families in North Salem who would like to purchase banners for their veteran family members.  After much discussion, Becky made a motion to approve; Mike seconded; motion passed unanimously.  Rhonda will be in touch with us soon to begin this project. 2)Town Christmas Party – Tammy has volunteered to hold the pitch in for Christmas at her house again this year. It will be immediately following the December meeting.

REPORTS: 1) Mark – let Council know that the water project is moving along nicely.   Also let Council know that a couple of street lights have been repaired.  Chuck Bucy let Mark know that there was a street light out on California Street as well.  2) NSPD – let Council know that he will be out next Wednesday after morning school duty because his sister is having a procedure done at IU hospital downtown.  3) Council Members – None.  4) Harold Blake – Thanked Mark for the tour of the new filter plant site; encouraged Board members to visit site often and track the progress.  5) Beth –None

PUBLIC  None.

ADJOURNMENT:  There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:10 pm.  The next Council Meeting will be December 3^rd at 6:00 pm.

Attest:  Beth Russell, Clerk-Treasurer

MINUTES OF TOWN OF NORTH SALEM COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 1, 2020

CALL MEETING TO ORDER:  The October 1, 2020 Council Meeting was called to order by Council President Becky Fancher at 6:00 pm.   Becky led with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a prayer from Marshal Kneeland.

ROLL CALL:  Becky Fancher, President – Present, Jimmy Roberts, Vice President – Present, Mike Russell, Member – Present

MINUTES:  Becky asked if there were any additions or corrections to the September minutes.  There being none, the minutes were approved as written.

PUBLIC MEETING – 2021 BUDGET ADOPTION:  The 2021 Budget was presented to Council.  Becky made a motion to adopt; Mike seconded; budget passed unanimously.

OLD ITEMS:  a) Ordinance 2020-4 Proposed – This ordinance will REDUCE water rates to what they were before the increase that took effect on July 1, 2020. Becky Fancher made a motion to adopt, Mike Russell seconded. Ordinance passed unanimously.  b) Amendment – Bond Ordinance 2020-1(B) – Becky Fancher made a motion to adopt, Mike Russell seconded. Amendment passed unanimously.  c) Interlocal Agreement between Township & Town regarding Fire Department – An updated Interlocal Agreement was presented, already approved and signed by the Township Trustee and the Township Attorney, as well as Harold Blake. Becky made a motion to accept; Mike seconded.  Becky will sign after the meeting and Beth will attest.  A copy will be given to the Trustee.

REPORTS:  a) Mark – let Council know that the water project has started.   b) NSPD – None.  c) Council Members – Jimmy mentioned that a resident was complaining about the sidewalk being torn up where the new Dollar General is going. It is a construction site and will be replaced by the DG people.  He also let Mark know that there is a street light out on the corner of Vince and Broadway.  Also, Mark and Kevin will be trimming some tress once the leaves have fallen off of them.  d) Harold Blake – None.  e) Beth – None.

PUBLIC:  Jay Thompson with the Hendricks County Communications Center let Council know that he doesn’t have any update on the EMA controlled radios yet.

ADJOURNMENT:  There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:28 pm.  The next Council Meeting will be November 5^th at 6:00 pm.

Attest: Beth Russell, Clerk-Treasurer

MINUTES OF TOWN OF NORTH SALEM COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 3, 2020

1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER:  The September 3, 2020 Council Meeting was called to order by Council President Becky Fancher at 6:00 pm.
2. ROLL CALL:  Becky Fancher, President – Present, Jimmy Roberts, Vice President – Present, Mike Russell, Member – Present
3. MINUTES:  Becky asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the August 6th Board Meeting.  There being none, the minutes were approved as written.
4. PUBLIC MEETING – 2021 BUDGET: Beth joined the meeting via Zoom and let the council know that she attended her online budget workshop, everything looked good and we should be funded.  Mike Russell made a motion to accept, Becky Fancher seconded.  Budget Adoption will take place at the October 1 Board meeting.
5. OLD ITEMS:  NuMedia Marketing Website Update – Beth let the Council know that she and Tammy met with Scott with NuMedia Marketing to preview the new website, and it looks great. Scott will be making a few additions and have it up and running soon, townofnorthsalem.org.
6. NEW ITEMS:  a) State Revolving Fund Update – Becky was pleased to announce that The Town of North Salem will be receiving $1,010,000.00 in loan forgiveness, which is fantastic news! This means we will only have to borrow a small fraction of what we originally thought we had to.  b) Ordinance 2020-4 Proposed – This ordinance will REDUCE water rates to what they were before the increase that took effect on July 1, 2020. Becky Fancher made a motion to accept, Mike Russell seconded. Adoption will take place in October, the new rates will take effect with the October billing, and a letter announcing the good news will be sent out with the September bills.  c) Amendment – Bond Ordinance 2020-1(B) – Harold Blake introduced this amendment to the bond ordinance, since we only need about 1/3 of the amount bonded. Becky Fancher made a motion to accept, Mike Russell seconded.  Will be passed at the October Board meeting.  d) Interlocal Agreement between Township & Town regarding Fire Department – Harold Blake explained that neither the Town or Township has been able to locate a signed copy of the Interlocal Agreement that exists, which states what the Town and Township are responsible for in regards to the Eel River Township Fire Department. After some research, the Townships former attorney was able to locate a draft of the final agreement.  Harold and the council reviewed the agreement and agree it’s still good as written.  Tammy will provide Harold with updated names for a new document, which he will draft for signature at the October meeting.  The Township will approve this document during their September meeting and the Trustee can sign at the Town’s October meeting as well.
7. REPORTS:  a) Mark – let Council know that we had a meeting with RQAW last week regarding our Asset Management Plan to discuss items we will need to take care of in the next 5-10 years for the filter plant and tower.  A grant was obtained to pay for the Asset Management Plan.  Kevin attended a meeting with EMA this week along with Becky, Ron and Beth that was a requirement regarding emergency response.  He also noted that he and Mark have been cleaning up alleyways and patching holes. b) NSPD – None. Becky let Ron know that he is doing a good job with patrolling, and residents have noticed the increased police presence in Town. c) Council Members – Jimmy asked Mark if he had taken a look at the trees on West Street that were in question. Mark stated that they are not the Town’s concern as they aren’t on Town property.  Mike stated that he noticed that all the street lights were getting changed. d) Harold Blake – None.  e) Beth – Asked Mark if Ray’s Trash picked up items on West Street that had been left behind.  Mark believes they did but will double check.
8. PUBLIC  a) David Pyatt introduced himself, he is running for the School Board in the upcoming election.  He is working to meet people and get community support.  His main goal is to bring transparency and accountability that has been lacking with the current School Board.  He has 17 years experience being a police officer.  He will be available after the meeting for anyone with questions.  b) Jay Thompson with the Hendricks County Communications Center announced that they will be donating EMA controlled radios to the Fire Department.  c) Bill Compton asked if the Town gave the Christian Church’s Car Show over Labor Day weekend permission to use California Street.  The Council said they did not, however they believe the Car Show is taking place on private property and will not have cars on California Street.  Bill stated that Old Fashion Days has not sanctioned or endorsed the Car Show, or any other events that might be taking place over Labor Day Weekend.  Bill also wanted to make everyone aware that there will be a fundraiser at next week’s Farmer’s Market in honor of John Gregory and Jamieson Roberts.  John recently left his wife and daughter behind in his passing, and Jamieson is a local teen battling cancer at the moment. They will be taking a free-will offering for hamburgers and hotdogs, and all proceeds will be given to these two families to help with expenses.
9. ADJOURNMENT:  There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:40 pm.  The next Council Meeting will be October 1^st at 6:00 pm.

Attest:  Tammy Lasley, Deputy Clerk-Treasurer