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

MINUTES OF TOWN OF NORTH SALEM COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 6, 2020

1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER:  The August 6, 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 BZA Hearing held on July 2^nd.  There being none, the minutes were approved as written.  Becky then asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the July 2nd Board Meeting.  There being none, the minutes were approved as written.
4. OLD ITEMS:  a) NuMedia Marketing Website Update – Beth joined the meeting via Facetime and let the Council know that we are in transition from Hosting Truth to NuMedia Marketing. We will have a new website soon, townofnorthsalem.org.
5. NEW ITEMS:  2021 Salary Ordinance – The Council reviewed, Becky Fancher made a motion to approve, Mike Russell seconded, and it was passed unanimously.
6. REPORTS: a) Mark – let Council know that there is an issue with standing water at Minnesota and McKinley.  He and Kevin are going to try and flush it with a fire hose, but if that doesn’t work, they will contact Hopper Excavating to roto-rooter the catch basin to see if that helps.  He also let the Council know that he and Kevin have had to deal with a lot of water leaks recently.  Mark stated that there was no news to report from RWAQ, and as far as he knows, the water project should start sometime this month.  Also, we are #1 on the list for State Revolving Fund’s loan forgiveness program. b) NSPD – Marshal Kneeland turned in his monthly report to Town Council President. He also stated that residents should notice a difference with people speeding in Town.  He then introduced Mr. Schubert, who he recently pulled over for reckless driving in Town.  Schubert apologized to the Board, so he will be receiving a warning this time, since he came and addressed the Board. c) Council Members – Becky made everyone aware that the 2020 Old Fashion Days festival has been cancelled due to COVID-19. Jimmy thanked Mark for taking care of the street lights that weren’t working properly. c) Harold Blake – None. d) Beth – None.
7. PUBLIC  Amy Simmers addressed the Council about groundhogs in Town, stating that she had to have some removed from her property, and she believes that they are coming from the Goode junkyard in Town.  Jimmy suggested we approach the Goode Family to see if they would try to take care of the groundhogs coming from that property.  Harold advised that if that doesn’t work, we could file a complaint with Hendricks County, but we would need proper documentation to include pictures and written reports proving that there has been destruction of property.
8. ADJOURNMENT:  There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:32 pm.  The next Council Meeting will be September 3rd at 6:00 pm.

Attest:  Tammy Lasley, Deputy Clerk-Treasurer

MINUTES OF TOWN OF NORTH SALEM COUNCIL MEETING JULY 2, 2020

1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER:  The July 2, 2020, Council Meeting was called to order by Council President Becky Fancher at 6:08 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 Public Hearing held on May 21^st.  There being none, the minutes were approved as written.  Becky then asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the June 4th Board Meeting.  There being none, the minutes were approved as written.
4. OLD ITEMS:  Ray’s Trash Service Rate Increase Proposal – We received the proposal for rate increases from Ray’s Trash Service. They are proposing to increase our rate per household beginning September 1^st; then increase again beginning January 1^, 2020; then each year after that the price will not exceed an increase of 3%.  Harold Blake stated that we will not need to amend the Ordinance; Council can set new rates by Resolution.  Beth pointed out that in addition to the fee charged by Ray’s, there is also a monthly fuel surcharge which will need to be taken into consideration.
5. NEW ITEMS:  a) RQAW Invoices to be paid – Beth presented Council with seven invoices from RQAW for Engineering Fees associated with our Water project. These invoices total $147,165.00.  Per Mike Kleinpeter, our Grant Administrator, Council is to approve and Beth is to pay from the Bond Anticipation Note.  Becky made the motion to approve; Mike seconded; motion passed unanimously. b) Kleinpeter Consulting Invoice (to be paid once OCRA releases grant funds) – Beth presented Council with an invoice from Kleinpeter Consulting (Grant Admin) in the amount of $36,600.00. Becky made a motion to approve; Jimmy seconded; motion passed unanimously.  c) Quote for Radar Signs – NSPD – Beth presented Council with a quote submitted to the North Salem Police Dept. for new radar signs to be placed around town. The quote was in the amount of $17,000 for four units.  Several residents were in attendance to ask why we had no police presence in town and the speeding through town, especially by the elementary school, is ongoing.  Becky stated that these issues would be addressed.  After much discussion, it was decided that Marshal Kneeland should pursue some sort of grant to purchase these.  d) NuMedia Marketing Quote on updated Town website – Beth presented Council with a quote from NuMedia Marketing. Our website is out of date and needs refreshing.  It also needs to be more interactive.    Becky made a motion to approve their proposal; Mike R. seconded; motion passed unanimously.
6. REPORTS:  a) Mark – let Council know that he repaired a water main break in an alley off of Pearl Street.  Nancy Bruner, who lives on State Road 75 by the school, asked if we could take a look at the sidewalk that runs along the west side of the road.  It looks as if there is a sidewalk just passed the bridge heading south, but it’s covered up with stone and grass.  Mark said he could take the bobcat down there and scrape to see what kind of shape it’s in. Mark also addressed the Council on those boring companies that come into town and want to purchase water from us for their projects.  Mark has them pull their water from hydrants on the outskirts of town, but it still stirs the water and causes issues.  All of Council agreed that we should stop providing water for these projects because it causes too many problems.  b) NSPD – No report as Marshal Kneeland is currently in quarantine. c) Council Members – Becky would like to schedule an Executive Session for July 13, 2020 at 7:00 pm in the Town Hall. This meeting will be to discuss the 2021 budget and also an annual employee review for Marshal Kneeland.  Becky made a motion to schedule this meeting; Jimmy seconded; motion passed unanimously.  Jimmy wanted to let Mark know that there are some tree limbs overhanging the road on West Street near Pearl Street; Mark knows what tree he is referring to and this is not a Town Tree.  He will take a look at it.  Mike Russell also wanted to go on record that he has received complaints about no police presence in town.  d) Harold Blake – None.  e) Beth – asked Harold if we could utilize our CEDIT fund to help with the loan payment once this water project is complete.  Per our Resolution 2012-15 it states that expenditures from this fund can cover infrastructure improvements.  Harold stated “absolutely”……which is great news for us if we do not receive some kind (or any kind) of forgiveness on our loan from the State.
7. PUBLIC  Bill Compton asked the Council if it was okay for him to spray for bugs where they set up for the Farmer’s Market each week.  Council stated that was fine.  Also, he wanted to know what opinion Council had regarding Old Fashion Days considering we are still in the midst of a pandemic.  After much discussion, Becky asked Harold what he thought.  Harold stated that North Salem has many elderly residents.  With people coming from out of town and us not really being able to “enforce” safety precautions with regard to the virus, we should error on the side of safety.  Bill thanked the Council and Harold for their opinions and will relay to the Old Fashion Days Committee.  Nancy Bruner asked about having chickens in town; Beth explained what the current ordinance states.
8. ADJOURNMENT:  There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:02 pm.  The next Council Meeting will be August 6th at 6:00 pm.                          Attest:  Beth Russell, Clerk-Treasurer

MINUTES OF TOWN OF NORTH SALEM COUNCIL MEETING MAY 7, 2020 VIA ZOOM

CALL MEETING TO ORDER: The May 7, 2020, Council Meeting was called to order by Council President Becky Fancher at 6:19 pm. 

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 minutes of the March, 2020 Board meeting.  There being none, the minutes were approved as written.

OLD ITEMS: Heavy Trash Pickup – This did not go very well this year.  In the past, Ray’s charged a flat fee and picked up everything.  This year they raised the price tremendously and picked up much less.  Mark drove around town and noted that there was far less heavy trash than in years past and that Ray’s chose not to pick it all up.  We will re-evaluate this service for next year.

NEW ITEMS:Ordinance 2020-2 – Rate Increase July, 2020 – In order to proceed with our Water Treatment/Water Tower project, and qualify for a Bond Anticipation Note and State Revolving Fund Loan, we have to increase our water rates.  Becky introduced Ordinance 2020-2 which will be discussed at a Public Hearing on May 21^st. 

Ordinance 2020-3 – Additional Rate Increase January, 2021.  Becky introduced Ordinance 2020-3 which will also be discussed at a Public Hearing on May 21^st.

Amendment 2020-1(A) – Bond Anticipation Note Amendment – Jimmy moved to adopt Ordinance on first reading, Mike seconded; motion passed unanimously.  Jimmy moved to suspend the rules and consider Ordinance for adoption; Mike seconded; motion passed unanimously.  Jimmy moved to adopt Ordinance on final reading; Mike seconded; motion passed unanimously.  Beth will let Bond Attorney, Kimberly Blanchett, know.

Awarding of Contract Bid for Water Project – Becky stated that after having reviewed the two bids submitted for the Drinking Water Systems Improvement Project as well as the recommendation of our Project Engineers, RQAW, I hereby move that the Town award the project contract to Graves Construction Services, Inc., with the understanding that this contract award is entirely contingent upon 1) the passage of the Phase One and Phase Two water rate increase ordinances, 2) securing the necessary North Salem State Bank ;loan, and 3) securing the release of funds anticipated from OCRA; Mike seconded; motion passed unanimously. 

Jimmy then made the motion that upon the satisfaction or completion of all three contingences note in the motion to award the contract, Council President Rebecca Fancher be then authorized to execute any and all documents necessary in order to effectuate the commencement of construction.  Mike seconded.  Motion passed unanimously.

REPORTS:  Mark –  let Council know that he will be replacing a sidewalk on North California Street as weather permits and also removing a tree in the alley behind L&F Heating and Cooling.

NSPD – None.

Council Members – None

Harold Blake – None

Beth – Farmer’s Market will begin May 21^st.

PUBLIC:None

ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6::45 pm.  The next Council Meeting will be June 4th at 6:00 pm.

Attest: Beth Russell, Clerk-Treasurer

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

CALL MEETING TO ORDER: The March 5, 2020, Council Meeting was called to order by Council President Becky Fancher at 6:00 pm.  Becky led 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 minutes of the February, 2020 Board meeting.  There being none, the minutes were approved as written.

OLD ITEMS: Filter Plant/Water Tower Projects Bids – Becky made the motion to reject the two bids received last month for this project and have the project re-bid; Jimmy seconded; motion passed unanimously.  RQAW will advertise the project for bids; pre-bid meeting is March 19^th in the Town Hall at 10:00 am; bids will be accepted until 4:00 pm on April 1^st; bids will be opened at 10:00 am on April 2^nd and discussed at the Town Board Meeting at 6:00 pm April 2^nd.

NEW ITEMS:  Heavy Trash Pickup – We have tentatively scheduled curbside heavy trash pickup for April 28^th

Property Clean Up Discussion – Marshal Kneeland submitted a list of properties in town that are in violation of certain ordinances.  Since we will have heavy trash pickup the end of April, we will send each home owner/renter a Notice to Abate and encouraging them to utilize heavy trash pickup in April.

REPORTS:  Mark –  has ongoing discussions with RQAW and the filter plant/tower project.  We definitely need MORE bids!!

NSPD – Marshal Kneeland reports that it’s been fairly quiet for the most part.  Jimmy asked him how we would go about lowering the speed limit through town.  Marshal Kneeland said we would have to go through the State since it’s a State Road.

Council Members – Jimmy asked about the progress of the possible Dollar General here in town at the old greenhouse property on Main Street.  Beth reported that she has sent them all the information on who they need to contact as far as notifying property owners about their plans; we could possibly have a BZA meeting April 2^nd before the regular Board Meeting.  Notices will go out in March water bills.

Harold Blake – None

Beth – None

PUBLIC:Bill Compton was in attendance and asked if the Revitalization Committee could put an insert in the March water bills.  Courtney Cole with Hamilton Center Inc. was in attendance to let Council know about a new opioid treatment center in Plainfield; she left a few handouts regarding their services.  Gary Harris was also in attendance to discuss issues with his neighbors and his dogs.  After much discussion, he was reminded again that this is a civil issue.

ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6::34 pm.  The next Council Meeting will be April 2^nd at 6:00 pm.

Attest: Beth Russell, Clerk-Treasurer

MINUTES OF TOWN OF NORTH SALEM COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 6, 2020

CALL MEETING TO ORDER: The February 7, 2020, Council Meeting was called to order by Council President Becky Fancher at 6:00 pm.  Becky led 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 minutes of the January, 2020 Board meeting.  There being none, the minutes were approved as written.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS: Mike Russell made the motion that the officers remain the same; Jimmy seconded.  Motion passed unanimously.

OPENING OF SEALED BIDS: We received two bids.  Becky opened the first one from Eddco Construction with a bid price of just over two million dollars; the second one was from Graves Construction with a bid price of just over 1.8 million dollars.  Since both bids were over our estimated cost, Eric Wathen with RQAW suggested that they take the bid packets and review them then report back with their recommendations.  Becky made the motion to accept; Mike seconded.

OLD ITEMS: None. 

NEW ITEMS:Ordinance 2020-1 – Authorizing Acquisition, Construction and Installation of certain improvements to the waterworks system of the Town of North Salem, issuance of revenue bonds, etc.  Harold has reviewed the 36-page document and recommends that the Council adopt it.   Becky made the motion to adopt on first read; Mike seconded; motion passed unanimously.  Jimmy made the motion to suspend the rules and consider the Ordinance for adoption on the second read; Mike seconded; motion passed unanimously.  Mike then made the motion to adopt on third and final read; Jimmy seconded; motion passed unanimously. 

REPORTS:  Mark –  No Report, NSPD – No Report, Council Members – None, Harold Blake – No Report, Beth – presented Council with additional nepotism forms to be completed and signed.

PUBLIC:Greg Guerrettaz with Financial Solutions Group was in attendance as well as officers from the North Salem State Bank.  Greg reported that they had lunch with the officers of the bank and that they discussed the Bond Anticipation Note for the Town for this water project.

ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:13 pm.  The next Council Meeting will be March 5^th at 6:00 pm.

Attest: Beth Russell, Clerk-Treasurer