City Council

TOWN OF CICERO TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2021 at 7:00 PM Call to Order: President Strong called the meeting to order and lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Ms. Gary gave the prayer. Mr. Strong called for roll call. Members of the Cicero Town Council were present or absent as follows: Present: Chad Amos Absent: Chad Blueher Jerry Cook Chris Lutz Dan Strong Declare a Quorum Present: President Strong declared a quorum present. Others Present: Rhonda Gary, Clerk Treasurer Jeff Rednour, Police Chief Lance Overholser, Fire Chief Cicero/Jackson Township Plan Commission Director Shae Kmicikewycz, Community Development Aaron Culp, Town Attorney Bruce Freeman, Storm Water Management Board President Approval of Agenda: Mr. Amos made a motion to approve the agenda as amended. Mr. Lutz seconded, motion passed. Approval of Prior Minutes: Town Council Special Meeting Minutes, September 16, 2021, 5:30 PM Town Council Staff Meeting Minutes, September 12, 2021, 7:00 PM Town Council Executive Session Memorandum, September 20, 2021, 5:00 PM Town Council Meeting Minutes, September 21, 2021, 7:00 PM Mr. Blueher made a motion to approve the minutes listed above with the exception of the September 21, 2021 minutes. Ms. Gary will revise and add them to the 10/19/21 agenda. Mr. Cook seconded, motion passed. Approval of Claims: Mr. Lutz made a motion to approve the claims dated 9/21/21. Mr. Amos seconded, motion passed. Council Committee Reports: 1. OTC Report – Mr. Blueher thanked the council on behalf of OTC for their support during the fall festival. He also stated that they are working with Cicero Kiwanis in preparation for a Christmas parade on 12/4/21. Mr. Blueher requested to close Short Street between Cass and Jackson Streets. Mr. Amos made the motion to work with police and fire to close Short Street between Cass and Jackson Streets. Mr. Cook seconded, motion carried. 2. EDC Report – Mr. Amos had nothing to report. 1  3. SWU Management Board Report – Mr. Freeman said that the SWU Board met last week and although they did not receive the grant for the proposed stormwater projects, they plan to move forward with Brinton Street project as well as the Morse Landing Drive project. 4. Community Development – a. Ms. Kmicikewycz stated that she and Mr. Cooper are working on a Community Crossing Matching Grant for submission to LTAP for January 2022. b. Ms. Kmicikewycz is also working with the Police Department to find funding for body cameras. She is researching any funding through American Recovery Act and has asked OCRA to see if they have any ideas. Legal Counsel Report – Aaron Culp: Nothing at this time. Cicero/Jackson Township Plan Commission Report – President Strong said that he has nothing new to report. Town Engineer Report – Mr. Bryant was not present, but submitted the following: 1. Tamarack – Section 4: Watermain installation, drainage and grading work continues. HMA base and surface is complete. 2. Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant – a. Wastewater Treatment Plant – Continue working on preliminary engineering. Sludge dewatering equipment demo at the plant last week was impressive – will receive a report from the vendor in the next couple of weeks. United is also preparing the engineering agreement and will present for approval when complete. b. Water Treatment Plant - Awaiting approval to drill test holes on the second property. 3. Auburn Estates – Section 1: Miscellaneous drainage and grading work continues. HMA base is complete. Old Business: 1. EDC/RFI – Removed from the agenda. 2. Pool Demo – Moved to Comments by Citizens. 3. Adopt Budget – Mr. Amos made a motion to adopt the 2022 budget Ordinance No. 10-05-2021-01. Mr. Cook seconded, motion carried. 4. MPO – President Strong distributed a memo concerning the town’s partnership with Hamilton County to support the improvement of the 236th corridor. The memo included that the town agrees to allocate funding to help with the town’s portion of the local community matching funds for the project. New Business: Boat/Trailer – Chief Overholser said that the boat is out of the water and will be taken to Wawasee High School Technical Center to add accessories which was part of the original agreement. Miscellaneous: Chief Overholser informed the council of a LUCAS device that will administer constant and consistent chest compressions to patients. He said that they are approximately $14,000.00. Cicero Fire Department Community Organization has agreed to pay half of the cost for one for the Cicero Fire Department, so Chief is requesting the 2  balance of $7,200.00 from the N/R Ambulance Fund. Mr. Amos made the motion to approve Chief Overholser’s request. Mr. Lutz seconded, motion carried. Comments by Citizens: Ms. Brockhoff distributed a service contract with Pyle’s Pools for pool management. She gave a brief history of some statistics of the Cicero Pool. She stated that she asked the council to hold off on the demo and was told no. She didn’t feel that the council did their due diligence concerning the pool or consider the wants of the town citizens. Mr. John Culp spoke next and stated that he is not in favor of a pool for Cicero. He believes that Cicero’s pool was not fun, drew an older crowd and he is in favor of other options. That led to a lengthy discussion with other Cicero residents to include possibilities of an amphitheater, a skate park, shelters or a basketball court to name a few. Ms. Wilson with Friends of the Park (FOP) stated that she is not for or against a pool but did have some insight based on her 15 years of experience. FOP provides additional funds for the park via fundraisers, concerts, the car show, etc. Pool and building issues from her perspective were mold, slick floors, vandalism, staffing and the cost of chemicals. In addition, the pool building was beyond repair. Ms. Bannon has five children and is neutral concerning the pool as they did not use the pool very often. She is open to other ideas such as a splashpad or shelters for kids to have a place to congregate. Ms. Brockhoff on the other hand has five grandchildren and definitely would like a pool. Ms. Harris loved the pool and feels that kids need a place to congregate. Ms. Marsh stated that she is open minded about a pool. She suggested a survey to investigate what the young residents want. Ms. Eldredge felt that the council has been sneaky and didn’t listen to the survey and they are lacking in communication. Mr. Freeman suggested that the town use the crawler out front to advertise information/meetings. Mr. Bragg who is newer to the community offered that the town focus on facility, find assessment and money. Then, find partners. Ms. Wilcox stated that she was emotionally attached to the pool. She offered that the town should research grants and other funding or possibly use TIF money. Mr. Kelso asked if it is possible to ask new subdivisions to contribute to amenities to improve the town. During the meeting, the council each member made comments and addressed concerns as they were presented. All council members were not opposed to a pool; however, they have concerns about funding, maintenance, managing and staffing a pool. Council is willing to listen to other ideas and options. In the end, the council thanked all of the residents for their input and for showing up to the meeting. As previously stated, President Strong stated that he and the council are not opposed to a pool, but it must be done right. He also talked about the accomplishments such as the new concession stands and restrooms at the old ball fields and how they benefit the entire community. Mr. Bowen stated that there are lots of good ideas and people need to show up. They talked about the 5-year master plan and other ways that the residents can be involved. Mr. Hunter said that he appreciates all of the input and will listen with an open mind. In closing, he looks forward to the 5-year master plan. Motion to Adjourn: Mr. Lutz made the motion. Mr. Blueher seconded, motion carried. 3 Signatures on Official Documents! Signatures of Cicero Town Council __________________________ Dan Strong, President __________________________ Chad B. Amos __________________________ Chad M. Blueher __________________________ Jerry G. Cook __________________________ Christopher J. Lutz Attested: __________________________ Rhonda Gary, Clerk Treasurer The Next Cicero Town Council Meeting will be on October 19, 2021, at 7:00 PM at Red Bridge Community Building. 4