City Council

TOWN OF CICERO TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2023 at 7:00 PM Call to Order: Vice President Lutz called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Ms. Gary gave the prayer. Vice President Lutz called for roll call. Members of the Cicero Town Council were present or absent as follows: Present: Joseph Cox Absent: Chad Blueher Eric Hayden Christopher Lutz Declare a Quorum Present: Vice President Lutz declared a quorum with three members present. He also informed the public that Mr. Cook has stepped down from the council to pursue another public service. Others Present: Rhonda Gary, Clerk Treasurer Jeff Rednour, Police Chief Lance Overholser, Fire Chief Frank Zawadzki, Cicero/Jackson Township Plan Commission Director Terry Cooper, Street & Utilities Director Jim Hunter, Parks Superintendent Aaron Culp, Town Attorney Keith Bryant, Town Engineer Bruce Freeman, Storm Water Management Board President Dan Strong, Project Coordinator Approval of Agenda: Mr. Cox made a motion to approve the agenda as amended. Mr. Hayden seconded, motion carried. Approval of Prior Minutes: Town Council Meeting Minutes, August 1, 2023, 7:00 PM Mr. Hayden made a motion to approve the minutes listed above. Mr. Cox seconded, motion carried. Town Council Staff Meeting Minutes, August 10, 2023, 7:00 PM Mr. Cox made a motion to approve the minutes listed above. Mr. Hayden seconded, motion carried. Approval of Claims: Mr. Cox made a motion to approve the claims dated 8/15/23. Mr. Hayden seconded, motion carried. Hamilton County Councilman Brad Beaver – Councilman Beaver distributed a handout referencing property tax relief – homestead credit that he has proposed. He went on to explain how he sees this unfolding. Vice President Lutz inquired about the impact to the town’s LIT and property tax disbursements. Conversation ensued with Ms. Graham adding information concerning current procedures. In the end, Councilman Beaver stated that he was not looking for 1 a vote tonight, but will need a vote by 10/1/23. Vice President Lutz thanked Councilman Beaver and his team for the information and for joining the meeting. Council Committee Reports: 1. OTC Report – President Blueher was not present; therefore, no update was available. 2. EDC Report – Mr. Cox stated that ECD is in a holding pattern and that their monthly meeting was cancelled. 3. SWU Management Board Report – SWU President Freeman stated that Chief Overholser has requested that SWU assist with a drive cut at Edgewater Court. He believes the cost to be around $2,000.00. SWU President Freeman is working with Director Cooper and Chief Overholser. More information to follow. Legal Counsel Report – Mr. Culp stated that a plan commission member has missed four consecutive meetings which is cause for dismissal from the board. He has spoken with President Blueher about replacing the member as it is a nine-person board. Cicero/Jackson Township Plan Commission – Plan Commissioner Zawadzki stated that the plan commission was audited by IDEM and sailed right through it. Town Engineer Report – 1. Tamarack – Mr. Bryant has emailed the developer for a final punch list update on Sections 1-3 and has had no response. 2. Auburn Estates – Mr. Bryant has been in contact with the developer. Final inspection of Section 1 found a couple of things that need to be addressed. Once that happens, Mr. Bryant will recommend that the town accept that infrastructure. The performance bond will then change from construction to a maintenance bond. 3. Water – Mr. Bryant said that they are still looking for raw water sources. Alternate sites are being evaluated by Peerless Midwest. 4. Wastewater – a. BOT Report – Mr. Bryant recapped the 8/1/23 and 8/8/23 meetings concerning the BOT (Build, Operate, Transfer) for the wastewater treatment plant project and the Committee written recommendation to the Council. He briefly touched on deciding factors i.e., experience, schedules, scope of the project to name a few. He also stated that he has prepared an advertisement for a public hearing scheduled for the next council meeting on 9/5/23 if the Council agrees. The Council agreed to proceed as proposed and recommended by the Committee. b. IDEM Enforcement Meeting – Mr. Bryant relayed that the meeting with IDEM went well. They were understanding about the town’s situation with financing and appreciated the town’s efforts in moving forward and commitment to timely continuation with the project. Mr. Bryant will provide the requested update on 9/8/23. 5. Tollgate Road – Mr. Bryant stated the post bid submittal to INDOT has been made and they have indicated that they have no issues with the project construction proceeding. He requested that the council allow VP Lutz to sign the motion to proceed. Mr. Cox made the motion. Mr. Hayden seconded, motion carried. 2  6. Brinton Street Storm Water Rehab Project – Mr. Bryant reported that they are making spot repairs; however, the town has a $30,000.00 deduct from the project and they are looking to maximize the grant. He believes that Insituform will begin lining next Tuesday. Old Business: There was nothing. New Business: a. Appointment to Fire Department Merit Board – Chief Overholser advised the council that Mr. Jack Russell would like to fill the vacancy on the Fire Department Merit Board; however, it is a council presidential appointment. The council will take this under advisement. Mr. Hayden made a motion to table. Mr. Cox seconded, motion carried. b. Invitation for Quotes – The three bids for the new roof at Red Bridge were as follows: Mr. Cox – Clearcoat Roofing LLC - $20,012.16 Mr. Hayden – Restoration Builders - $34,602.39 VP Lutz – Harber Exteriors - $24,900.00 Mr. Hayden made a motion to table pending further review and analysis. Mr. Cox seconded, motion carried. Miscellaneous: Vice President Lutz referred to a letter from Attorney General Todd Rokita concerning opioid settlement funds. He then told Chief Overholser that the disbursement is $1,459.30 (restricted) and $499.45 (unrestricted) and that he would give him the letter as it really pertains to public safety. Comments by Citizens: a. Cicero Resident, Mr. Hahn, inquired about a rumor concerning condos being built on Trump Hill. Mr. Hayden informed him that it has not come before the plan commission or the council. b. Mr. Hahn also inquired about funds spent on water if the town has an adequate water supply as opposed to a wastewater treatment plant. Vice President Lutz responded that both are needed and currently in the works. Motion to Adjourn: Mr. Hayden made the motion. Mr. Cox seconded, motion carried. Signatures on Official Documents! Signatures of Cicero Town Council AYE NAY Chad M Blueher Jerry G Cook Joseph R Cox 3  Eric C Hayden Christopher J Lutz Attested: Rhonda Gary, Clerk Treasurer The Next Cicero Town Council Meeting will be on September 5, 2023, at 7:00 PM at Cicero Town Hall. 4