City Council

TOWN OF CICERO TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2023 at 7:00 PM Call to Order: President Blueher called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Ms. Gary gave the prayer. President Blueher called for roll call. Members of the Cicero Town Council were present or absent as follows: Present: Chad Blueher Absent: Joseph Cox Eric Hayden Dennis Johnson Christopher Lutz Declare a Quorum Present: President Blueher declared a quorum with all members present. 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. Lutz made a motion to approve the agenda as amended. Mr. Cox seconded, motion carried. Additional Appropriation Public Hearing – Mr. Cox made a motion to open the public hearing. Mr. Hayden seconded, motion carried. President Blueher asked for any comments/questions from the public. There were none. Ms. Gary did offer that the appropriation was largely due to the unexpected increase in the price with the new trash contract. Mr. Hayden made a motion to close the public hearing. Mr. Lutz seconded, motion carried. Additional Appropriation Ordinance Number 12-19-2023-01 – Mr. Hayden made a motion to approve Ordinance Number 12-19-2023-01. Mr. Johnson seconded, motion carried. Approval of Prior Minutes: Town Council Meeting Minutes, December 5, 2023, 7:00 PM Mr. Lutz made a motion to approve the minutes from December 5, 2023 as presented. Mr. Cox seconded, motion carried. 1 Approval of 12/19/23 Claims: Mr. Lutz made a motion to approve the claims dated 12/19/23. Mr. Johnson seconded, motion carried. Municipal Reorganization – Mr. Lutz opened the conversation with a brief introduction and introduced Attorney Todd Burtron with Taft Law Firm. Mr. Burtron explained the process of municipal reorganization. He touched on the options to include Status Quo, Annexation and Reorganization. He talked about economic growth and development as well as the continued expansion of the 31 Corridor. He briefly talked about Referendum by Voters and used Yorktown and Zionsville as examples. Mr. Burtron talked about the process, plan (which includes a fiscal impact analysis) and the legislative process. Council asked for some clarification on reorganization. Mr. Lutz summarized his understanding of the process to include Jackson Township’s participation which is a must, services, passing of resolution, creating a formal committee to name a few. President Blueher then opened the floor for public comments/questions. Cicero residents Ms. Chance, Ms. Wills, Mr. Schofield, Ms. Mayer, Mr. Hahn and Mr. Scherer addressed the council with comments and questions concerning the reorganization. In the end, all council members were in favor of continuing to investigate the process. Council Committee Reports: 1. OTC Report – President Blueher had no update at this time. 2. EDC Report – Mr. Cox had no current update. 3. SWU Management Board Report – SWU President Freeman stated that the SWU Board will hold a meeting at the town hall on 12/27/23 at 9:00 am and extended an invitation to any wishing to appear. Legal Counsel Report – a. Mr. Culp stated that the Cicero Plan Commission met and had a negative recommendation for Lennar’s subdivision proposal. He believes they plan to revise their proposal and return in February 2024 with revisions. b. Mr. Culp advised that the status of the alley on Pearl Street is still under investigation as to whether it has been vacated or not. Plan Commissioner Zawadzki added that there is currently a stop work order in place and that there are no utility lines in the alley. Cicero/Jackson Township Plan Commission Report – November 2023 • Permit Revenue: = $6,614 YTD: $92,079 • November 2022 = $7,826 YTD: $170,050 • Difference: Month =-$1,212 YTD: -$77,971 • A total of 28 building permits were issued for November of 2023. • Eleven were within the corporate limits (of which 0 was for a new home). 2  • A total of 17 permits were issued in Jackson Township (of which, 2 were for new homes). • Estimated Cost of projects permitted: $3,757,015. Town Engineer Report – Keith Bryant 1. Tamarack - MI homes is finished with the infrastructure for Sections 1-3. They have submitted Maintenance Bonds but are addressing comments from United. Once the bonds are complete, we will work with Aaron Culp for the Council resolution to accept the utilities as requested. 2. Auburn Estates – Mr. Bryant reported that Section 1 infrastructure is complete and has been accepted by the Town. 3. Water Plant and Improvements - Mr. Bryant had nothing new to report; however, Mr. Blueher asked Dan Strong about the east side test well agreement. Mr. Strong indicated that it had been revised and was in the property owner’s hands. 4. Wastewater – Mr. Bryant had nothing new to report. 5. Tollgate Road – Mr. Bryant stated that the weather has stopped Midstates Paving progress. They may do some ditch work and will get back to work on the project with improved weather in the spring and get it done in a short time period. 6. Brinton Street Storm Water Rehab Project – Mr. Bryant stated that Insituform is finished with the current work included in the Brinton Street Project, He asked council to approve and allow President Blueher to sign Pay Application #3. Mr. Cox made a motion to approve and allow President Blueher to sign Pay Application #3. Mr. Lutz seconded, motion carried. Mr. Bryant continues to obtain proposals from Insituform for possible additional scope of work for the project. Old Business: a. Indiana On-Tap – removed from agenda b. Summer Sewer Credit Resolution No. 12-19-2023-2 – Mr. Cox made a motion to approve Resolution 12-19-2023-2. Mr. Johnson seconded, motion carried. New Business: a. Municipal Reorganization – moved to beginning of agenda b. Transfer Resolution 12-19-2023-3 – Mr. Hayden made a motion to approve Resolution 12-19-2023-3. Mr. Johnson seconded, motion carried. Miscellaneous: a. Mr. Lutz presented President Blueher with a plaque as his term on the Cicero Town Council will end 12/31/23. Mr. Lutz thanked President Blueher for his contribution and dedication to the town. b. President Blueher addressed the council and public thanking the department heads, council and others for allowing him to serve. He said that it has been an honor and an opportunity of a lifetime. Comments by Citizens: There were none. 3 Motion to Adjourn: Mr. Lutz made the motion. Mr. Johnson seconded, motion carried. Signatures on Official Documents! Signatures of Cicero Town Council AYE NAY Chad M Blueher Joseph R Cox Eric C Hayden Dennis D Johnson Christopher J Lutz Attested: Rhonda Gary, Clerk Treasurer The Next Cicero Town Council Meeting will be on January 2, 2024 at 7:00 PM at Cicero Town Hall. 4