City Council

TOWN OF CICERO TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2024 at 7:00 PM Call to Order: President Lutz called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Ms. Gary gave the prayer. Mr. Lutz called for roll call. Members of the Cicero Town Council were present or absent as follows: Present: Joseph Cox Absent: Dennis Johnson Eric Hayden Emily Pearson Christopher Lutz Declare a Quorum Present: President Lutz declared a quorum with three members present. Others Present: Rhonda Gary, Clerk Treasurer 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 3-0. Approval of Prior Minutes: Town Council Meeting Minutes, August 6, 2024, 7:00 PM Town Council Staff Meeting Minutes, August 15, 2024, 7:00 PM Town Council Executive Session Memorandum, August 15, 2024, 8:00 PM Mr. Hayden made a motion to approve the minutes listed above as presented. Mr. Cox seconded, motion carried 3-0. Approval of 8/20/2024 Claims: Mr. Hayden made a motion to approve claims dated 8-20-24 as presented. Mr. Cox seconded, motion carried 3-0. Council Committee Reports: 1. OTC Report – Ms. Pearson was not present. 2. EDC Report – Mr. Cox had no update. 3. SWU Management Board Report – SWU President Freeman had nothing to report. Legal Counsel Report – Mr. Culp reported that he has spoken with Ms. Gary and the Port Authority and there is not a problem transferring the Parklet – Patio to the town from OTC. Cicero/Jackson Township Plan Commission – Mr. Zawadzki was not present. Town Engineer Report – 1. Tamarack – Mr. Bryant reported that he has had no response from MI Homes. He reached out to Matt Howard again today. 1  2. Water – Mr. Bryant stated that nothing has changed since the last meeting. 3. Wastewater – Mr. Bryant relayed that Reynolds Construction’s work is moving ahead. Mr. Bryant also relayed that he will report to IDEM as required on 8/21/24 with the progress. 4. Tollgate Road – Mr. Bryant reported that everything appears to be done, and they are waiting on Midwest Paving to notify them for the substantial completion. 5. Brinton Street Storm Water Rehab Project – Mr. Bryant relayed that Mendenhall has sent Closeout documents for President Lutz’ signature. Mr. Hayden made a motion to allow President Lutz to sign the Certification of Accessibility and the Final Inspection/Project Completion. Mr. Cox seconded, motion carried 3-0. 6. Jackson Street CCMG – Mr. Bryant said that at the last meeting the council requested getting together with the contractor, Midwest Paving, to work on options and other things to consider. Mr. Bryant met with them and their electrical subcontractor on 8/15 and they are to follow up with some ideas and associated pricing. President Lutz would like to continue discussion concerning outdoor seating. Mr. Bryant said that there will be time to allow for that by the next meeting and prior to the Notice to Proceed that is pending the INDOT release of the CCMG funds. Old Business: There was none. New Business: There was none. Miscellaneous: Mr. Hadler was present to discuss the recent development with the Bond Anticipation Note (BAN) for the wastewater treatment plant project funding. Mr. Hadler said that the Indiana Bond Bank just notified him of the new requirement which would require an additional rate increase to satisfy the requirement. Mr. Hadler expressed that the new requirement from Indiana Bond Bank (IBB) is to have all rates adopted in advance in order to demonstrate the ability to take on the long-term debt. An additional rate increase could take place after the current 2024 and 2025 rate increases. Mr. Hadler offered another option which is for the town to look to the open market to bond the project. He was not in favor as it would increase the rate percentages and potentially cost the town an additional $500,000.00 in interest. After a lengthy discussion, Council was very concerned about another rate increase for the town but knows that there is no other choice as this project is required by IDEM. After the discussion, they had a better understanding that the new rate would not take effect until 2027 or potentially 2028. Council asked that Mr. Hadler and Mr. Culp put together a plan to include timelines to meet the IBB requirement. All this being said, Council decided to move forward with the possibility of grants or other avenues in the future that may be available to aid in funding the project which could potentially lower rates once the project is trued up. This would mean that the third rate increase (after 2024 and 2025) could be reduced before taking effect. Mr. Hayden then made a motion to confirm and advertise updated sewer rates to meet IBB requirements. Mr. Cox seconded, motion carried 3-0. 2 Comments by Citizens: Cicero resident, Mr. Smith was present to inquire about the council’s decision concerning the easement encroachment he requested at the previous council meeting. After a brief discussion, council was in favor of allowing Mr. Smith to encroach on the easement with stipulations. Mr. Culp will put together an agreement between Mr. Smith and the town. President Lutz asked Ms. Gary to add this to the next council meeting agenda. Motion to Adjourn: Mr. Hayden made the motion. Mr. Cox seconded, motion carried 3-0. Signatures on Official Documents! Signatures of Cicero Town Council AYE NAY Christopher J Lutz Joseph R Cox Eric C Hayden Dennis D Johnson Emily K Pearson Attested: Rhonda Gary, Clerk Treasurer The Next Cicero Town Council Meeting will be on September 3, 2024 at 7:00 PM at Cicero Town Hall. 3