City Council

TOWN OF CICERO TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2025 at 7:00 PM Call to Order: President Cox called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Ms. Pearson gave the prayer. President Cox called for roll call. Members of the Cicero Town Council were present or absent as follows: Present: Joseph Cox Absent: Eric Hayden Dennis Johnson Christopher Lutz Emily Pearson Declare a Quorum Present: President Cox declared a quorum with all five 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 Bruce Freeman, Storm Water Management Board President Dan Strong, Project Coordinator Approval of Agenda: Mr. Johnson made a motion to approve the agenda as amended, Ms. Pearson seconded, motion carried 5-0. Approval of Prior Minutes: Town Council Executive Session Memorandum, June 3, 2025, 6:15 PM Town Council Meeting Minutes, June 3, 2025, 7:00 PM Ms. Pearson made a motion to approve the minutes listed above. Mr. Johnson seconded, motion carried 5-0. Approval of 6/17/25 Claims: Mr. Johnson made a motion to approve claims dated 6/17/25 as presented. Mr. Hayden seconded, motion carried 5-0. Council Committee Reports: 1. OTC Report – Ms. Pearson had no report. 2. EDC Report – President Cox had nothing to report 3. SWU Management Board Report – SUB Morse Landing Drive Underdrain Project – SWU President Freeman reported that they have put together a letter and are planning a public meeting at Red Bridge Community Building on June 25 at 6:00 pm. There are 20 affected residents. Ms. Gary will advertise the meeting. More information to follow. 1 Legal Counsel Report – Mr. Culp reported that he has spoken with outside counsel concerning a General Obligation (GO) Bond as well as an excess levy appeal for the town. In the end, he stated that the town could proceed with the $2.55 million bond as previously discussed. He also stated that the town could proceed with an excess levy appeal. Cicero/Jackson Township Plan Commission Report – Mr. Zawadzki had no updates. Town Engineer Report – Mr. Bryant was not present, but emailed the following: 1. Water – Nothing new to report. 2. Wastewater – Reynolds continues construction. Concrete pours, sludge building, pipe work, oxidation ditch equipment installation and many other tasks continue. Flow transition to the new oxidation ditch and clarifiers is anticipated in September. A representative from Reynolds Construction is present to discuss project status, contingencies and change orders, budget changes as well as pay application #11. In addition, Mr. Huber with Reynolds Construction was present to discuss the usage of contingency funds for the wastewater treatment plant. Mr. Hayden stated that the use of contingency dollars reported was significant. Mr. Huber explained why they were used and why all the additional costs. Mr. Hayden inquired about the equipment costs as well. Mr. Huber explained that they rent equipment by the month and bill the town daily for the equipment rental. Mr. Johnson inquired about prior approval from the council for use of contingency funds. Mr. Huber reported that Mr. Bryant has been notified along the way. Mr. Lutz inquired about the cost of equipment as well as a breakdown of all contingencies. Mr. Huber added that there were additional significant utilities buried as well as unsuitable soil once they got into the project. There was no way to know that until they started digging. Mr. Lutz stated that he was hoping to get back 50% of the contingency money. Mr. Huber is hopeful that they are finished with things that are unknown, and the risks are behind them. He believes they are on target to have the project completed in April of 2026. Later, Mr. Lutz made a motion to approve Pay Application 11 and allow President Cox to sign. Mr. Hayden seconded, motion carried. 5-0. 3. West Jackson Street – Construction continues. Electrical conduits, light pole bases, concrete work and replacement on the north side of Jackson Street continues. He hopes to complete walk pours from Park Street to Short Street this week. The storm water pipes that were added by change order are complete. The contractor plans to have all demolished areas restored before the July 4th festivities. 4. 2025 Community Crossings Matching Grant – The post bid submittal has been made to INDOT. INDOT has noted as approved. Will obtain President Cox signature and issue Notice to Proceed, following receipt of the project grant funds from INDOT. Old Business: a. Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) – Mr. Lutz, as previously discussed, would like to designate a department head to attend MPO meetings. Superintendent Coooper was designated with Mr. Strong and Mr. Zawadski as supporting roles. Council was ok with Superintendent Cooper to represent the town. b. Gas Pumps – Mr. Lutz reminded the council that the council agreed to replace the pumps; however, funding has not yet been established. 2  c. CCMG – Mr. Strong informed the council that CCMG program is on hold and he doesn’t know when it will be available. He asked that the council keep projects in mind to submit once the window opens. He also informed the council that there is new legislation concerning CCMGs in that in the future a wheel tax must be adopted to apply for a CCMG. Mr. Strong also stated that the grant paperwork has been submitted to INDOT for the projects on Morse Landing Drive and Catherine Street. d. Southern Annexation Fiscal Study – Mr. Johnson stated that he sent an email that included an engagement letter from Baker Tilly for council approval to develop a fiscal plan for the south annexation. Mr. Johnson then made a motion to approve and allow President Cox to sign the letter. Ms. Pearson seconded, motion carried 5-0. e. Police Cameras – Chief Rednour stated that he has received a three year contract extension at the current pricing from Motorola, the current camera vendor and asked that council approve the extension. After a brief conversation, Ms. Pearson made a motion to approve the extension. Mr. Johnson seconded, motion carried 5-0. f. GO Bond – Mr. Lutz asked that this be added to future agendas until a bond is secured. Mr. Culp is in the process of putting together an agreement with bond council and establishing time lines. Council was ok with this. New Business: a. Trees (E Jackson Street) – Mr. Zawadzki has a plan for planting trees on East Jackson Street; however, it’s not feasible to plant them in the buffer areas. He will consult with homeowners for their perspective. Mr. Zawadzki and Superintendent Hunter have put together a plan and council consensus was to move forward. b. Interlocal for Roads – President Cox gave a brief explanation of the agreement. Afterwards, Mr. Johnson made a motion to approve the Interlocal Agreement for Roads. Ms. Pearson seconded, motion carried 5-0. c. Cheerleading Fundraiser – Chief Rednour stated that the Hamilton Heights Cheerleaders would like to do a car wash fundraiser. There were questions concerning location, a waiver of liability and release and supervision to name a few. Mr. Culp will follow up with a waiver of liability and release. In the end, council was ok with it. They also suggested considering Red Bridge Park as an alternative location. Miscellaneous: a. Mr. Lutz inquired from SWU President Freeman about what happened on Friday, meaning that the heavy rain produced some flooding in town. SWU President Freeman replied that there was a lot of rain in a short period of time. He also thought that some of the flooding could have been from grass clippings clogging stormwater drains. Mr. Lutz suggested that the town engage in public education for the residents. b. Mr. Strong informed the council that the plan commission has a non-recommendation to the council for the Estridge Homes proposal. That will be brought to the council at the 07-15-25 town council meeting which will be held at Red Bridge Community Building. Comments by Citizens: a. Mr. Hahn, Cicero resident, inquired about the plan commission vote concerning Estridge Homes. Mr. Johnson and Mr. Hayden responded that they did vote in favor. A lengthy conversation ensued about the development to the west. Mr. Hahn inquired if taxpayer 3  dollars were used to pay for the comprehensive plan. Mr. Zawadzki added that the cost was shared with Jackson Township. Mr. Hahn also inquired about a traffic study. Mr. Hayden stated that one had been done by the county. He also added that he personally drives that route and doesn’t see a potential traffic hazard. Mr. Hahn also had questions concerning the utility district. Mr. Hayden directed him to the utility district for answers. Council responded to all of Mr. Hahn’s questions and concerns. b. Mr. Lutz submitted his letter of resignation. He thanked the council and department heads for all of their assistance over the years. Council thanked Mr. Lutz for his years of service, dedication and leadership. Motion to Adjourn: Mr. Lutz made the motion. Mr. Johnson seconded, motion carried 5-0. Signatures on Official Documents! Signatures of Cicero Town Council AYE NAY Joseph R Cox Dennis D Johnson Eric C Hayden Christopher J Lutz Emily K Pearson Attested: Rhonda Gary, Clerk Treasurer The Next Cicero Town Council Meeting will be on July 1, 2025 at 7:00 PM at Cicero Town Hall. 4