City Council

TOWN OF CICERO TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2026 at 7:00 PM Call to Order: President Cox called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Ms. Gary 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 Jacob Everett Emily Pearson Declare a Quorum Present: President Cox declared a quorum with all members present. Others Present: Rhonda Gary, Clerk Treasurer Jeff Rednour, Police Chief Chris Frazier, 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. Johnson made the motion to approve the agenda as amended. Ms. Pearson seconded, motion carried 5-0. Approval of Prior Minutes: Town Council Retreat Memorandum, January 31, 2026, 10:00 AM Town Council Executive Session Memorandum, January 31, 2026, 11:00 AM Town Council Meeting Minutes, February 3, 2026, 7:00 PM Mr. Hayden made a motion to approve the minutes listed above. Mr. Johnson seconded, motion carried 5-0. Approval of 2/17/26 Claims: Ms. Pearson made a motion to approve claims. Mr. Johnson seconded, motion carried 5-0. Council Committee Reports: 1. OTC Report – Ms. Pearson had nothing. Council asked to remove this from the agenda. 2. EDC Report – There was no report. 3. SWU Management Board Report – SWU President Freeman reported that the board will meet next Tuesday to announce bid winner for the Morse Landing Drive project. 1 Legal Counsel Report – Mr. Hayden inquired about the property that the town acquired. He asked if the town should have a soil management plan. Mr. Culp believes it’s a good idea but will consult with Mr. Gardner.. Cicero/Jackson Township Plan Commission Report – a. Mr. Zawadzki reported that there will be a BZA meeting on 3/19/26 at Town Hall. The Plan Commission meeting scheduled for 3/11/26 was cancelled due to lack of business. b. Mr. Strong had nothing to report. Town Engineer Report – Keith Bryant 1. Wastewater – a. Mr. Bryant reported that Reynolds personnel (Scott and John) are on site to address contingency questions and concerns. He also reported that work is progressing. Mr. Bryant discussed the need to use contingency dollars for the blower and screen building HVAC system and existing oxidation ditch crack repair and coating – all totaling approximately $131,000 . Review of the possible contingency use for the existing ditch rotor rehabilitation or replacement was also discussed – with a final recommendation to reinstall with new bearings and drives as proposed. b. Mr. Huber with Reynolds discussed the use of contingency funds for more construction equipment, additional granular fill and spoils handling, additional hydro excavating and general conditions – totaling approximately $298,000 as they had discovered $50,000 in project management costs that could be applied. Mr. Huber indicated that they hoped to have $200,000 in contingencies left with the project’s completion in 8 weeks. 2. 2024 Community Crossings Matching Grant (CCMG) West Jackson Street – Mr. Bryant reported that he will do a walkthrough next week, get a punch list and get this grant closed out before the deadline of 5/2/26. 3. 2025 CCMG Closeout (Catherine, Flannigan and Morse Landing Drive) – Mr. Bryant stated that closeout documents have been sent to INDOT. 4. 2026 CCMG East Jackson Street – Mr. Bryant said that the completed grant documents have been signed and sent to INDOT. Howard Companies was the apparent low, responsible and responsive bidder – even with a math error correction in their bid. More detail is included in the United review / recommendation letter with certified bid tabulation.. 5. Morse Landing Drive Underdrain Project – Mr. Bryant referred to SWU President Freeman’s comments. Old Business: There was nothing. New Business: a. Legal Contract – Ms. Pearson made a motion to approve and allow President Cox to sign the contract. Mr. Johnson seconded, motion carried 5-0. b. Salary Ordinance Amendment 02-17-2026-01 – Mr. Johnson made a motion to approve Ordinance Amendment 02-17-2026-01. Ms. Pearson seconded, motion carried 5-0. c. Electronic Meetings Policy Resolution 02-17-2026-02 - Mr. Hayden made a motion to approve Resolution 02-17-2026-02. Mr. Johnson seconded, motion carried 5-0. d. Consulting Services (Integra Realty Resources) – Mr. Culp gave a brief explanation of the agreement which allows Mr. Culp to engage our own appraiser to be paid by the 2  petitioner. Afterwards, Mr. Hayden made a motion to approve the agreement and allow President Cox to sign. Mr. Johnson seconded, motion carried 5-0. e. Real Estate Resolution 02-17-2026-03 – Mr. Hayden made a motion to approve Resolution 02-17-2026-03. Mr. Johnson seconded, motion carried 5-0. f. Lights Over Morse Lake Letter – Mr. Hayden made a motion to approve and allow President Cox to sign the letter. Mr. Johnson seconded, motion carried 4-0. Ms. Pearson abstained. Miscellaneous: There was nothing. Comments by Citizens: Mr. Green addressed the council as he will be leaving the area. He thanked the council and vice versa for their works. Mr. Green will be missed. Motion to Adjourn: Mr. Hayden made the motion. Ms. Pearson seconded, motion carried 5-0. Signatures on Official Documents! Signatures of Cicero Town Council AYE NAY Joseph R Cox Jacob T Everett Eric C Hayden Dennis D Johnson Emily K Pearson Attested: Rhonda Gary, Clerk Treasurer The Next Cicero Town Council Meeting will be on March 3, 2026 at 7:00 PM at Cicero Town Hall. 3