City Council

Page 85 The City of Dyer Board of Mayor and Alderpersons met in regular session, Monday, October 24, 2022 at 7:03 PM. Those present were Mayor Ray Carroll, Alderpersons Bob Moore,Tom Mikkelsen, Craig Blackburn,Jennifer Hughey, Michael Barron, Marty Graves, Bett Jewell, and Fred Ivie. The City Attorney was present. Motion made by Jennifer Hughey,seconded by Fred Ivie to approve the minutes of the October 10,2022 regular meeting. Motion carried with all ayes. Visitors Captain Jayson Fernandez of the Dyer Fire Department addressed the Board, noting that he was speaking as a citizen and not on behalf of the Fire Department. He urged the Board to consider to affirm the recruiting and training of women in the fire service as only 8% of firefighters in Dyer and 11% across the country are female. He also asked the Board to consider drafting a comprehensive mental health policy for the police and fire, departments;the policy should include a formalized leave of absence policy. Fernandez asked the Board to consider the exception contained in the nepotism policy as it relates to Jessica Rudd, who he commended for her faithfulness to the department and her competence as a firefighter. ' - Mayor's Report Mayor Carroll said that the North Main properties belonging to the City are being advertised in the paper seeking objections. Mayor Carroll encouraged all members of the Board of Aldermen to consider helping with the Trunk or Treat on' October 31.The event will begin at 6:00; setup will probably begin around 4:00. Carroll also reminded those present that the next bulk pickup will be on November 8;those interested in pickup must sign up by noon on November 4. Department Reports Motion made by Tom Mikkelsen,seconded by Jennifer Hughey to approve up to $10,240.00 for the purchase of turnout gear; this will be a combination of AFG fund and already budgeted protective equipment funds. Chief Brandon Rudd said that equipment life is about 10 years; the department tries to purchase a few pieces of protective clothing each year so there isn't a huge expense all at one time. There are a few sets In stock now, but the sizes are not correct for some recently hired firefighters. Motion carried with all ayes. The City Recorder reported that the CT-0253 had been filed with the Comptroller of the Treasury in relation to the recently completed capital outlay note. He said that property tax notices should be arriving in mailboxes, and encouraged those present to spread the word about tax relief. Water & Wastewater Superintendent Randy Gregory reported that the infestation of larvae In the oxidation ditch is responding to the chemical treatment, but it will take some time to eliminate them. Gregory said that additional treatment will be needed. Motion made by Marty Graves, seconded by Craig Blackburn to approve up to $1,800.00 for the purchase of additional treatment for the larvae in the oxidation ditch. Committee Reports Mayor Carroll explained that due to an unfortunate oversight, the Board had hired and appointed Jessica Rudd In contravention of the municipal code's nepotism provision; an exception exists in the provision in the event there are "no other qualified applicants". The Finance, Administration, and Personnel Committee met and recommended rescinding her hiring and not exercising the exception. Motion made by Tom Mikkelsen, seconded by Fred Ivie to rescind the hiring of Jessica Rudd. Motion carried with Ivie, Graves, Blackburn, Mikkelsen, and Hughey voting yes; Moore Jewell, and Barron voted no. Bett Jewell reported that the park committee has met and is moving forward. New Business Motion made by Tom Mikkelsen,seconded by Marty Graves to approve up to $2,226.00 to Safe Industries for  Page 86 SCBA Flow & Fit Testing. Motion carried with all ayes. Motion made by Craig Blackburn, seconded by Fred Ivie to approve $131.99 to Aquafix for Additional Expense Related to Wastewater Treatment. Motion carried with all ayes. Motion made by Tom Mikkelsen, seconded by Marty Graves to approve up to $4,000.00 for tables and chairs for the Eagle Community Center. Motion carried with all ayes. Motion made by Michael Barron, seconded by Fred Ivie to approve up to $3,000.00 for gravel for parking and the driveway at the Eagle Community Center (this is for bus parking). Motion carried with all ayes. Motion made by Jennifer Hughey, seconded by Fred Ivie to pay the accounts. Motion carried with all ayes. Motion made by Jennifer Hughey, seconded by Bob Moore to adjourn. Motion carried with all ayes. Nathan Reed, City Recorder