Common Council

CITY COMMON COUNCIL OF HARTFORD CITY, INDIANA DECEMBER 4, 2023 MEETING MINUTES CALL TO ORDER & WELCOME: Mayor Eckstein called to order a meeting of the Common Council of the City of Hartford City at 6:00pm December 4, 2023. ROLL CALL: Members of the council present were Michael Wolfe, Dustin George, Tony Scaggs, Ron Parrott, and Ron Dudelston. Mayor Eckstein, Attorney Patrick Wright, and Clerk- Treasurer Dana Whatley were also present. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Mr. Scaggs made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Mr. Dudelston seconded the motion. The vote to approve was 5-0. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM NOVEMBER 6, 2023: Mr. Wolfe made a motion to approve the minutes as submitted. Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. The vote to approve was 5-0. OLD BUSINESS: NONE NEW BUSINESS: A.) AIREDALE PARK: Ms. Elizabeth Witt on behalf of the Blackford County Community Foundation addressed council and explained that over the past years the Community Foundation has held and administered the donated funds to maintain the area located on the grounds of City Hall (former grounds where Hartford City High School once stood). Ms. Witt proposed that a fund transfer agreement be made to allow the City of Hartford City to continue with the maintenance of the memorial. She stated that Mr. Tim Cain has maintained it to date. This will not be part of the City Parks or maintained by the Parks Department. Mr. Scaggs made a motion to allow this transfer of funds and duties from the Community Foundation to the city. Mr. Dudelston seconded the motion. The vote to approve was 5-0. B.) CHIEF CROUSE – LONGEVITY PAY REQUEST: Chief Crouse asked the council for permission to start paying Nikki Grider longevity pay. She is a long-time employee who has held an experienced part-time position. She has taken on more duties as time has passed. He felt like she deserved this extra benefit. Mr. Dudelston made a motion approving the longevity pay request. Mr. George seconded the motion. The vote to approve was 5-0. This pay will be retroactive for the year 2023. C.) 2024 ANIMAL SHELTER CONTRACT: There was much discussion about this proposed contract. The city has appropriated $45,000 for the 2024 contract with the Animal Shelter. The council decided that $45,000 is agreeable and it was stated that they already approved this amount at the budget adoption meeting. No vote was needed here. MAYOR’S COMMENTS: Mayor Eckstein stated that he received a letter from a constituent giving kudos to the Water Department employees who helped with a problem he was having. Austin with EXC Computers addressed the council and explained he needed to see each council member before they leave this meeting to load a backup on each of their surface tablets. CLERK-TREASURER COMMENTS: NONE COUNCIL COMMENT: A.) MICHAEL WOLFE – Mr. Wolfe thanked Councilman George for his years of service and all he had done for Hartford City. B.) RON PARROTT – Mr. Parrott said that he has enjoyed his time serving on City Council. C.) RON DUDELSTON – Mr. Dudelston thanked both Mr. Parrott and Mr. George for their service to the council. PUBLIC COMMENT: A.) DPW SUPERINTENDENT, JEFF THOMAS – Mr. Thomas thanked Councilman George and Councilman Parrott for their services. He stated it was a pleasure to collaborate with them. B.) WATER SUPERINTENDENT, BILL BACON – Mr. Bacon thanks both Mr. George and Mr. Parrott for their service and for the help they gave him and for their trust in him to oversee the water department. C.) MS. CHERI BROWN – Ms. Brown thanked Mr. George for his vision, passion, and leadership. She also thanked Mr. Parrott for his service to the council. D.) MS. JUDY SODDERS – She thanked Mr. George and Mr. Parrott for their service and wished them the best going forward. ADJOURNMENT: With there being no further business, Mr. Dudelston made a motion to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 6:29 pm. FOLDER 2/REC 170923_002