Common Council

COMMON COUNCIL CITY OF HARTFORD CITY, INDIANA APRIL 6, 2026 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, April 6, 2026. ROLL CALL: Members of the council present were Ron Dudelston, Michael Wolfe, Tracey Witt, Bill Aspy, and Tony Scaggs. Mayor Dan Eckstein, City Attorney Tyler Rotstein and Clerk-Treasurer Dana Whatley were also present. PUBLIC HEARINGS: Mr. Dudelston made a motion to close the regular meeting. Mr. Aspy seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. Michael Wolfe – AYE, Tracey Witt – AYE, Ron Dudelston – AYE, Bill Aspy – AYE, Tony Scaggs – AYE. The vote to approve was 5-0. A.) PETOSKEY PLASTICS – SB-1/PP TAX ABATEMENT REQUEST: It was explained that Petoskey plans to invest approximately $7,000,000 in equipment and how it will affect the running of their business and the benefits to the community. There was no public comment. B.) SPECIALTY-T, LLC. – SB-1/PP TAX ABATEMENT REQUEST: Mr. Warren Brown from Blackford Economic Development Corporation explained that the company has already purchased this equipment, and it is onsite. There was no public comment. Mr. Dudelston made a motion to close the public hearing. Mr. Scaggs seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. Michael Wolfe – AYE, Tracey Witt – AYE, Ron Dudelston – AYE, Bill Aspy – AYE, Tony Scaggs – AYE. The vote to approve was 5-0. Mr. Scaggs made a motion to re-open the regular meeting. Mr. Aspy seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. Michael Wolfe – AYE, Tracey Witt – AYE, Ron Dudelston – AYE, Bill Aspy – AYE, Tony Scaggs – AYE. The vote to approve 5-0. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Mr. Dudelston made a motion to approve the agenda as submitted. Mr. Scaggs seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. Mr. Wolfe – AYE, Ms. Witt – AYE, Mr. Aspy – AYE, Mr. Dudelston – AYE, Mr. Scaggs – AYE. The vote to approve was 5-0. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES FOR MARCH 2, 2026: Mr. Scaggs made a motion to approve the meeting minutes as submitted. Ms. Witt seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. Michael Wolfe – AYE, Tracey Witt – AYE, Bill Aspy – AYE, Ron Dudelston – AYE, Tony Scaggs – AYE. The vote to approve was 5-0. OLD BUSINESS: BSM R-O-W PROJECT FOR PURDUE EXTENSION AT 312 E. PARK AVE: Mr. Dudelston made a motion to approve the right-of-way request. Mr. Scaggs seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. Michael Wolfe – AYE, Tracey Witt – AYE, Ron Dudelston – AYE, Bill Aspy – AYE, Tony Scaggs – AYE. The vote to approve was 5-0. NEW BUSINESS: A.) MR. JASON SEMLER, BAKER TILLY – 2025 TIF MANAGEMENT REPORT: Mr. Semler attended tonight’s meeting to report on the 2025 TIF Management Report to fulfill the transparency requirements for council. There was no action required by council. It was for informational purposes only. B.) MR. THADD EVANS, HARTFORD CITY CAR WASH – UTILITY RATES: Mr. Evans explained how his business operates during the winter months and how the rate increases have caused sharp increases in his utility bill during this time. He explained that his business has 10- foot-deep pits under each bay to capture debris and are cleaned annually at an approximate cost of $4,000 to his business. His argument is his wastewater burden differs from typical sewage. He asked council if there is any middle ground relief, especially on the wastewater portion. He did accept a sprinkling credit but found it insufficient. There was discussion but no specific solution was identified at the meeting. C.) MS. ASHLEY LAURENCE – HARTFORD CITY HOMETOWN DAYS: Ms. Lawrence explained that this is the first year for the festival to be held with the 4-H Fair during the week of June 22, 2026. She explained that there will be a full carnival with rides, which has not happened for a very long time. They have secured a contract with the same carnival company as the Montpelier Jamboree uses. She asked council if they would be willing to help with the sponsorship of the merchant’s tent. She said it is 40’ x 100’ and she is requesting $2,100 for the rental fee. Mr. Dudelston made a motion to approve this appropriation. Mr. Scaggs seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. Michael Wolfe – AYE, Tracey Witt – AYE, Ron Dudelston – AYE, Bill Aspy – AYE, Tony Scaggs – AYE. The vote to approve was 5-0. D.) HERITAGE DAYS: Ms. Lori Lee called in today and was ill and could not attend the meeting. Mr. Dudelston made a motion to table this topic until the May 4th meeting. Mr. Scaggs seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. Michael Wolfe – AYE, Tracey Witt – AYE, Ron Dudelston – AYE, Bill Aspy – AYE, Tony Scaggs – AYE. The vote to approve was 5-0. Mr. Dudelston asked that a road closure request form be sent to Ms. Lee. E.) RESOLUTION 2026-08 SB-1/PP – PETOSKEY PLASTICS: Mr. Dudelston made a motion to approve this resolution. Mr. Wolfe seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. Michael Wolfe – AYE, Tracey Witt – AYE, Ron Dudelston – AYE, Bill Aspy – AYE, Tony Scaggs – AYE. The vote to approve was 5-0. F.) RESOLUTION 2026-09 SB-1/PP – SPECIALTY-T, LLC: Mr. Dudelston made a motion to approve this resolution. Mr. Scaggs seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. Michael Wolfe – AYE, Tracey Witt – AYE, Ron Dudelston – AYE, Bill Aspy – AYE, Tony Scaggs – AYE. The vote to approve was 5-0. G.) NJT ENTERPRISES, LLC d/b/a MAYCO INTERNATIONAL: 1.) RESOLUTION 2026-01 – CF-1/PP 2017-01: Mr. Dudelston made a motion to approve this resolution. Mr. Wolfe seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. Michael Wolfe – AYE, Tracey Witt – AYE, Ron Dudelston – AYE, Bill Aspy – AYE, Tony Scaggs – AYE. The vote to approve was 5-0 2.) RESOLUTION 2026-02 – CF-1/PP 2019-14: Mr. Dudelston made a motion to approve this resolution. Mr. Aspy seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. Michael Wolfe – AYE, Tracey Witt – AYE, Ron Dudelston – AYE, Bill Aspy – AYE, Tony Scaggs – AYE. The vote to approve was 5-0. 3.) RESOLUTION 2026-03 – CF-1/PP 2020-03: Mr. Wolfe made a motion to approve this resolution. Ms. Witt seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. Michael Wolfe – AYE, Tracey Witt – AYE, Ron Dudelston – AYE, Bill Aspy – AYE, Tony Scaggs – AYE. The vote to approve was 5-0. 4.) RESOLUTION 2026-04 – CF-1/RP 2020-04: Mr. Scaggs made a motion to approve this resolution. Mr. Dudelston seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. Michael Wolfe – AYE, Tracey Witt – AYE, Ron Dudelston – AYE, Bill Aspy – AYE, Tony Scaggs – AYE. The vote to approve was 5-0. 5.) RESOLUTION 2026-05 – CF-1/PP 2022-06: Ms. Witt made a motion to approve this resolution. Mr. Scaggs seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. Michael Wolfe – AYE, Tracey Witt – AYE, Ron Dudelston – AYE, Bill Aspy – AYE, Tony Scaggs – AYE. The vote to approve was 5-0. 6.) RESOLUTION 2026-06 – CF-1/PP 2024-01: Mr. Scaggs made a motion to approve this resolution. Mr. Aspy seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. Michael Wolfe – AYE, Tracey Witt – AYE, Ron Dudelston – AYE, Bill Aspy – AYE, Tony Scaggs – AYE. The vote to approve was 5-0. 7.) RESOLUTION 2026-07 – CF-1/PP 2024-02: Mr. Scaggs made a motion to approve this resolution. Ms. Witt seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. Michael Wolfe – AYE, Tracey Witt – AYE, Ron Dudelston – AYE, Bill Aspy – AYE, Tony Scaggs – AYE. The vote to approve was 5-0. H.) MR. TRAVIS WILLIAMSON – WWTP: 1.) PERMISSION TO SPEND OVER $10,000: Mr. Williamson shared two quotes for a door/window replacement project. He recommended the quote from Graber Enterprises, Inc. because it was the more cost-effective quote of the two presented. Mr. Scaggs made a motion to allow this expenditure and give Mr. Williamson the discretion to accept the quote he feels is best. Ms. Witt seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. Michael Wolfe – AYE, Tracey Witt – AYE, Ron Dudelston – AYE, Bill Aspy – AYE, Tony Scaggs – AYE. The vote to approve was 5-0. 2.) PERMISSION TO SPEND OVER $10,000 – ADVANCED REHABILITATION TECHNOLOGY QUOTE FOR MANHOLE LINING FOR WHITE OAK / HARRISON / AIREDALE: Mr. Williamson explained about this project and asked permission to spend over $10,000. Mr. Dudelston made a motion to approve this expenditure. Mr. Scaggs seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. Michael Wolfe – AYE, Tracey Witt – AYE, Ron Dudelston – AYE, Bill Aspy – AYE, Tony Scaggs – AYE. The vote to approve was 5-0. I.) 1ST READING OF ORDINANCE 2026-04 – SALES TAX REIMBURSEMENT/CREDIT CARD USAGE: Mr. Dudelston made a motion to approve the first reading of Ordinance 2026- 04. Mr. Wolfe seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. Michael Wolfe – AYE, Tracey Witt – AYE, Ron Dudelston – AYE, Bill Aspy – AYE, Tony Scaggs – AYE. The vote to approve the first reading was 5-0. Mr. Dudelston made a motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Scaggs seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. Michael Wolfe – AYE, Tracey Witt – AYE, Ron Dudelston – AYE, Bill Aspy – AYE, Tony Scaggs – AYE. The vote to suspend the rules was 5-0. Mr. Dudelston made a motion to approve the second reading of Ordinance 2026-04. Mr. Scaggs seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. Michael Wolfe – AYE, Tracey Witt – AYE, Ron Dudelston – AYE, Bill Aspy – AYE, Tony Scaggs – AYE. The vote to approve the 2nd reading of Ordinance 2026-04 was 5-0. J.) 1ST READING OF ORDINANCE 2026-02 – INVESTMENT POLICY: Mr. Wolfe made a motion to approve the first reading of Ordinance 2026-02. Ms. Witt seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. Michael Wolfe – AYE, Tracey Witt – AYE, Ron Dudelston – AYE, Bill Aspy – AYE, Tony Scaggs – AYE. The vote to approve the first reading was 5-0. Mr. Dudelston made a motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Scaggs seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. Michael Wolfe – AYE, Tracey Witt – AYE, Ron Dudelston – AYE, Bill Aspy – AYE, Tony Scaggs – AYE. The vote to suspend the rules was 5-0.  Mr. Dudelston made a motion to approve the second reading of Ordinance 2026-02. Ms. Witt seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. Michael Wolfe – AYE, Tracey Witt – AYE, Ron Dudelston – AYE, Bill Aspy – AYE, Tony Scaggs – AYE. The vote to approve the 2nd reading of Ordinance 2026-02 was 5-0. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT UPDATE: A.) Ms. Cheri Brown stated that the People’s Marketplace reopening was successful, they had approximately 300 attendees on Friday and approximately 200 on Saturday. Most of the vender spaces are filled. B.) Ms. Brown explained that she has a sixth-grade engagement planned to help some of our students participate in the City’s 250th celebration by working on a project that focuses on Blackford County’s historical and technological changes over the years. C.) There is a veterans recognition celebration planned at the courthouse. A chance for veterans to share their stories and having a group photo taken by a local photographer. They will be coordinating with local veteran’s groups and the National Guard. D.) Ms. Brown stated that she has approximately $250,000 in grant applications recently submitted. CLERK-TREASURER’S REPORT: Ms. Whatley requested that council allow a new ordinance drafted authorizing a per page copy fee for records requests. Mr. Scaggs made a motion to approve the request. Ms. Witt seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. Michael Wolfe – AYE, Tracey Witt – AYE, Ron Dudelston – AYE, Bill Aspy – AYE, Tony Scaggs – AYE. The vote to approve was 5-0. MAYOR’S REPORT: A.) Mayor Eckstein explained there will be a special meeting of Council regarding the CSO-4 Project and introduction to the bond ordinance for the project on April 13, 2026 at 6:00pm. B.) There will be a public hearing regarding the bond for the CSO-4 project at the May 4th Council meeting held at 6pm. C.) A date for the citywide cleanup day will be announced soon. COUNCIL COMMENT: A.) MR. RON DUDELSTON – CROSSWALKS: Mr. Dudelston explained that one thing that is planned for the city’s 250th celebration is the painting of the crosswalks on the downtown square. He showed some examples of what they would look like. He put a call out for any potential volunteers. He stated that the paint will be provided, and the volunteers will be fed too. PUBLIC COMMENT: A.) MR. RICHARD WEBB – NORTH HARRISON IN GREENBRIAR: He stated that he is currently remodeling a mobile home, and he asked what could be done about the abandoned mobile homes in that area? He was invited to attend the Property Standards Board meeting and continue the discussion with them and the Code Enforcement Officer. B.) MR. BILL BACON, WATER DEPARTMENT – 4TH GRADE FIELD TRIP: Mr. Bacon invited everyone to the 4th Grade field trip on May 8, 2026 at the Water Department. He asked council if they would be willing to allow appropriations to go towards the goodie bags for 120 students. Council responded in the affirmative, but motion or vote was taken at the time. ADJOURNMENT: With there being no further business, Mr. Scaggs made a motion to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:03pm. FOLDER 2/REC 39