August 13, 2024 Meeting Minutes
- alyssaknepple5
- Aug 13, 2024
- 4 min read
SOUTH WHITLEY TOWN COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
TOWN HALL BOARD ROOM
118 E FRONT ST
SOUTH WHITLEY, IN 46787
AUGUST 13, 2024
6:30 PM
CALL TO ORDER: Meeting was called to order by Council President Randy Cokl at 6:30 pm. Members present were as follows: Council President Randy Cokl, Vice President Brock Waterson, Town Marshal Mikel Vandevender, Town Attorney Greg Hockemeyer, and Clerk-Treasurer Alyssa Knepple. Councilman Trey Weber and Utility Supervisor Kent Slater were not in attendance.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ADJUSTMENTS
NONE
NEW BUSINESS
50/50 SIDEWALK APPLICATION APPROVAL: Sherry Mishler at 405 N Calhoun St. had a tree come down in 2023 and needed to replace the sidewalk. Her insurance company covered the sidewalk to the porch, so she is asking for the 50/50 grant to be applied for the cost of fixing the sidewalk in front of the house. Councilman Waterson made a motion to accept the grant application and pay 50% of $3575, which is the remaining cost of the sidewalk replacement. Councilman Cokl seconded. Motion passed with a vote of 2-0. The Clerk will send the reimbursement check to Ms. Mishler by the end of the month.
FALL FESTIVAL BEER TENT APPROVAL: Councilman Waterson made a motion to allow LeBrun Park be used for the Fall Festival Beer Tent. Councilman Cokl seconded. Motion passed with a vote of 2-0.
OLD BUSINESS
FIRE TERRITORY STUDY: The Cleveland Township Fire Department and Township Trustee are requesting the Town of South Whitley to split the cost of a fire territory study. The study would look into the need for Cleveland Township to enter into a fire territory and weigh the pros and cons. Councilman Cokl sought a motion to approve the Town paying half of the cost for the study. Councilman Waterson stated he is not in favor of the study because of the increased tax rates, possible loss of assets, and losing our Town Fire Department building in the future. The motion failed due to a lack of a second.
PUBLIC INPUT
DEPARTMENT HEADS:
PARK BOARD – DAVE WARNER: not present
WASTE WATER/UTILITIES SUPERVISOR – KENT SLATER: not present
TOWN MARSHAL – MIKEL VANDEVENDER:
· After receiving a medical diagnosis from the veterinarian, it has been suggested that K-9 Jaycee be retired from duty. There will be a transfer of ownership contract signed between the Marshal and the Handler. Councilman Waterson made a motion to accept the retirement and transfer of ownership of K-9 Jaycee. Councilman Cokl seconded. Motion passed with a vote of 2-0.
· Marshal Vandevender is seeking the council’s approval for the purchase of another K-9 for the South Whitley Police Department. K-9 Jaycee was very successful during her time with the department and Officer Fannin would like to continue with another K-9. Councilman Waterson made a motion to accept the purchase of another K-9 from FM K-9. Councilman Cokl seconded. Motion passed with a vote of 2-0.
TOWN ATTORNEY – GREGG HOCKEMEYER: Nothing to bring to the council.
CLERK-TREASURER – ALYSSA KNEPPLE:
· The Town has purchased a new sign that will go in front of the Clerks’ office. There have been issues with new residents going into the Utility Garage to sign up for a new utility account. The Clerk is hoping that with a new sign, it will help alleviate the confusion for residents. The sign will be delivered and installed in October.
· After doing the budget for 2025, the Clerk stated that there needs to be a rate study done on utility rates if the council wants to continue funding larger town improvement projects. The Clerk has reached out to Baker Tilly, who conducted the last rate study, and is waiting to hear back.
APPROVALS:
APPROVAL FOR JULY 23RD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: Councilman Waterson made a motion to accept meeting minutes from July 23rd. Councilman Cokl seconded. Motion passed with a vote of 2-0.
APPROVAL FOR MAY AND JUNE 2024 BANK RECONCILIATIONS: Councilman Waterson made a motion to accept May and June 2024 bank reconciliations. Councilman Cokl seconded. Motion passed with a vote of 2-0.
APPROVAL FOR AUGUST 13th APV’S TOTALING $599,623.98: Councilman Waterson made a motion to accept APV’s in the amount of $599,623.98. Councilman Cokl seconded. Motion passed with a vote of 2-0.
APPROVAL FOR PAYROLL WEEK ENDING JULY 29, 2024, TOTALING: $9,793.76: Councilman Waterson made a motion to accept payroll for the week ending July 29th totaling $9,793.76. Councilman Cokl seconded. Motion passed with a vote of 2-0.
APPROVAL FOR PAYROLL WEEK ENDING AUGUST 5, 2024 TOTALING $10,277.45: Councilman Waterson made a motion to accept payroll for the week ending August 5th totaling $10,277.45. Councilman Cokl seconded. Motion passed with a vote of 2-0.
APPROVAL FOR PAYROLL WEEK ENDING AUGUST 12, 2024 TOTALING $10,869.35: Councilman Waterson made a motion to accept payroll for the week ending August 12th totaling $10,869.35. Councilman Cokl seconded. Motion passed with a vote of 2-0.
ADJOURN at: Meeting was adjourned at 7:05 pm by Council President Randy Cokl.
APPROVALS:
ATTEST: