Fowler, Indiana Official Website

April 2, 2007

                        The Town Council of the Town of Fowler met in the Town Hall, Fowler, Indiana, on the 2nd day of April 2007 at the hour of 4:30 P.M., for a regular meeting pursuant to call in accordance with the rules of the Council. The meeting was called to order by Steve Rettig, who presided. On call of the roll the members of the Council were shown to be present or absent as follows:

PRESENT: Patrick Claire,  Gerald Parker, Thomas Sarault

and Stephen Rettig.

ABSENT: Nicholas Finley

Tom Sarault motioned to accept the minutes as reviewed and Gerry Parker seconded the motion. The motion passed.

            Dennis Stinson, Water Superintendent, passed on the information from the state inspector requiring the name and certification number of the full time certified operator and back up operator at the state level. There is no need for two full time operators.

            A water leak at Madison Development on the town's side resulted in a huge billing for Scott Goodwill. Gerry Parker motioned to forgive the sewer and the water charges above the average for this account. Tom Sarault seconded the motion. The motion passed.

            Gerry Parker was in touch with Brad Gentry concerning the Vic Lauerman and Jack McGinnis property. Mr. Gentry represents IWM Consulting Group that is writing a grant for petroleum remediation. The site has been recommended for remediation. The company will let us know if that site has been chosen.

            The council discussed the 2 additional handicap signs downtown. They will have a sign stating that it is only during the hours between 8 AM and 5 PM. The handicap parking in front of the senior citizens will be painted.

            There was much discussion concerning installing water to the Fowler Ready Mix site. The plant will be re-opening this summer. A cost of $13,420 to run the service was discussed. Gerry Parker motioned to go ahead with putting water to Fowler Ready Mix except the tap fees of $1,750.00. This is an economic development decision due to the new start-up of the cement plant. With no second, the decision is tabled until the next meeting.

            Bill Burton, Fire Chief, requested the monies for the radio that was allowed in a previous meeting. The county has agreed to help with the purchase. $37,000 will come from the towns and townships with the county borrowing $146,000 to help with the extra radios. Tom Sarault motioned to take the money from the Riverboat Fund for the $9,508 purchase and not the Fire Budget. Pat Claire seconded the motion. The motion passed.

            Chief Burton also stated that he would like to hire a grant writer for $200 to purchase the remaining radios and mobiles needed for the Fowler-Center Township Fire Department. If the grant is awarded, then there will be a payment of 5% of the total grant paid to the grant writer. The council gave permission. There was a fire inspection done by the chief at the Fowler Theater. It was determined that only one fire exit is needed in the theater.

            A complaint concerning the positioning of a neighbor's drainage tile from a sump pump pointed into another neighbor's yard will result in a letter being sent from the clerk treasure. This is an ordinance violation. The council instructed the clerk treasurer to send a letter to the resident to request compliance as a good neighbor policy. The extra water resulted in the neighbor having to install two sump pumps to drain out the additional water.

            A problem with water in Ron Budreau's basement resulted in the council recommending meeting with his neighbor to discuss what they can do to resolve the problem together.

            A form will be signed by the building inspector, Sally Slavens, to continue the proceedings to condemn a downtown property that has been deemed dangerous.

            Tom Sarault inquired about having a street dance during the 4th of July festivities. All of the local bar owners have discussed sponsoring a DJ from 5:30 to 7:30 with an adult band starting at 8 pm. The council approved.

            Permission was granted to order the chemicals for the pool. Tim Tarter will be the pool lead for Key Engineering. The council wants to get some of the construction done before the pool opens for the season.

            Police issues were a topic of discussion that will be continued to the first meeting of May.

A motion to pay all claims by Pat Claire and second by Tom Sarault was approved.