Fowler, Indiana Official Website

This is a draft of the minutes prepared by Kathy Schwartz, Fowler Clerk Treasurer. Minutes are those of the Town Council and this draft has not been approved by the Fowler Town Council. Any questions or comments can be submitted to the Fowler Clerk's office at 307 E. 5th St., Fowler, IN 47944 or by calling (765)884-0570.

April 7, 2008

                        The Town Council of the Town of Fowler met in the Town Hall, Fowler, Indiana, on the 7th day of April 2008 at the hour of 5:45 P.M., for a Public Hearing pursuant to call in accordance with the rules of the Council. The hearing was called to order by Linda Brouillette, who presided. On call of the roll the members of the Council were shown to be present or absent as follows:

PRESENT: Linda Brouillette, Carole Hoff, John Berry & Thomas Sarault

Interim Attorney - Jud Barce and Town Attorney - Todd Sammons

ABSENT: Gerald Parker

            Jud Barce presented four properties that were deemed unsafe property. The property at 1011 East 3rd Street has been sold and is currently being brought up to safe levels. That property is to be released from being unsafe. Three properties on Washington Avenue and West 1st Street will have a clear deed soon. The owner will proceed with demolition and donate the property to Habitat for Humanity. Another property in question is the former AJ's Family Dining. The owner has not been located. The building commissioner will be gaining access to the building to determine the damage, if any, that has been done during the year of vacancy.

            There will be another special meeting on April 21st at 5:45 pm to continue the updates on these buildings.

The regular meeting began with a motion by Tom Sarault to accept the March 17th minutes as reviewed John Berry seconded the motion. The motion passed. John Berry motioned to accept the April 19th special meeting minutes as reviewed. Linda Brouillette seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Citizen and business owner, Dave Guthridge, had three issues to discuss. The lights are out on all of the downtown trees. He suggested that each business be responsible for the tree in front of their business for keeping the bulbs lit. Tom Sarault stated that he would walk the south side of the street and check for bad bulbs if Dave would check the north side. Dave's next issue was having a door to door pick up for sticks and limbs. It was suggested to utilize the yard waste at the street garage the last weekend of the month. Dave also thought it would be a great idea to capitalize on the world's largest wind farm in Fowler by selling souvenirs or gearing the idea around a festival. All ideas will be considered.

Phil Benner, a citizen and business owner, inquired about the possibility of getting vehicles removed during snow conditions. Due to the vehicles not vacating downtown spots during the snow, the downtown does not get the full benefit of snow removal. Signs installed on the new street lights were suggested.

Branson Goetz, Fowler citizen, asked the council to change the STOP signs on Polk Avenue and 4th Street so 4th Street traffic would have to stop. He believes that a child will be killed if the traffic doesn't slow down. The police department will monitor this intersection and give a recommendation.

Dennis Rice, Police Chief, presented estimates for a new police vehicle. The council will take the purchase under advisement until the next meeting. A $776 plus shipping ammunition purchase approval was given by the council.

John Berry motioned to approve signing of the Notice of Intent to Submit Grant Application and a request to perform an income survey. Tom Sarault seconded the motion. The motion passed.

            Park Salary Ordinance 2008-1, was motioned to accept by Tom Sarault. Linda Brouillette seconded the motion. The motion passed. The ordinance raise the concession and life guard pay to $6.55 per hour.

            John Budreau, Street Superintendent, read the lone paving bid from Milestone Contractors. It was as follows:

                        Streets

                                    Binder              $52/ton

                                    Type B liquid   $58/ton

                        Alleys

                                    Binder              $59.25/ton

                                    Type B liquid   $64.25/ton

                        Liquid   Asphalt $  3.15/gallon

                        Milling              $  1.85/sq yd

John Berry motioned to accept the Milestone bid and Tom Sarault seconded the motion. The motion passed.

            Linda Brouillette announced that she had received documentation from Jamie Rachlin of Griffin, Kubik, Stephens & Thompson, Inc. concerning the Sewer Bonds A & B. To refinance those bonds capturing a lower interest rate, the town will see an overall savings of $113,724 after all expenses. Linda recommended that the town refinance at this time. Tom Sarault motioned to refinance the bonds keeping the same term and John Berry seconded the motion. The motion passed.

            Tom Sarault motioned to write off the utility fees for the property at 1011 East 3rd Street. The foreclosed property had been vacant for two years with no actual utility used. Tom Sarault motioned to write off this amount and John Berry seconded the motion. The motion passed.

            Kevin Puetz, a citizen and business owner, inquired on the possibility of getting a new sidewalk to replace the deteriorating area in front of his business. The council approved Mr. Puetz using asphalt as a temporary fix.

            Two properties that didn't sell at the tax sale have been deeded to the Benton County Commissioner's. Release of the town's liens against those properties is mandated. Tom Sarault motioned to release the liens for 505 East 3rd Street ($792.20)and 105 West 3rd Street ($2,039.30). Linda Brouillette seconded the motion. The motion passed. To request possession of those buildings from the commissioner's has been tabled until the next meeting.

            Tom Sarault motioned to lien the downtown property that recently had the building removed due to an unsafe building order for the cost of the demolition. John Berry seconded the motion. The motion passed.

            The council discussed the trash contract and has decided to proceed with raising the rates. Todd Sammons will prepare the notice and ordinance. Yard waste will proceed as scheduled for April and May.

            The street sweeper needs new parts at a cost of $2,376, not including a new liner. Linda Brouillette motioned to pay for the parts. Tom Sarault seconded the motion. The motion passed.

            Tom Sarault motioned to accept and sign Todd Sammon's attorney contract for fees. John Berry seconded the motion. The motion passed.

A motion to pay all claims by  Tom Sarault and second by John Berry was approved. A motion to approve the payroll claims by John Berry and second by Tom Sarault was approved.

            There being no further business presented to the meeting, on motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried, the meeting thereupon adjourned.

                                                                                    ____________________________________                                                                 

                                                                                    Kathleen Schwartz, Clerk-Treasurer