Fowler, Indiana Official Website

February 5, 2007

                        The Town Council of the Town of Fowler met in the Town Hall, Fowler, Indiana, on the 5th day of February 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:

Patrick Claire, Nicholas Finley, Gerald Parker, Thomas Sarault and Stephen Rettig.

ABSENT: None

Pat Claire motioned to accept the minutes as reviewed and Nick Finley seconded the motion. The motion passed.

            Roger Bartendale asked the town for help with his water line freeze. The meter itself was not frozen and the plumber said it was in the line outside of the house. His line runs through another citizen's property. Several suggestions were made on what he can do. It is important to keep your lines warm during subzero weather, leaving the water trickle in your home if necessary.

            An update on Fowler Bowl - a meeting between the council president and the business' plumber resulted in the decision to install a pressure tank to solve the pressure problem. An agreement drawn by the town's attorney to be signed by the business to accept this solution as an end to the town's responsibility will be done. The money will be taken out of the Downtown Project Fund. Further discussion resulted in making water pressure checks at the town hall before proceeding with the purchase. The decision has been tabled until further checks can be done. The problem will be discussed at the next meeting.

            Brad Gentry, IWM Consulting, explained about Brownfields, property that has been contaminated.  Money has been offered for grants without any match requirements. Several areas were discussed. Vic Lauerman was present stating that he and Jack McGinnis will give the property to the town where the food pantry is located at this time for consideration. Mr. Lauerman presented documentation of testing that has been done on the property. The council was in agreement to proceed with this property. These particular grants are only allowed for petroleum based brownfield areas that would be given to the municipality. Mr. Gentry will be in contact at a future date with more information.

            The Board of Zoning Appeals met on January 31st to review the application of the Benton Review's new location on Adams Avenue. Karen Moyars, owner of the Benton Review, asked if the zoning could be changed from residential to business. The Board of Zoning Appeals agreed to allow it with the stipulation that it would revert back to residential once the property sells. Gerry Parker motioned to accept the Board of Zoning Appeals recommendation. Pat Claire seconded the motion. The motion passed.

            Sally Slavens from the Benton County Health Department was present for a public hearing concerning a complaint of unsafe property in the 100 block of East 5th St. The owner was present and gave permission for the Health Department to do an inspection. There will be a follow-up hearing.

            The council gave Cathy Stinson, Park Board President, full approval to seek a grant for pool improvements at the park.

            Gerry Parker motioned to give Clayton Fultz approval to proceed with the back of the town hall with the same exterior that he installed on the front and side for $3,000. Tom Sarault seconded the motion. The motion passed.

            The council gave the Beautification Committee approval to install white lights in the downtown trees. They will do the maintenance and the town will pay for the lights.

            A discussion on using EBAY for the selling of the town's truck was put on hold. A sealed bid will be done with the opening of bids on March 5. If the bids are not high enough, then the selling of the vehicle will be done on EBAY to get a better price.

            John Budreau, Street Superintendent, presented an invoice from Highway Safety. An increase in the pricing was due to the parking area lines. The total bill was $3,903.00. $2,955.50 was encumbered from last year. The council was in agreement to allow the $947.50 from this year's MVH budget.

            Police Chief, Mike Paxton, requested four small speed limit signs posted in the downtown area on the new street lights. After some discussion, the item was tabled until the next meeting with a full council present. Two members left due to a conflict appointment and the fire in Otterbein at Denny's Pharmacy.

            The council approved the purchase of a police vest for Mark Kidwell from the Police Budget. He has been using an older vest from a prior officer.

A motion to pay all claims, including payroll, was made by Pat Claire. Tom Sarault seconded the motion. The motion passed.

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