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.

March 17, 2008

                        The Town Council of the Town of Fowler met in the Town Hall, Fowler, Indiana, on the 17th day of March 2008 at the hour of 6:00 P.M., for a regular meeting pursuant to call in accordance with the rules of the Council. The meeting was called to order by Gerry Parker, 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, Gerald Parker & Thomas Sarault

ABSENT: NONE

Tom Sarault motioned to accept the minutes as reviewed and Linda Brouillette seconded the motion. The motion passed.

            David Whybrew, Key Engineering Group, was present to present his findings concerning the bid for the Grant Avenue Storm Drainage Project. He recommended Dwenger Excavating Contractors, Inc with the lowest bid of $425,403.00. (The highest bid was $596,980) The council agreed to table the decision to proceed until it can be determined if an additional appropriation can be obtained in the General Fund.

            A citizen inquired about the town replacing his sidewalk and curb. The council president stated that the town is not responsible for the curb or sidewalk and he would have to replace it at his expense.

            Another question concerning the faint parking lines on Adams Avenue in the downtown area will be taken care of at the street department's earliest convenience. Sand on the sidewalks needs to be swept into the street. The street sweeper will be in operation sometime in April.

            Town attorney discussion led to a motion by Tom Sarault to dismiss previously approved Jud Barce and hire Todd Sammons. John Berry seconded the motion. The vote was as follows:

                        Ayes                            Nays

                        Tom Sarault                  Linda Brouillette

                        John Berry                    Carole Hoff

                        Gerry Parker

The vote was to hire Todd Sammons.

            The trash contract was tabled.

            Linda Brouillette requested permission to refinance the Sewer Bond. The interest rates are at a low and the town could save $125,000 over the remaining term of the bond. It was agreed to proceed.

            John Budreau, Street Superintendent, presented information about opening a drain under Fifth Street between East Street and Prairie Avenue. This would relieve the water retention in the northeast section of Fowler. The culvert price will be $3,072.92. Another expense would be moving a water line 8 inches. A document from the power of attorney for the property owner was questioned and the decision will be tabled until that person returns from Florida in about a month.

            Tish Ringle, Beautification Committee member, was present to request money for the Arbor Day celebration at the park on April 25th & 26th. Tish announced that approximately 300 children and teachers will be attending the all day celebration. A Longaberger representative will be weaving a basket both days, a wood carving demonstration, face painting, tree walk, planting of flowers, a drawing for a book for each class room, lunch for the volunteers and teachers and entertainment on Saturday during the Rotary breakfast. John Berry motioned to approve the $3,000 budget for the 2 day event. Linda Brouillette seconded the motion. $1,800 will come from the Arbor Day Fund and $1,200 will come from the Promotional Fund.

                        Ayes                            Nays

            Tom Sarault

            John Berry

            Gerry Parker

            Linda Brouillette

            Carole Hoff

The motion passed unanimously.

            Pat Claire, park board member, inquired about the new law for minimum wage going to $6.55 this summer. This will affect the wage for life guards and pool concession. A new salary ordinance will be presented at the next meeting to reflect the change. New windows and pool estimates are on the park board's agenda for this summer.

            Discussion concerning the water summer sprinkling rates changing from two units above the average was decided to keep it as is. There is no reason to sign up for the sprinkling rates again this year.

            Linda Brouillette motioned for the end of year transfers and Tom Sarault seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. The transfers are as follows:

            An advertisement the Fowler Chamber of Commerce previously was responsible for in the GO Magazine was approved to purchase for $495 by Tom Sarault and second by Linda Brouillette. This is a half page ad for the Harvest Festival and the 4th of July. The motion was approved unanimously. The approval is dependent upon the council reviewing the magazine prior to placing of the ad.

            A motion to pay all claims by Tom Sarault and second by John Berry was approved. A motion to approve the payroll claims as reviewed by Linda Brouillette and second by Tom Sarault. The motions passed.

            There being no further business presented to the meeting, on motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried, the meeting thereupon adjourned for a short recess before the Executive Work Session to discuss a possible new employee.

EXECUTIVE WORK SESSION

An interview was conducted on a prospective new employee. A SPECIAL MEETING was set for April 19, 2008 at 9:00 pm at the Benton County Country Club. This meeting will be immediately following the Indiana Association of Cities and Town Roundtable held at the country club. This is a public meeting.

                                                                                    ____________________________________                                                                 

                                                                                    Kathleen Schwartz, Clerk-Treasurer

Approved:

 __________________________________                                                                

Gerry Parker, Presiding Officer

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.

March 17, 2008

                        The Town Council of the Town of Fowler met in the Town Hall, Fowler, Indiana, on the 17th day of March 2008 at the hour of 6:00 P.M., for a regular meeting pursuant to call in accordance with the rules of the Council. The meeting was called to order by Gerry Parker, 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, Gerald Parker & Thomas Sarault

ABSENT: NONE

Tom Sarault motioned to accept the minutes as reviewed and Linda Brouillette seconded the motion. The motion passed.

            David Whybrew, Key Engineering Group, was present to present his findings concerning the bid for the Grant Avenue Storm Drainage Project. He recommended Dwenger Excavating Contractors, Inc with the lowest bid of $425,403.00. (The highest bid was $596,980) The council agreed to table the decision to proceed until it can be determined if an additional appropriation can be obtained in the General Fund.

            A citizen inquired about the town replacing his sidewalk and curb. The council president stated that the town is not responsible for the curb or sidewalk and he would have to replace it at his expense.

            Another question concerning the faint parking lines on Adams Avenue in the downtown area will be taken care of at the street department's earliest convenience. Sand on the sidewalks needs to be swept into the street. The street sweeper will be in operation sometime in April.

            Town attorney discussion led to a motion by Tom Sarault to dismiss previously approved Jud Barce and hire Todd Sammons. John Berry seconded the motion. The vote was as follows:

                        Ayes                            Nays

                        Tom Sarault                  Linda Brouillette

                        John Berry                    Carole Hoff

                        Gerry Parker

The vote was to hire Todd Sammons.

            The trash contract was tabled.

            Linda Brouillette requested permission to refinance the Sewer Bond. The interest rates are at a low and the town could save $125,000 over the remaining term of the bond. It was agreed to proceed.

            John Budreau, Street Superintendent, presented information about opening a drain under Fifth Street between East Street and Prairie Avenue. This would relieve the water retention in the northeast section of Fowler. The culvert price will be $3,072.92. Another expense would be moving a water line 8 inches. A document from the power of attorney for the property owner was questioned and the decision will be tabled until that person returns from Florida in about a month.

            Tish Ringle, Beautification Committee member, was present to request money for the Arbor Day celebration at the park on April 25th & 26th. Tish announced that approximately 300 children and teachers will be attending the all day celebration. A Longaberger representative will be weaving a basket both days, a wood carving demonstration, face painting, tree walk, planting of flowers, a drawing for a book for each class room, lunch for the volunteers and teachers and entertainment on Saturday during the Rotary breakfast. John Berry motioned to approve the $3,000 budget for the 2 day event. Linda Brouillette seconded the motion. $1,800 will come from the Arbor Day Fund and $1,200 will come from the Promotional Fund.

                        Ayes                            Nays

            Tom Sarault

            John Berry

            Gerry Parker

            Linda Brouillette

            Carole Hoff

The motion passed unanimously.

            Pat Claire, park board member, inquired about the new law for minimum wage going to $6.55 this summer. This will affect the wage for life guards and pool concession. A new salary ordinance will be presented at the next meeting to reflect the change. New windows and pool estimates are on the park board's agenda for this summer.

            Discussion concerning the water summer sprinkling rates changing from two units above the average was decided to keep it as is. There is no reason to sign up for the sprinkling rates again this year.

            Linda Brouillette motioned for the end of year transfers and Tom Sarault seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. The transfers are as follows:

            An advertisement the Fowler Chamber of Commerce previously was responsible for in the GO Magazine was approved to purchase for $495 by Tom Sarault and second by Linda Brouillette. This is a half page ad for the Harvest Festival and the 4th of July. The motion was approved unanimously. The approval is dependent upon the council reviewing the magazine prior to placing of the ad.

            A motion to pay all claims by Tom Sarault and second by John Berry was approved. A motion to approve the payroll claims as reviewed by Linda Brouillette and second by Tom Sarault. The motions passed.

            There being no further business presented to the meeting, on motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried, the meeting thereupon adjourned for a short recess before the Executive Work Session to discuss a possible new employee.

EXECUTIVE WORK SESSION

An interview was conducted on a prospective new employee. A SPECIAL MEETING was set for April 19, 2008 at 9:00 pm at the Benton County Country Club. This meeting will be immediately following the Indiana Association of Cities and Town Roundtable held at the country club. This is a public meeting.

                                                                                    ____________________________________                                                                 

                                                                                    Kathleen Schwartz, Clerk-Treasurer

Approved:

 __________________________________                                                                

Gerry Parker, Presiding Officer