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.

November 5, 2007

                        The Town Council of the Town of Fowler met in the Town Hall, Fowler, Indiana, on the 5th day of November 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, Nicholas Finley, Gerald Parker, Thomas Sarault,

Stephen Rettig and Town Attorney, Pat Ryan

ABSENT: NONE

Pat Claire motioned to accept the minutes as reviewed and Tom Sarault seconded the motion. The motion passed.

            Nick Finley motioned to accept the minutes of the November 1st Executive Session with the amendment of adding that Attorney, Jud Barce, arrived at 6:00 pm. Gerry Parker seconded the motion as amended. The motion passed.

            Carol Hoff inquired about the status of a police complaint that she had previously made. Gerry Parker explained that it had been investigated by him and he was satisfied that it was complete.

            Christmas lights on Grant Avenue was suggested since the Grant Avenue sidewalk, trees and street light project will be several years in the future. Nick Finley motioned that we pay $100 per light for six light poles and approximately $100 to $200 to have the electricity restored to these poles on Grant Avenue for a total of $800. Gerry Parker seconded the motion. The motion passed.

            The town council discussed and approved a grant schedule with priority. They are as follows:

•1.       Water Plant Upgrade

•2.      Grant Avenue Storm Drainage

•3.      Grant Avenue sidewalk, trees and light updates

•4.      Water pressure upgrade

The council felt that the needed improvement to the water plant was needed due to the aging of the plant. Bill Burton also stated that the Fire Rating could possibly improve from a 6 to a 5 with the upgrade of the water plant. The Pool Grant is through the Department of Natural Resources and doesn't affect the priority list.

            Last year the council gave $1,500 to a not-for-profit organization from Fowler to put on the Halloween Fright Night. This year, no one came forward with an interest. A private source rented the Fowler Park Pavilion and sponsored a haunted house. Gerry Parker motioned to pay this person $500 for this community event. Nick Finley seconded the motion. The motion passed. The haunted house has been scheduled for next year.

            The Benton County Industrial Park, located on the outskirts of Fowler, was recently awarded one of eleven Shovel Ready Grants paving the way for businesses to quickly locate their businesses on a property that is ready for development. Michelle White, Benton County Economic Development Director, was instrumental in securing this grant.

            The council again discussed the former Fowler Elementary School. They have instructed the town attorney, Pat Ryan, to send a letter to the current school board members to reiterate the need to demolish the school and proceed with other possibilities.

            A letter from Downey Insurance, our workman's compensation carrier, reported several departments that needed improvements. Copies of the letters have been distributed to the liaisons.

            Bill Burton, Fire Chief, was present to inquire about the status of the current fire contract. The township's attorney will help with changing some of the verbiage to help alleviate the liability on an individual fireman.

            The council was in full agreement to take moderate action to alleviate a public hearing concerning the termination of police officer, Mark Kidwell. Nick Finley motioned to continue mediation and grant town attorney, Pat Ryan, the authority to resolve the contract with terms discussed. Pat Claire seconded the motion. The motion passed. The council is adamant to make sure that the department is running smoothly with no animosity.

             The following items were motioned to approve by Pat Claire:

Tom Sarault seconded the motion. The motion passed. Another estimate of $6,000 to $8,000 was not approved to replace brick and rebuild the fireplace insert in the park pavilion.

The skate park has been completed. Nancy Jackson and her family have been instrumental in securing the grants and pushing this project forward. Greater Lafayette Health Services and mostly Benton Community Foundation have been generous with their giving as other citizens of this great community.

A motion to pay all claims by Pat Claire and second by Tom Sarault was approved. Nick Finley motioned to accept all payroll claims and second by Gerry Parker. The motion was approved.

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.

November 13, 2007

                        The Town Council of the Town of Fowler met in the Town Hall, Fowler, Indiana, on the 13th day of November 2007 at the hour of 7:00 P.M., for a Special 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, Nicholas Finley, Gerald Parker, Thomas Sarault,

Stephen Rettig and Town Attorney, Pat Ryan

ABSENT: NONE

Also in attendance were newly elected council members Carole Hoff, Linda Brouillette and John Berry

Police Officers Mike Paxton, Don Moyars and Mark Kidwell

Citizens Jud Barce, Linda Brewer, Kathy Burton and Alan Leuck

            The Special Meeting was called by the council to see what it would take to bring respectability back to the Police Department. The current council and new council members were adamant that change would have to be made to bring cohesiveness back to the department. After much frank conversation, it was decided that communication is the key. There will be more department meetings and face to face communication to begin the process.

            Pat Claire motioned to accept Mike Paxton's resignation effective December 31, 2007. Tom Sarault seconded the motion. The motion passed. An advertisement will be submitted to the newspapers as soon as possible.

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